The Studio is a fun and hilarious series that was released last year, and even though it is full of some of Hollywood’s best and most famous celebrities, it made my toes curl
Chase Sui Wonders, Ike Barinholtz, Bryan Cranston, Seth Rogen and Catherine O’Hara in “The Studio,” now streaming on Apple TV.(Image: Apple TV)
After hearing how The Studio took home an astounding 13 Emmys awards, the record for any comedy series in a single season, I knew I had to give it a chance.
Both me and my partner work in journalism, so there are times when we often prefer to watch something light or funny to unwind and forget about how crazy the world can be.
We’re huge fans of Apple TV, and I can honestly say we have never watched an awful series on the platform. The original content is second to none, and whenever I want to start watching something new, I often choose the platform over Netflix, Disney and Amazon Prime.
I really like Seth Rogan and the films and shows he has been in, so seeing he was directing, producing and starring in The Studio – I immediately knew it was going to be something I liked.
For those who haven’t heard of The Studio, it sees Seth Rogan’s character, Matt Remick, get appointed as the new head of Continental Studios, a film production company.
Matt is desperate for celebrity approval, but he and his executive team have to juggle corporate demands with creative ambitions as they try to keep film alive and relevant.
The first episode sees the introduction of some very famous faces, including Catherine O’Hara, Kathryn Hahn and Bryan Cranston. Bryan by the way pays an absolute blinder in the series, I know why he agreed to play the role, but god is his character a mess in the last episode.
It really shows a different side to him from being a super serious and harsh character in Breaking Bad.
The fast-paced show sees Matt trying to fit mould in the new role he has been given, but falling at almost every hurdle. The show is hilarious, witty, but there was one thing that I found absolutely toe curling.
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I don’t know if it’s me just being a Brit with a stiff upper lip, but I found it so awkward and hard to watch Seth Rogan’s character be so insecure, to the point where it was creating disaster after disaster.
One specific episode springs to mind when I talk about this, and it’s the film production at the mansion featuring Greta Lee as herself. Seeing how Matt Remick’s need for validation just completely took over him left me squirming in my seat saying “no, no no”.
Not to get too deep here, but whether that was so difficult to watch due to my own insecurities is something I’ll maybe have to ask a therapist.
Other than that, I did really enjoy the series, especially as it shines a light on an issue many film companies, directors and actors are currently facing, choosing between commercial films and art.
Just about every industry in the world is dictated by money, meaning people sometimes make choices they don’t want to make. The end of the series made me want to look at what is appearing in the cinema and make time to go, which I guess is the point…. right?
The Studio has been renewed for a second season, with the first being available to stream now on Apple TV