Platonic

It's okay; not terrible, and occasionally genuinely funny.

The script leans quite a bit on snappy banter (including when the characters are texting at unrealistic, overlapping lightning speed) and imo Rogan just isn't up to the task. In any case, some of it feels forced.

The direction has a tendency to gloss over or press forward in tone and pace in a way that often feels a bit careless and not cohesive. I'm sure some people didn't notice or mind what I perceived, but different strokes, eh?

And... generally, it again just doesn't feel cohesive. Subtle, genuine moments smack into exaggerated moments crash into trying-too-hard moments. And none of it is original, markedly creative, or even all that witty.

Wow! The BEST thing about this series (so far) is the writing.

They throw in a whole bunch of characters that, in a different "modern" series, would get the annoying stereotypical treatment: "the drunk", "the adulterer", "the manchild", "the bored housewife", "the friend", "the gay coworker", etc, etc.

Instead, in this one, they are developed like human beings; each one with their own feelings and their own behavior. Each one with good qualities, but also flaws, bad behavior. Keeps you constantly guessing what is it about to happen and, at the same time, feels incredibly relatable.

Production value, acting, everything else is also great (as per Apple standards).

Conclusion: hands down a great series to watch; alone or together (even better).

Platonic was everything I hoped it would be. It's about two former best friends (Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne) who are both having mid life concerns about their lives and after years of not talking because of a fight they come together and make up. From there it's like they are kids again and up to all the same stuff. It's a very funny show and should please any Rogen and Byrne fan. What I don't understand is the people who don't like Rogen watching it and then leaving a bad review. If you don't like Rogen's comedy then why watch in the first place? Just to leave a negative review? Anyway, I hope this is more than a limited series and they do a few more seasons.

As Episode 1 of "Platonic" (2023 release; 10 episodes ranging between 27 and 33 min each) opens, we are introduced to Sylvia, her husband Charlie an their 3 kids, arguing what to watch. Sylvia then learns on social media that Will, her erstwhile best friend whom she hasn't seen in years, is getting divorced. Charlie encourages her to reach out to Will, to show her support. At this point we are less than 10 minutes into episode 1.

Couple of comments: this marks the grand reunion of director/co-writer Nicholas Stoller, and leads Rose Byrne (as Sylvia) and Seth Rogen (as Will). All three were also on board for the feature film "Neighbors" and its sequel. "Platonic" provides a familiar perspective on the issue of whether members of the opposite sex can be the best friends without, well, the sex. Both Sylvia and Will are flawed, and hence very relatable, characters, with their ups and downs. The chemistry between these two feels natural (or maybe it's just 2 great performers doing what they do well: acting). With episodes being about a half hour, all of this breezes by in no time.

"Platonic" premiered in late May on Apple TV and so far 4 episodes have been released. The remainder 6 episodes are coming on a weekly basis, on Wednesdays. If you are in the mood for a modern relationship comedy, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

I will preface this review with the fact that I love Seth Rogan, he's about my age, and Superbad came out when I was in college, so I'm a fan of his humor. I find the storyline of show super relatable, and although I found the first couple episodes a bit bland, the last few had me dying of laughter! All the good TV shows as of late have been dramas and serious storylines, and honestly, this show is such a breath of fresh air. I hope Apple TV invests in some more top notch comedies like this one. I also hope Seth Rogan does more acting again! I'm already 5 episodes in, but I hope it's a long season, because I don't want it to end!