What Happened to The Critic (1994-1995)?

The Critic is one of the most underrated TV shows of all time. Jon Lovitz's Jay Sherman deserves to be as memorable a character as Homer Simpson, but the show remains obscure. Why? The effect of The Simpsons on pop culture can't be overstated. In the early nineties, the show tapped into the cultural zeitgeist in a way few others had before. Indeed, no other cartoon show could reasonably emulate it- but Hollywood couldn't help but try. Capitol Critters, Family Dog, and Fish Police were just a few of the shows that tried to be "the new Simpsons." ABC's The Critic is the only one that got close, as we explore in this week's Gone But Not Forgotten episode.
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#TheCritic #jonlovitz #gonebutnotforgotten

[@JoBloOriginals]

Hey guys! This episode of GBNF was made from suggestions from fans who emailed us demanding this show be covered on this series. If you want to make suggestions for future episodes of GBNF then e-mail [e-mail] and maybe we’ll cover your show!

[@poopsock7493]

I smashed lady gaga last night on the 50 yard line of Giants stadium

[@aisforapple2494]

How about 'Dr. Katz - Professional Therapist'?

[@FourthIdentity-gu2zk]

My only idea, not really worth a whole email, would be GUTS! D-D-D- Do ya have it?? GUTS!

[@rwdplz1]

'The Critic' and 'Duckman' are both under-rated classics. Both are great examples of great shows too intelligent for the network executives.

[@jonplaud]

Duckman, another gem.

[@RetroDeathReviews666]

Duckman is probably my favorite adult oriented show along with Futurama. Such an amazing show. This one I didn't watch until the other day, surprised how underrated it's remained.

[@Dev1nci]

Just discovered The Critic today. I want to see more, it’s hilarious 😄

[@FourthIdentity-gu2zk]

YES!!!! Go rewatch Duckman it talks about shit still relevant today

[@dm6905]

Completely agree on Duckman. The Critic didn't have much going for it besides the movie parodies

[@whimsicalhamster88]

This show was so damn good and it deserved a dozen seasons! The movie parodies were great. The way that Jay said that every new blockbuster "stinks!" holds true through 2023.

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

I would have paid to have seen some of those movies if they had been released. Rabbi P.I. and Speed Reading in particular are ones that I wish I could see.

[@thesultrystrangerdanger6824]

I feel like lovitz wrote this comment 🧐

[@Attmay]

They would have been forced to handle Doris Grau dying if they had gone on any longer. Her losing this show cannot have had a beneficial effect on her health.

[@thesultrystrangerdanger6824]

@@Attmay yeah I want to be Jay's stepfather.... His eccentricities speak to my character urrr I'm drunk now I have to editanyways how old is July going it's hot as balls down here son getting a little toasty

[@jonplaud]

I honestly thought it was on longer. I loved the show.

[@wstine79]

I love The Critic. The Siskle and Ebert break up, the Misey episode, and the Hostage Award Show were my favorite episodes.

[@thesultrystrangerdanger6824]

Yeah... Misery episode was fire 🔥

[@honeybaby51]

SERIOUSLY. This show, Duckman and The Oblongs don't get enough love😂

[@thesultrystrangerdanger6824]

@@honeybaby51 I agree about the oblongs.... I forgot about duckman

[@honeybaby51]

@@thesultrystrangerdanger6824 Charles and Mojito🤣 Downloaded Duckman a few years ago and i like to visit every once in a while.

[@thesultrystrangerdanger6824]

@@honeybaby51 I like how you punk ass b****** are running your mouth I don't hear anyone talking about dr. Katz you know when I grew up was one big dog in the house and that was his name was katz

[@butiplayoneontv]

Every single time i enter a bookstore i hear "BUY MY BOOK! BUY MY BOOK!" over and over in my head.

[@aaronmerkel5216]

LOL

[@JM-pm1yb]

This was one of my favorite shows when I was younger. The Critic and Duckman don’t have enough love

[@DM0407]

Duckman was awesome!... Wonder what became of Jason Alexander.

