The promotional campaign for The Naked Gun legacy-sequel featured a humorous spoof of charity appeal videos, with Liam Neeson urging audiences to buy tickets and help save the comedy film industry. This tongue-in-cheek plea reflects a troubling reality: theatrical comedies have faced significant challenges in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Viewers increasingly prefer to wait for these films to appear on streaming platforms, disregarding the unique joy of watching a comedy with a lively audience. As a consequence, many notable comedy stars have turned to television for their projects.
Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne, who previously starred together in the successful Neighbors films, have reunited for the second season of their show, Platonic, which returns this week after a two-year hiatus. Following the underwhelming box office performance of Rogen’s 2018 film Long Shot, he has predominantly focused on voice acting and producing for television, including roles in critical hits like The Boys and projects like Platonic. The shift from film to television provides a platform for the exceptional chemistry between Rogen and Byrne, who successfully portray relatable characters navigating the complications of friendship.
In the Season Two premiere of Platonic, viewers see Sylvia, now pursuing a career in event planning, navigating the engagement party for Will and his fiancée. Comedy arises from various situations, including misunderstandings among friends and clever writing that keeps the storyline engaging. The new season promises to explore ongoing relationship challenges while maintaining the series’ humorous tone, highlighting how the dynamics of adult friendships can be both complicated and entertaining.
With Rogen and Byrne leading the charge, the series has managed to transform what might have been a movie script into a format that thrives on character development and situational comedy. The clever writing, paired with the actors’ strong comedic chemistry, creates a unique viewing experience that exemplifies how television can fill the gap left by a challenging film industry.
Platonic’s return signals an opportunity for audiences to reconnect with lighthearted, relatable storytelling in a time when it is much needed. The first two episodes of Season Two are now streaming on Apple TV+, with new episodes available weekly, providing fans a chance to immerse themselves in this comedic journey.
While it is unfortunate that big-screen comedies are struggling, the success of shows like Platonic reaffirms that laughter can still shine brightly on television, bringing joy to viewers in innovative ways.