There’s arguably never been a better time to skewer Hollywood than these last few years. And plenty of shows have taken on the challenge. From BoJack Horseman all the way to last year’s The Franchise, we’ve seen plenty of takes on the world of show business. Now, Seth Rogen steps up to the plate with his own send-up on the city of stars.
The Studio might lack some of the sharp edges you’ll find in other showbiz satires, but it makes up for it with style. Rogen and frequent collaborator Evan Goldberg clearly have a love for the industry even as they take it to task. The series follows Matt Remick (Rogen) who becomes the new head of the fictional Continental Studios. Remick is an idealist who wants to focus on creating the best movies possible in an industry less concerned with that by the year. That Sisyphean task is at the heart of The Studio and it anchors the comedy. Remick means well, but he usually makes a mess of things.
Rogen is the best he’s been in years here. He plays Remick as a man at odds with himself. He loves movies, but fears that his new job ruins them. Supporting him is a cast of some of the finest comedic performers around. Ike Barinholtz finds a perfect vehicle for his unpredictable comic energy as Matt’s co-worker and close friend, Sal. Chase Sui Wonders is the least known of the main cast, but does terrific work as Matt’s assistant, Quinn.
Every comic ensemble needs a wild card and here we have two with Kathryn Hahn and Catherine O’Hara. Hahn play Maya, the head of marketing, and brings her full chaotic gifts to bear. O’Hara is a bit more relaxed as Patty, the former studio head and Matt’s mentor. The show waits well into its double-sized first episode for O’Hara to appear, but she immediately takes over the scene and never lets go.
If there’s anything holding this cast back, it’s the show’s reliance on guest stars and tributes to film. The show uses both to tremendous effect, but it often feels at odds with the characters. It’s hard to find time for character work when you’ve got to add a bit with Steve Buschemi or work in a few Goodfellas references. No matter how killer the bit, it still stings a little. Ultimately, these are minor flaws in a program that is too busy moving to the next joke to worry about any of it.
The Studio keeps a frantic pace that makes you feel as in over your head as Matt. The direction plays its part by keeping the camera and characters in constant motion. Rogen and Goldberg handle the directing on every episode and keep finding new ways to showcase their love of filmmaking. This is a show that opens with a long take inspired by The Player and devotes an entire episode as homage to the neo-noir. The duo makes this all feel fun rather than self-serving by embracing the stupidity of the events. They’re not interested in being clever, they just want you to revel in the chaos.
The Studio might not be the most biting satire, but it isn’t exactly a full-blown love letter either. The series is more than willing to take the industry to task for its lack of support to creatives, the focus on IP over everything, and countless other issues. That it can do that while also paying tribute to cinema is part of the charm. Cinephiles will appreciate this show, but it’s not for them alone. There’s enough here for comedy fans of every stripe to enjoy. That’s all part of the movie magic.
The Studio is currently streaming on Apple TV+. New episodes release on Wednesdays.