Apple TV+’s The Studio takes an inside look at how the Entertainment industry works. Those who are a part of it will eat this series up.
For those who work in the entertainment industry, Apple TV+’s The Studio is going to really resonate. A love letter to old school Hollywood, there is a lot to love about this hilarious show. Think of it as a peek behind the curtain, an inside baseball type series.
From having to give notes to iconic directors, to the pressures of needing to get the perfect shot before sundown, to the process of coming up with a CinemaCon presentation, this series explores the ins and outs of what studios deal with on a daily basis. I truly hope that it is something that resonates with and entertains a wider audience, instead of just those who work in the industry or love the industry, because I need this series to go on and on forever.
The Studio will inevitably be compared to Max’s The Franchise, which was just canceled after one season. The difference, however, is that The Franchise focused solely on the making of a superhero genre film whereas The Studio focuses on a broader take on the industry. Seth Rogan stars as studio head Matt Remick, and it doesn’t take long to realize he was the perfect choice.
Constantly crumbling under pressure and doing his best to navigate this job that is much harder than he ever expected, Rogan does so with impeccable comedic timing, adding in the laughs just when the audience needs them. Catherina O’Hara, Ike Barinholtz, Kathryn Hahn, and Chase Sui Wonders perfectly round out the cast – each of them giving their all and bringing their A-game. Matt’s boss is played by none other than Bryan Cranston, who is not a main character per se, but whenever he is on screen he will have viewers cracking up.
Perhaps it is because they know the industry inside and out that it is easy for them to portray these studio executives and marketing moguls. But either way, their performances should be applauded as they make for an incredible ensemble cast.
One of my favorite things about this series is that it does not skimp out on the list of guest stars. Of course it makes sense for these people to be playing themselves – and boy do they deliver. The caliber of people in this cast is unimaginable – from Anthony Mackie, to Ron Howard, to Dave Franco, to Zac Efron, to Martin Scorsese, the list goes on and on.
The creators and writers of The Studio use these cameos perfectly. The combination of actors playing other characters and actors (and directors) cameoing as themselves brings something unexpected and fun to the show. Whenever someone new steps into the frame, it is clear they are having the time of their lives.
The Studio season one is made up of ten episodes, each of which focuses on one event rather than trying to do too much. It is chaotic and intense at times, and laugh-out-loud hilarious at others. Easily one of the best things to grace the small screen recently, I have high hopes that this show will continue for years to come.
As someone who knows this industry well, there is a lot that I can relate to. I just hope that it will resonate with those outside of it as well because I need more. Season one leaves off on a bit of a cliffhanger, so I will riot should there not be a season two.
The Studio premieres on Apple TV+ March 26.
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About The Studio
Seth Rogen stars as Matt Remick, the newly appointed head of embattled Continental Studios. As movies struggle to stay alive and relevant, Matt and his core team of infighting executives battle their own insecurities as they wrangle narcissistic artists and craven corporate overlords in the ever-elusive pursuit of making great films.
With their power suits masking their neverending sense of panic, every party, set visit, casting decision, marketing meeting, and award show presents them with an opportunity for glittering success or career-ending catastrophe. As someone who eats, sleeps, and breathes movies, it’s the job Matt’s been pursuing his whole life, and it may very well destroy him.
