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.

Although you do have to be a little bit familiar with the jargon - which will reduce potential viewers - it's on mark and it hits the ground running. The acting is pretty strong right off the bat. I already care about the lead and his struggle.

I don't understand people complaining of not laughing enough. This is not stand up comedy, it's a satirical drama.

Like everything Iannucci touches, it's cringe funny. Not lol funny. The sadness of it all is always lurking in the background. This is what made Veep work on so many levels, those ridiculous characters have some real depth. And I think it's the case here. As it wasn't in Avenue 5 for example (even if I enjoyed it). There's real potential to get deep into pointing out the industry's flaws while showing the human point of view in a rather light vehicule. To me the angle is just right and it reminds me of the political comment in Veep.

I wish more people were appreciative of this kind of craft, as I feel this will get cancelled right out of the gate. Not a lot of series with this kind of beat and style. A Aaron Sorkin meet Mel Brooks kind of thing.

It's on its way to offend super hero fans, and I hope they will realize it's because they're right on point ;)

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.

For some reason silly people have been review-bombing this series with lots of 1/10 ratings and reviews. Ignore these and just give it a watch.

Fans of British comedy and Armando Iannucci will find a lot to like in this. A great series in the tradition of Extras and Veep/Thick of It, commenting on behind the scenes making of movies and television. But similar situations can easily be applied to any other hard-working industry where people go into for their passion, but have to navigate the labytinth of internal politics, brutal business side and overworking to keep trying to achieve their dream careers.

So anyone can find something for themselves in this series, the only consideration is if the type of humor will suit you. And the best way is to find out is to give an actual watch.

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.