“The Studio” Draws Strong Early Reviews

Apple TV+
Though Apple TV+ has mostly been fairly light on the promotion of its new ten-episode, half-hour comedy series “The Studio,” it may want to ramp things up judging by the reactions so far.

The first reviews for the ten-episode series starring Seth Rogen, Catherine O’Hara and Ike Barinholtz have arrived and they’re glowing. With 18 reviews counted, the series is pulling in a 100% in Rotten Tomatoes with an average rating of 7.9/10. An aggregate score has still yet to be published on Metacritic at this time.

Rogen wrote, directed, and executive produces alongside his usual cohort Evan Goldberg. Rogen stars as the newly appointed head of Continental Studios. Desperate for the approval of celebrities, he and his team of executives must juggle corporate demands with creative ambitions as they try to keep movies alive and relevant.

Here’s a sampling of reviews:

“For those willing to get on its frazzled wavelength, this is a strong contender for the best new comedy of 2025.” – Angie Han, THR

“Shot in richly cinematic textures and a series of uninterrupted takes… when ‘The Studio’ is really cooking it’s very good – funny, inventive, affectionate toward the movies while skeptical toward their industry.” – Jesse Hassenger, The Wrap

“Rogen is doing his usual high-pitched panicked comedy, which still works quite well after all these years, but Kathryn Hahn and Catherine O’Hara bring the house down.” – Ben Travers, Indiewire

“Most compellingly, the show balances frustration with affection… The Studio knows that the war for the future of movies is worth fighting, even if the generals are weak and the conditions on the ground miserable.” – Judy Berman, TIME

“It’s as much an ode to movies as it is a frustrated scream about what the cinematic landscape has become, and that tension propels The Studio to full-on comedy gold.” – Belen Edwards, Mashable

“The Studio is 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.” – Greg Ellwood, The Playlist

“The show’s comedy is at its best when it gets a little dark and more than a little pointed.” – Ross McIndoe, Slant

“Covers subjects that I’ve seen a million times before, yet still mines unexpected laughs and causes bittersweet tears to flow.” – Peter Martin, Screen Anarchy

“It’s amusing in places, but not laugh-out-loud hilarious, even when it strains to be that with over-the-top physical comedy. It never really sharpens its knives and digs into Hollywood in a way that draws blood.” – Dave Nemetz, TV Line

The series is packed with major cameos from filmmakers and actors including Martin Scorsese, Sarah Polley, Paul Dano, Adam Scott and more. The series premieres with two episodes on March 26th and runs through May 21st.