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Understanding Hollywood: The Insightful Comedy of ‘The Studio’
Hollywood finds itself in a peculiar position as studios balance artistic ambitions with profit motives. The upcoming Apple TV+ series, The Studio, explores this landscape through a comedic lens. Led by Seth Rogen, who portrays the newly appointed executive of Continental Studios, the show navigates the dynamics of working with actors and directors while concurrently seeking innovative voices to enhance the studio’s profitability.
Set to debut at the end of March, The Studio has already garnered a commendable 97% certified fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. With an ensemble that includes renowned figures like Martin Scorsese, Catherine O’Hara, and Bryan Cranston, the series is poised to be one of the standout offerings of the year. Here’s what you need to know about the show and when to catch it.
How Many Episodes Will ‘The Studio’ Have?
The first season of The Studio will consist of 10 episodes. The initial two episodes will be available for streaming on Apple TV+ starting March 26, with subsequent episodes released weekly on Wednesdays. The titles of the first three episodes are “The Promotion,” “The Oner,” and “The Note,” respectively. Each episode will have an approximate runtime of 30 minutes and is set to premiere at midnight Eastern Time. A subscription to Apple TV+ will be necessary to access the series.
Episode Titles and Release Dates:
The Promotion
March 26
The Oner
March 26
The Note
April 2
Episode 4
April 9
Episode 5
April 16
Episode 6
April 23
Episode 7
April 30
Episode 8
May 7
Episode 9
May 14
Episode 10
May 21
‘The Studio’ Satirizes the Current State of Hollywood
As the narrative unfolds, we meet Matt Remick, who ascends to the role of head of Continental Studios. From the outset, Matt recognizes the challenges inherent in his new position. “I love movies, but now I have this fear that my job is to ruin them,” he laments in the trailer.
Tasked with producing films that push artistic boundaries while still generating revenue, Matt faces the daunting reality of navigating the business side of cinema. His experiences range from collaborating with esteemed directors like Martin Scorsese and Ron Howard—often needing to request cuts to their creative visions—to crafting ambitious projects, even one centered around the Kool-Aid Man franchise.
Surrounded by a cast of supporting characters, including the less-than-optimistic former studio executive Patty, portrayed by Catherine O’Hara, Matt’s journey into the world of film production is replete with humorous and poignant moments. He must also manage interactions with the press and prepare for high-stakes events such as awards season, all while grappling with contemporary issues like artificial intelligence in filmmaking.
The series employs inventive storytelling techniques. For example, the second episode, “The Oner,” creatively attempts to replicate a long, uninterrupted shot, reflecting the energy and chaos of Matt’s daily life through dynamic handheld cinematography while preserving a classic Hollywood essence.
Critics have responded positively, praising The Studio for its sharp satire. Matt Mahler of MovieWeb notes that the series stands out as a clever attempt at humor. In a review for The Hollywood Reporter, Annie Han highlighted the show’s unique blend of cringe comedy, suggesting that it could emerge as one of the top new comedies of 2025.
‘The Studio’ Has Big Stars and Cameos
Leading the cast as Matt Remick, Seth Rogen shines in this portrayal of a studio head who is both ambitious and comedic. Bryan Cranston delivers a compelling performance as Griffin Mill, the CEO of Continental Studios, a nod to a character from the film The Player. Other notable characters include Patty, Matt’s mentor, and Quinn, played by Chase Sui Wonders, who seeks to emulate her boss’s success.
While Matt aspires to mirror Patty’s career path, he also faces challenges from his team, including Maya, the marketing chief played by Kathryn Hahn, and Sal Seperstein, the vice president of production portrayed by Ike Barinholtz, whose approach to work often veers away from seriousness.
The series boasts an array of guest stars who play themselves, adding an authentic layer to the comedy. Throughout the show, Matt interacts with a multitude of Hollywood personalities, including directors and actors such as Martin Scorsese, Olivia Wilde, Zac Efron, and Charlize Theron. Fictional portrayals, such as Johnny Knoxville and Josh Hutcherson in a movie titled Duhpocalypse, further enrich the narrative, while entertainment journalists like Matthew Belloni add real-world reference points to the storyline.
The Studio is set to premiere on March 26 exclusively on Apple TV+.
Source
movieweb.com