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What To Watch On TV This Weekend: 'Strange Planet,' 'Son of a Critch,' And 'Painkiller'
Mark Critch, on behalf of "This Hour Has 22 Minutes" accepts the Best Performance, Sketch Comedy award during the 2023 Canadian Screen Awards on April 14, 2023, in Toronto, Ontario.
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We know there are a ton of TV shows to watch these days, so each week on LAist's daily news show AirTalk, we ask television critics to help you (and us) sift through them. This week, it's Los Angeles Times critic Robert Lloyd and freelance critic Steve Greene on with Austin Cross.
Listen here
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16:52
TV-Talk: 7 Shows To Watch Including ‘Strange Planet,’ ‘Son of a Critch,’ ‘Painkiller’ And More
Are you hungry for some shows? Check out my impressions along with the critics' reactions below.
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Strange Planet
Streaming on Apple TV+
Still from "Strange Planet," now streaming on Apple TV+.
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"I liked this a lot. I was completely unfamiliar with the comic until I started researching on the back of the show." — Robert Lloyd, LA Times
"I think the show slots along nicely alongside Ted Lasso in the feel-good category [for Apple TV+]." — Steve Greene, freelance TV critic
First impression: Based on Nathan Pyle's webcomic series "Strange Planet," it follows blue beings that are learning the nuances of life with over-simplistic dialogue that’s meant to capture the absurdity of our existence.
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Lasting impression: Not many shows are able to capture how much our lives are spent working and seeking affection, and because of that, I really enjoyed it. I'm a bit conflicted with the quirky style but appreciate the interpersonal relationships on screen. Episodes are neatly wrapped up in a way that leaves you feeling satisfied.
Who's behind it: The show creators are Nathan Pyle and Dan Harmon. Pyle is, of course, the creator of the webcomic. Harmon is the creator of notable shows like Community and Rick and Morty.
When and where: The first three episodes are available on Apple TV+. The next episode drops Wednesday, Aug. 16.
Son of a Critch
Airing on CW & Streaming on the CW App
"It's very much a broadcast network series that has a kind of a wide family appeal, very smartly written, and everybody [in it] is kind of weird in a way that feels original... even though they are all characters you've seen before." — Robert Lloyd, LA Times
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First impression: A coming-of-age sitcom that’s inspired by the life of Canadian comedian Mark Critch, who's known for the sketch variety show "This Hour Has 22 Minutes." It follows a pre-teen Critch, who tries to charm his way through situations but with mixed results, given his awkward angst.
Lasting impression: This show definitely has a similar vibe as the popular American sitcom "Everybody Hates Chris," where you see precisely how a comedian comes to find his own voice, with some laughs and somber moments spliced together. Although the show doesn't do much to build upon the traditional coming-of-age structure, it's lighthearted and fun for all age groups.
Who's behind it: Mark Critch and Tim McAuliffe. McAuliffe spent time as a writer on shows like Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and executive produced Fox's The Last Man On Earth.
When and where: The first four episodes are available on the CW app, and Episode 5 premieres on Tuesday, Aug. 15.
Painkiller
Streaming on Netflix
John Ales as Dr. Gregory Fitzgibbons, West Duchovny as Shannon Shaeffer in Painkiller.
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"I think this show faces the same problem that 'Dopesick' did in that there's really nothing in this show that's as effective or respectful to the people involved, who've been affected by the rise of Oxycontin, as a documentary project would be." — Steve Greene, freelance TV critic
First impression: Based on the 2003 book “Pain Killer” by Barry Meier, it's a dramatized retelling of the Sackler family and Purdue Pharma’s pushing of OxyContin through advertising campaigns. Along with the dramatized story of folks like Richard Sackler (played by Matthew Broderick), you also see the very realistic impact the drug had on people. The show does this not only through its episodic format but through the short testimonies you get at the beginning of each episode.
Lasting impression: It’s really hard to tell the story of Purdue Pharma and opioid addiction in a way that stands out, and this show didn't do much to separate itself.
That said, the show is timely (the Supreme Court just temporarily blocked a bankruptcy deal for the company, leaving the door open for its owners to be taken to court through civil lawsuits). And it's a worth-watching reminder of an addiction crisis that has hurt so many people. Not a fan of the over-dramatization of certain characters (including Edie Flowers, played by Uzo Aduba), but other storylines and performances shined.
Who's behind it: Micah Fitzerman-Blue and Noah Harpster created the show. They produced A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood and Transparent together.
When and where: All six episodes are streaming on Netflix.
More shows
Hit the play button at the top of this story to listen to the full episode. You'll get the critics' takes on several more shows:
- Praise Petey (Freeform & Hulu)
- Limbo (Viaplay)
- Reinventing Elvis: The '68 Comeback (Paramount+)
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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