Created & Directed by:
Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg, available on Apple+
‘The Studio’ is phenomenal, the newest breakout show of 2025. An unbridled look at the hilarity and drama that goes on behind-the-scenes of bigger Hollywood productions. Sure, it’s fictional but the metanarrative that the show weaves is one of the most creatively brilliant around: pure desideratum for film buffs. Lunacy and ridiculousness abound in the boardrooms and halls of the fictional “Continental Studios”.
Seth Rogen directs & co-writes this series and it hits with zinger after zinger, mixing in genre-stylized episodes that reflect on the plot (Ep 4. features a neo-noir film so the ep. takes on a noirlike visual style), insane attention to detail, an all-star cast, and pacing that really sprints it’s way to the finish.
‘The Studio’ will keep you on the edge of your seat in between laughing fits — guaranteed.
Starring: Seth Rogen, Catherine O’Hara, Ike Barinholtz, Kathryn Hahn & Chase Sui Wonders
Seth Rogen stars as Matt Remick a middle-aged studio head who’s recently been promoted to the position of running Continental Studios – a US production company responsible for billions in revenue a year. His earnest attempts to pioneer cinema with substance rather than sellability, rarely work out: his efforts instead run aground on rocks of ineptitude, mediocrity, and just plain ol’ bad luck. The series juggles genius level filmmaking techniques with punchy humour. “In-jokes” are layered to the point of perfection, the cinematography pulls from Hitchcockian techniques among many others, perhaps an attempt at making something timeless — while letting trendiness take a backseat?
If so, hat’s off! This is an ultimately refreshing approach…most TV nowadays dates itself with internet humour/memes that might not last longer than a week, some shows losing their topical relevance by the time post-production is finished. Topical references can be great but curated bits and vaudevillian or vaudeville inspired comedy stylings generally trump the former. Later in the review I detail some of ‘The Studio’s excellent use of physical comedy – but the “camera gags” present also play an important role. ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’ is the only other property I can think of that plays so well to its audience through the use of visual gags, keeping in mind that Terry Gilliam’s & Terry Jones’ feature was ludicrously absurd, while ‘The Studio’ is fairly reserved and grounded in its comedy. But, both definitively shout: pure love for the medium of film/TV.
Not only is the acting “A” grade; it’s highly collaborative, effervescent chemistry felt in nearly every exchange of dialogue. Big wigs of the LA film scene make regular cameos & guest appearances as themselves. Ron Howard has an eyebrow raising confrontation with Matt Remick (Rogen) in Ep. 3, which ends with Seth Rogen performing his second hilariously timed pratt-fall of the season, both of them smack dab in the middle of a glass table. He’s unlocking his inner Chevy Chase, I swear. This high level of classic physical comedy in 2025 — almost unheard of.
Ron Howard doesn’t strike the man, no, he simply throws his hat in Matt’s (Rogen’s) face in a burst of rage. Really, in utter disgust from Rimick suggesting a needless change to his movie. But the argument ends when…well like I said: WHAM! Table.
Man, Seth Rogen really hits that breakaway glass hard. That’s called committing to the bit, no matter the cost.
In fictionalized Ron Howard’s defense; Remick had previously suggested changing the plot of the director’s hugely lauded film ‘A Beautiful Mind’, in such a way that would remove the twist integral to that film’s success. So maybe Matt Remick got off easy.
“Honestly, what’s your next idea: changing The 6th Sense so everyone knows Bruce Willis is dead?” -Character teasing Matt Remick, ‘The Studio’ Ep. 3 (Paraphrased)
Omg, yes.
Exec. Producers: Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, James Weaver, Frida Perez , Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory, Alex McAtee, Josh Fagen
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Rating
10/10
Go get some craft services and take a break, the dailys look good!