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Season 1 – The Critic

Play trailer Poster for Season 1 – The Critic 1994 Comedy Animation Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
85% Tomatometer 13 Reviews 81% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Balding movie critic Jay Sherman hosts "Coming Attractions."
The Critic — Season 1

What to Know

Critics Consensus

The Critic didn't last long, but will forever hold a special place as the ridiculously funny cult animated TV show for people who loved -- or hated -- the current state of cinema.

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Critics Reviews

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Richard Lawson Vanity Fair But when The Critic was funny, man, was it funny. Aug 31, 2018 Full Review Sean O'Neal AV Club Often mistaken for a direct spinoff of The Simpsons... The Critic took two of that show's most successful writer-producers, Al Jean and Mike Reiss, its beloved guest actor Jon Lovitz, and its pop-savvy satire, yet spun something entirely new out of them. Jul 3, 2018 Full Review Greg Dawson Orlando Sentinel Besides its cloying self-importance, The Critic has two other big problems: too many inside jokes - funny only to critics and those unlucky enough to know them well - and a lack of direction: Where is this show going, and why is it going there? Apr 26, 2018 Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Offers big laughs while taking shots at modern staples of pop culture. Rated: 3.5/4 Jun 13, 2021 Full Review David Hiltbrand People Magazine At its best, it's still several strides behind the savage, protean wit of The Simpsons, and the humor sputters when the focus is personal-detailing Sherman's dating woes or his relationship with his son. Rated: B Apr 20, 2018 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Rajaat99 This was one of the greastest animated shows ever made. Very funny and gone too soon. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/29/23 Full Review Audience Member This is was ahead of its time. Never has a show needed a revival as much as this one. Can you imagine all the films that could be parodied and to hear how much " It Stinks!! " Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/09/23 Full Review Ben S One of the most underrated animated shows of all time. I'd rather see this than Family Guy any day. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 11/13/20 Full Review Audience Member From Simpsons producer Al Jean comes the hilarious satirical animated sitcom The Critic. Season 1 follows New York film critic Jay Sherman, who hosts a struggling movie review show on cable television, as he deals with an overbearing boss and a dysfunctional family. Starring Jon Lovitz, Nancy Cartwright, and Charles Napier, the cast is pretty solid and features several Simpsons alumni. And the animation style is pretty good too, and uses a gritty (and grimy) aesthetic that suits the New York setting. Mixing slapstick and satire, the comedy is a unique style and features a number of film parodies that make fun of Hollywood culture. Plus, several interesting guest stars, such as Phil Hartman, Geraldo Rivera, Adam West, and Billy Crystal, make appearances. The Critic is a clever and fun show that delivers a great first season that’s full lot of laughs. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/09/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Critic — Season 1

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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Jon Lovitz

Jay Sherman

Christine Cavanaugh

Marty Sherman

Gerrit Graham

Franklin Sherman

Judith Ivey

Eleanor Sherman

Nancy Cartwright

Various Characters

Charles Napier

Duke Phillips

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Jan 26, 1994 Pilot An acerbic New York film critic leads a miserable existence. Animated. Details Episode 2 Aired Feb 2, 1994 Marty's First Date Jay gives his son, Marty, some tips on how to romance a girl, but his advice backfires. Voices by Jon Lovitz and Christine Cavanaugh. Details Episode 3 Aired Feb 9, 1994 Dial `M' for Mother Jay makes an attempt to appear congenial when he goes on Geraldo Rivera's talk show with his mother. Voices by Jon Lovitz and Geraldo Rivera. Details Episode 4 Aired Feb 16, 1994 Miserable Jay falls for a projectionist, not realizing she is a deranged fan committed to making him her prisoner. Details Episode 5 Aired Feb 23, 1994 A Little Deb Will Do You When Jay brings his sister to her debutante ball, he meets a sultry mystery debutante. Voices by Jon Lovitz and Tress Macnelle. Details Episode 6 Aired Mar 2, 1994 Eyes on the Prize Jay is determined to win the Pulitzer Prize when it appears his career is on the skids. Voices by Jon Lovitz and Charles Napier. Details Episode 7 Aired Jun 1, 1994 Every Doris Has Her Day When Jay begins to see his makeup person socially, he believes she may be his mother. Voices by Jon Lovitz and Doris Grau. Details Episode 8 Aired Jun 8, 1994 Marathon Mensch Jay decides to enter the New York Marathon as a way to reassert his manhood. Voices by Jon Lovitz and Christine Cavanaugh. Details Episode 9 Aired Jun 22, 1994 L.A. Jay Jay experiences the high and low points of the entertainment industry. Details Episode 10 Aired Jun 29, 1994 Dr. Jay Jay tries to find a cure for his boss's rare disease. Voice of Jon Lovitz. Details Episode 11 Aired Jul 6, 1994 A Day at the Races and a Night at the Opera When Marty is humiliated, Jay tries to find an activity at which his son can excel. Voice of Jon Lovitz. Details Episode 12 Aired Jul 13, 1994 Uneasy Rider Jay becomes frustrated and quits his job to pursue a career in trucking. Details Episode 13 Aired Jul 20, 1994 A Pig-Boy and His Dog Eleanor uses Jay as a model for her book's lead character, a pig. Details

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Season Info

Director
Dan Jeup, L.H. MacMullan, Alan Smart, Bret Haaland, Brian Sheesley, Richard Moore
Executive Producer
James L. Brooks, Al Jean, Mike Reiss
Screenwriter
Mike Reiss, Steven Levitan, Steve Tompkins, Nell Scovell, Tom Gammill, Judd Apatow, Jon Vitti, Tom Brady, Patric M. Verrone, Al Jean, Max Pross
Network
ABC
Rating
TV-PG
Genre
Comedy, Animation
Original Language
English
Release Date
Jan 26, 1994