[@selfdo]

A crossover between THOSE two franchises would probably KILL me...with laughter!

[@DrewberTravels]

Duckman was an amazing show. It was deeper than a cartoon should be. Bojack horseman owes a lot to Duckman.

[@Bingo_the_Pug]

@@DM0407 he’s living his life like the rest of us, just not in the spotlight like a typical celebrity

[@DM0407]

@@Bingo_the_Pug He was two years into a still not very popular Seinfeld run when this show ended, that was the joke.

[@ChristopherPayneMUA]

The Critic was a brilliant show, gone before its time.

[@elgatofelix8917]

LoL it wasn't "gone before it's time. It got cancelled for the simple reason that " IT STINKS!" 😂

[@Fractal_blip]

​@@elgatofelix8917lol yeah it was gone just in time to be considered great. The show must have peaked really really early, like pilot early.

[@Tornado1994]

@@Fractal_blip The First Season was its True Highlight as well as ALL the 1994 Pop Culture References it had. But in '95, you could tell something was amiss, the Writing begin to feel Plodding, Cloying, and Ponderous. It was the RIGHT Decision to pull the Plug in '96 after that. The Really lackluster Season 2 pretty much bogged the entire show down. They Canceled it at the right time.

[@C-Lyfe85]

​@@Tornado1994 I disagree, if Family Guy can last for 30 years with its nincompoop audience, why couldn't the credit

[@spenzalii]

Any episode with Orson Wells was absolute GOLD

[@Kwyjor]

Maurice LaMarche is reportedly a gigantic fan, which further explains the "Yes, Always" episode of Pinky & The Brain.

[@selfdo]

"Mrs Paul's fish sticks...they're even better when you're DEAD!"

[@omarchin1379]

"I present you THE NIGHT OF THE LIVING WILL"

[@selfdo]

@@omarchin1379 I'm surprised Maurice didn't reflexively break into "E-yesss, Pinky!"

[@saml302]

they're even better raw

[@NoobFever]

Such a memorable show. "You only love me for my money." "Ahh but it is a love that will never die."

[@jcurzon67]

I loved the critic when I was a kid. And like early Simpsons, it's better watching it now that I'm an adult. It deserved more episodes than it got. For gods sakes why is Big Mouth even a thing but The Critic was cut short?

[@johnnythewalrus]

Completely agree. Hate Big Mouth.

[@Flower_Mom]

I'll always remember Jay's words of wisdom when it comes to movies: "If it used to be a TV show, just don't go. After Roman numeral two, give it a rest. If it's a remake of a classic, rent the classic. If the movie stinks, just don't go."

[@daishikaze3986]

Things like that are why I think it was cancelled. The "uh-oh, The Jig is up" was more honest than people realize IMO :D

[@selfdo]

Jay Sherman being voiced by an actor as arrogant, obnoxious, and insufferable as the character (so was that really "acting"?) helped immensely.

[@derekshropshire2513]

Franklin Sherman is one of my favorite animated characters ever. "Penguins can't fly!"

[@MegaMagicdog]

And he's been DRINKING!

[@selfdo]

@@MegaMagicdog "No, I won't pray with you"! and "I still say you're a LOUSY pilot!"

[@PrincessofPower84]

You *understand* the silverware? Cuckoo-cuckoo!

[@BillyReplies]

This show should make a comeback. Jay Sherman is a brilliant, timeless character, and there is NO shortage of material from the cesspool that is Hollywood.

[@RavynAngelDarck]

I absolutely loved The Critic and always remember fondly the Siskel and Ebert episode. I even bought the series for my Dad as a birthday present a couple years ago.

[@haroldparsons9727]

This show has one of my favorite sitcoms jokes of all time. It was from the debutante ball episode where they were asking about her purity dress or something and she says white dress with off white gloves. I was just old enough to understand It and to this day I find it hilarious.

[@2texastornado]

The Critic is my all time favorite show. Duke, Jay and the many great episodes. I had to get the complete series when it came out. I love Orson Welles bits lol❤

[@ShamanSage]

"What luck, there's a french fry stuck in my beard!"

