4 reasons to check out The Studio on Apple TV+

      The Studio has rapidly become one of the most discussed shows on Apple TV+. Created by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, this comedy series stars Rogen as a newly-promoted studio executive who faces the challenge of producing profitable films while striving to create respectable and artistic work.

      At a time when the film industry is at a concerning crossroads, The Studio provides much-needed laughter for audiences, particularly film enthusiasts who are anxious about the state of cinema. During its first season, The Studio garnered an impressive 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, which is easily understandable. With its quirky characters, sharp writing, and high production values, this series captures the absurdity and brilliance of Hollywood.

      The characters are exceptional

      Fans of The Office will likely appreciate the characters and humor in this series. Seth Rogen effectively embodies Matt Remick, akin to a Michael Scott in Hollywood. Although he leads Continental Studios, he tends to please everyone, disregarding his better judgment. Consequently, his neurotic and desperate attempts to gain approval result in numerous laugh-out-loud and cringe-worthy moments, derailing whatever production he’s handling that week.

      Yet, The Studio isn't solely reliant on Rogen. The series features plenty of humor from Matt’s circle of friends. Supporting roles are filled by comedy legends like Catherine O’Hara (Schitt’s Creek), Ike Barinholtz (History of the World, Part II), and Kathryn Hahn (Agatha All Along), all of whom share delightful banter with Rogen at a rapid pace. Much like Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Studio includes several Hollywood figures such as Martin Scorsese, Ron Howard, Anthony Mackie, and Sarah Polley, who portray fictionalized versions of themselves with remarkable ease.

      It critiques modern Hollywood candidly

      Many are concerned about the current state of cinema, noting that the industry seems more fixated on profit than on creating high-quality artistic films. The Studio taps into this unease by addressing various challenges involved in contemporary filmmaking in Hollywood. Viewers recognized parallels between the show and actual Hollywood news in its premiere episode, which revolves around the production of a Kool-Aid film, illustrating how art reflects life.

      The show effectively targets the bumbling, out-of-touch executives (notably Bryan Cranston’s Griffin Mill) who micromanage productions or prioritize profit at all costs. However, it also critiques self-indulgent artists who overextend their craft with unnecessary scenes, especially in the third episode. While studio executives and artists clash, the series highlights that cinema should be a collaborative endeavor, balancing the contributions of both parties. Overall, the series delivers a well-rounded satire of Hollywood and the dysfunction inherent in the industry, showcasing the complexities of working in a field that merges art and commerce.

      It’s a cinematic achievement

      Although The Studio humorously critiques the film industry and its eccentricities, it also stands as a work of cinema that film lovers can appreciate. The series includes a single-shot episode focused on creating a single-shot scene, showcasing a technical accomplishment that honors cinema while poking fun at it.

      This series is a dazzling, star-studded whirlwind that rarely pauses. Each episode is filled with stunning visuals and cinematography, featuring exceptionally long takes and rapid-fire dialogue that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, trying to stifle their laughter. This immersive experience makes the audience feel as if they are alongside the characters navigating the frenetic Hollywood landscape with hilariously chaotic outcomes.

      The writing is comedic brilliance

      Like Seinfeld or Curb Your Enthusiasm, everything in the show can unleash a wave of laughter at any moment. Even the smallest details can lead to a cascade of blunders and misunderstandings for Matt and his team. While this complicates their lives, it creates comedy gold for viewers. The Studio’s writing is meticulous and hilarious, not surprising given that Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg have spent years honing their craft on projects like Superbad, This Is the End, The Interview, and Sausage Party, culminating in this tribute/mockery of Hollywood that may well prove to be their magnum opus.