Apple TV's comedy series The Studio has broken records by winning 13 Emmy Awards in a single season, the most for any comedy. Starring Seth Rogen as the head of a film studio navigating corporate and creative pressures, the show features notable cameos and has been renewed for a second season. Reviewers praise its wit but note moments of cringe-inducing insecurity in the lead character.
The Studio, a new Apple TV+ series, has garnered significant attention after securing 13 Emmy Awards, setting a new benchmark for comedy series in one season. Created, directed, produced, and starring Seth Rogen as Matt Remick, the show follows Remick's appointment as chief of Continental Studios. He and his team grapple with balancing commercial demands against artistic visions to sustain the relevance of cinema.
The series opens with high-profile cameos, including Catherine O'Hara, Kathryn Hahn, and Bryan Cranston, who delivers a standout performance as a chaotic character contrasting his role in Breaking Bad. Another episode features Greta Lee playing herself during a film shoot at a mansion, highlighting Remick's desperate need for celebrity validation, which leads to awkward mishaps.
Journalism professionals reviewing the show describe it as hilarious and sharp-witted, appreciating its exploration of industry tensions between profit-driven decisions and creative integrity. However, they found Remick's overwhelming insecurity 'toe-curling' and 'cringe-inducing,' particularly in scenes where it spirals into disasters, prompting personal reflections on discomfort. One reviewer noted, 'I found it so awkward and hard to watch Seth Rogen's character be so insecure, to the point where it was creating disaster after disaster.'
Despite these elements, the series has inspired viewers to engage more with cinema, examining listings and planning theater visits. Apple TV+ has confirmed a second season, building on the first's availability for streaming. The show's success underscores ongoing debates in entertainment about commerce versus art, with virtually every sector influenced by financial considerations.