The Franchise

Feeling motivated to review (I rarely do) because this show deserves WAY BETTER than its ~6 average rating.

It's like W1A in that the dialogue is so clever it is dripping with hilarious references that would keep you laughing through the 2nd and 3rd rewatches.

The folks giving this a bad review are not appraising this for what it is - a short sharp skewer of overcommercialised showbiz, delivered in digestible helpings. It is not a procedural sitcom, but doesn't hold itself out to be. Instead it has much more heart and approaches some more significant themes.

I think the writing of the characters is fantastic and it's the best I've seen Himesh Patel. Richard E Grant is excellent as ever, and delivers a hugely self effacing performance.

This is pretty fun as a premiss. The acting very solid, and I had a lot of fun with some parts and some episodes. This is lighthearted satire and as such it sometimes hits the mark, but enough of the time it does not.

I would say that except for the premiss and the acting about half of each episode is good fun entertainment. The problem is of course that the other half is either not funny, does not hit the mark or is just unrecognisable for anyone outside. We cannot all have been part of a production crew or know how movies are made.

Despite my reservation this is not bad. I had fun watching this show and there is enough laughter to at least be partly entertained.

I give this a 6/10. I think that is resonable. But I am uncertain if I should recommend this show, I do not think this is for everyone.

I was "with it" for a brief period, and even to me, I feel out of place laughing at some of the show's jokes about situations I have not personally been in. The show centers around an Assistant Director, which unfortunately gives its viewers a bit of imposter syndrome as pretty much none of us have actually been Directors or Producers on multi-hundred dollar superhero production.

That said, the more I watch the show, the more I have grown to like it. Episode 3 may be the best yet for nailing the subject matter, albeit there is nothing particularly new about its social commentary on misogyny in MCU, nor is the satire in the least bit subdued. It is what it is: Lighthearted laughter through parody. I will continue to watch the show, as it's easy viewing and at least good for several laughs. My recommendation is watch at least a few episodes before deciding if it's for you.

Sharply written spoof/satire. Been waiting for a show with edge for a while, this one is done well.

A great cast, comedy chops a plenty you are spoiling us.. and it's funny and silly at the same time. Inspired cast, Richard E Grant clearly having a ball (playing a complete **** - love his blurbs to camera during the credits) makes me want to also watch Withnall again. Daniel Bruhl, Himesh Patel, Juliette Stephenson to name a few, and Billy Magnussen especially is brilliant. Having a laugh at the tropes and clichés of certain movie universes, reminded me of Soapdish what's not to like, it's all done so well.

Ignore the bad reviews. I'm bingeing this as its so good. I hope it gets another season.

Awesome studio type show with awesome techno music and goofy actors within actors not to bad fun entertainment! Surprised the low rating on IMDb at least plenty appreciate The Franchise. I love the cast so much especially Himesh Patel, Billy M, and most everyone else is lovely; I wish I could hangout in a cinema studio it seems so great. The humor is great, the writing is pretty smooth, fairly intriguing and magnificent entertainment value truly deserves better ratings! Delightful series for the most part but hbo is lacking on better shows except The Penguin that is a pure masterpiece - I would understand hate this show is a little chaotic/cheesy.