Where to stream it? Apple TV+ (premieres May 24)
Starring: Seth Rogen, Rose Byrne, Luke Macfarlane, Tre Hale, Carla Gallo, and Andrew Lopez.
Written by: Nick Stoller, Francesca Delbanco
Directed by: Nick Stoller
Intro: Platonic Review
Platonic follows the story of a pair of former best friends approaching midlife who reconnect after a long rift. Their reuniting becomes something that challenges their lives and those around them in a hilarious way.
The series starts with us meeting Silvia and her family as they try to figure out what they will watch during a family night in. As this is happening, Silvia checks Instagram and sees that her former best friend is getting divorced. She is slightly upset for him, as they used to be thick as thieves, and he was even “maid of honor” at her wedding. Her husband convinces her to reach out to him and see if he is okay.
The duo met for the first time in five years because she didn't like his wife, and the entire meeting was awkward. After having an incredible night together of partying and reminiscing about old times, things go sour fast. Will discovers that Sylvia only called after hearing about the divorce, not just because she missed him. The two start to fight, bringing up old wounds, and part ways again. Despite these events, the duo's short-lived reunion makes them want to spend more time together.
Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen are top-notch
The sole reason to watch this show is for Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne. Their on-screen chemistry and back-and-forth banter makes this worthy of a binge.
Rogen plays the same person in every role, and you know, I’m not mad about it cause he at least acknowledges it (unlike Ryan Reynolds).
Byrne has her own level of humor that brilliantly balances off of Rogen as she goes toe-to-toe with him, making each other raise the bar.
Incredible soundtrack and an (almost) perfect script
Tom Wolfe and Manish Raval deserve all the credit in the world for the fantastic soundtrack. You had music from all generations spread out throughout this series that was such a perfect vibe for the moment. It became a treat to see what songs would be used in each episode.
Comedy isn't easy to write anymore, and finding that healthy balance of funny while not getting canceled can be challenging. Within this series, the writers play it slightly safe, but it doesn't matter because Rogen, Byrne, and the ensemble elevate the script.
I thought the first few episodes of the show were fine, and it was almost like I planned on criticizing how Byrne and Rogen made a safe script good with their acting chops. However, from episode 5 on, this show is taken to another level. You start to invest a little more in the characters, and the comedy is written better and better.
Final Thoughts: Platonic Review
If we take a look at the show without my critical glasses on, Platonic is easily a homerun. It's something that you can sit back, turn on, and enjoy without any big-time expectations. Often the casual audience member wants to turn their brains off, not have to think, and just have a good time.
Overall, Platonic is an excellent addition to the Apple TV+ library that surely will have people laughing. Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne are so great at what they are able to do, and that makes the show very good. I genuinely hope we get a second season where we can explore these characters more. I highly recommend checking out Platonic.
