What do critics think of new Apple TV+ Show ‘The Studio’?
What do critics think of new Apple TV+ Show ‘The Studio’?
Apple is hoping that its latest series will continue the hot streak of quality series it’s been riding.
One of the knocks on Apple TV+ is that it doesn’t have the bulk of content that other streamers do, making it difficult for consumers to justify staying subscribed in between its biggest hits. But here’s the thing, Apple TV+ is really only turning out hits these days. The service has been releasing an unending, steady stream of critical and audience favorites for nearly a year, including “Presumed Innocent,” “Bad Monkey,” “Slow Horses,” “Shrinking,” “Pachinko,” “Silo,” and the recently concluded second season of “Severance,” which kept the internet on pins and needles throughout its entire run.
While Apple TV+ might not hit customers with the overwhelming fire hose of content that competitors like Netflix do, whenever the streamer releases a new show, it is almost certainly one that you will want to keep an eye on. Well, it looks like Apple has done it again as its newest star-studded series, “The Studio,” is set to premiere on Wednesday, March 26, and critics are already raving.
The show stars Seth Rogan as the head of a legacy Hollywood studio who is trying to keep the company afloat throughout the turbulent changes across the movie business. In addition to leading the ensemble, Rogan also writes, directs, and executive produces alongside his creative partner Evan Goldberg. Also featured in the series are such stars as Ike Barinholtz, Kathryn Hahn, Catherine O’Hara, and Chase Sui Wonders, as well as guest stars Bryan Cranston, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, and Dewayne Perkins.
Ahead of the series premiere, critics have given the show a nearly full-throated endorsement. The show currently boasts a 98% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an equally impressive 84 on MetaCritic (which equates to “Universal Acclaim” on the site’s metrics). We’ve pulled together some of the reviews from the top critics so you can decide if you want to keep your Apple TV+ subscription action to check out “The Studio.”
The Studio
Desperate for celebrity approval, the newly appointed head of a movie studio and his executive team at Continental Studios must juggle corporate demands with creative ambitions as they try to keep movies alive and relevant.
Watch the trailer for ‘The Studio’
Angie Han | The Hollywood Reporter
The Studio’s strain of cringe humor won’t be for everyone; even as it mellows in the second half of the season, it remains too intense to wind down with or throw on in the background. But for those willing to get on its frazzled wavelength, this is a strong contender for the best new comedy of 2025.
Peter Travers | ABC News
Seth Rogen hits a career perk in the year’s best new comedy series as a film geek who gets his dream job running a movie studio only to find that success means killing the thing he loves. It’s sharp, insider fun with a human touch that’s truly relatable.
Laura Babiak | Observer
The Studio and its actors commit to the bit more than most, and the result is a consistently enjoyable, impeccably crafted and all around great new comedy.
Ross Bonaime | Collider
The humor is smart and informed, the cast and guests are great, and it all comes together in a way that’ll have you hoping for a second season.
Bob Strausss | San Francisco Chronicle
There’s no denying that “The Studio” was made in and for Hollywood. The scripts are so informative and well-constructed, though, you don’t have to be an insider to enjoy all that’s going on.
Charles Pulliam-Moore | The Verge
Even as it’s inviting you to laugh at Hollywood types for being so extra, you can see The Studio being thoughtfully reflective about the very real work it takes to make movies feel magical.
Mark Shanahan | Boston Globe
It’s possible that if The Studio was a takedown of Tinseltown that wasn’t populated by so many actual famous people, it would have sharper elbows. There are moments of casual — and clever — cruelty, just not enough of them. Still, the series is smart.
Erin Maxwell | LA Weekly
Its star-studded cameos and strong supporting cast make it worth penciling into your calendar.
Gregory Ellwood | The Playlist
The most entertaining and spot-on depiction of Hollywood since Robert Altman’s “The Player.” Granted, that’s high praise, but Rogen and Goldberg, who also direct the 10-episode series, swing for the fences with one home run after another. They are aided by stellar scripts and an ensemble of actors who are having an utter blast.
Alexander Harrison | Screen Rant
I don’t think you have to follow the film industry to find The Studio funny, but if you do, this Apple TV+ comedy series is irresistible.
Apple TV
Apple TV (formerly known as Apple TV+) is a subscription video streaming service for $14.99 per month, offering a growing slate of original series, films, documentaries, and specials. Unlike other platforms that combine licensed titles with originals, Apple TV is built entirely around exclusive programming, making it the home of critically acclaimed hits such as “Ted Lasso,” “Severance,” “The Morning Show,” and “Silo.” Its lineup continues to expand with award-winning dramas, comedies, family-friendly shows, and blockbuster original films like “CODA,” which won the Academy Award for Best Picture.