James Whitehead
Apple TV+ continues its strong year of original programming with a delightful new show from Seth Rogen and producing partner Evan Goldberg. “The Studio” follows a legacy Hollywood studio struggling to survive in a world where it is increasingly difficult for art & business to live together.
The first three episodes have released on Apple’s streaming service, with new ones dropping every Wednesday. Although only part of the season is available, from the small sample size we have seen, Apple certainly have another winner on their hands.
Seth Rogen stars in the show, as Matt Remick, an up-and-coming producer who is rewarded with a massive promotion; on the condition that he can make a successful ‘Kool-Aid’ film for the company. The ridiculousness of the movie-making world is encapsulated so wonderfully within the show, balanced masterfully with realistic storylines and even some fourth wall-blurring castings, such as legendary directors Martin Scorsese and Ron Howard featuring as themselves.
These moments of realism help to blur the lines in tone between the ridiculous and the believable, as Rogen stumbles his way through the day trying to navigate the different troubles and personalities that only Hollywood can throw up. The constant deadlines give the show incredible energy and can even make moments an excruciating, albeit fun, watch.
Supported by a stellar cast of comedic talent in Katheryne Hahn, Bryan Cranston, Catherine O’Hara and Ike Barinholtz, The Studio is one of the funniest shows released this year, which is no surprise as Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg have plenty of success in the genre; “Superbad”, “Gen V”, “Sausage Party” and “The Interview” to name a few.
“The Studio” shows all their experience and competency in overseeing a strong comedic cast, whilst clearly pulling from their own troubles of trying to get things made in Hollywood over the years.
As we wait to see how the rest of the season unfolds, it is certainly shaping up to be one of their best pieces of work to date and I highly recommend you try it.
Watch the trailer for “The Studio” here:
Once again, “The Studio” comes out every Wednesday on Apple TV+. For more news and reviews in the world of streaming, tune into our TV & Film News Section of the Hits Player.