[@LukeSilverstar1000]

I loved this show as a kid. I still quote some of the lines 30 years later! My favorite is probably the commercial of Orson Wells saying “Rosebud Frozen Peas: Full of country goodness and green pea-ness.” 😅

[@felixmarvin1199]

I have been known to quote the Ted Kennedy line, "I didn't come here with pants on and I'm not leaving with any!"

[@John-mf1sz]

2 massively underrated and forgotten shows are The Critic, and Duckman. Both were absolutely awesome.

[@captainfncreepy]

I watched every single episode when they came out. Absolutely a perfect show for an 8 year old obsessed with movies.

[@danielvandersall6756]

This show actually had an episode where Jay went to a Broadway show based on "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" called "Hunch"--it's slogan, the unforgettable "Get Bent Today!" It actually inspired people at Disney to produce the slightly darker "Hunchback of Notre Dame" animated film.

[@jonplaud]

interesting. I might have seen that episode. The one episode I remember was when Jay's son went to a fat camp to lose weight.

[@Tornado1994]

@@jonplaud There was a Satirical Number in one Episode that talked about how "Film Critics Get Advanced Copies of Opening New Films Two Weeks before Moviegoers get to see them" and it was supposed to have Jay Pop out during the number with his catchphrase, but he gets Stuck and after 1 minute everyone else just gives up.

[@DrVesuvius70]

Another reason why the show might have been cancelled was the Jamie-Lee Curtis breast grabbing incident at the 1995 US Comedy Awards. I remember there being a significant backlash against Lovitz at the time, even in the times before the internet and social media could carry outrage instantly around the world faster. There were takes of it being everything from harrassment to full sexual assault and calls for Lovitz to be what we'd now call Cancelled. Ironically, both Curtis and Lovitz have in later years confirmed it was a pre-planned gag between the two, fully consensual.

[@zimriel]

Same with the 'wardrobe malfunction' although there, mostly the blame fell on Janet Jackson. I don't blame race, I blame age and of course the Jackson name.

[@motojunkie8348]

Curtis has been "grabbed" by all the Hollywood elites. Most women have to be if they want to make it on the big screen. Same with little boys as well.

[@bigduke5902]

That is DEFINITELY not why The Critic was cancelled and doesn't even rank on a top 500 reasons for it.

[@Attmay]

Fox was never able to launch a hit in the post-Simpsons pre-MWC timeslot until *King of the Hill.*

[@DrVesuvius70]

@@bigduke5902 That's good to know. Thanks for your authoritative and informative statement.

[@nothumbbowler1802]

This show was one of my favorites! My favorite moment was the "you're going to the debutante ball, or I'll shoot your horse." It was so strange, unexpected, different piece of comedy, while being this psychological deconstruction all at once.

[@roycerowland6162]

I used to love watching The Critic in reruns and I think that The Critic deserves more than one season.

[@trinaq]

I love this show, though I admittedly only got into it thanks to the Simpsons crossover episode. Siskel and Ebert were my favourite celebrity cameo.

[@wallygator92]

Such an underrated show.

[@jevinday]

The Critic is my favorite adult cartoon of all time. It's pretty avant-garde if you consider that film reviews would exponentially increase with the rise of KZbin

[@johnnymccraze]

The Critic, Undergrads, Mission Hill, Duckman. So many underrated gems of animated comedy.

[@guardiane]

I really liked The Critic when I was a teen. I had no idea it only had 20 some odd episodes and that's it. When it was cancelled, I was disappointed for sure. I definitely wouldn't want to see a come back (but I say that for most series/shows). It was a "time and place" thing and can't be replicated.

[@BishopWalters12]

I agree, bringing shows back has pretty much never worked out, The Critic was so early 90s in the best ways and Siskel and Ebert were so much a part of pop culture at that time.

[@Tornado1994]

@@BishopWalters12 The Second Season was kinda of a Mess. That's why it got canned. The Critic was a Flash-in-The-Pan Animated Series that was the talk of the town in '94 who's novelty and originality quickly burned out in 1995.

[@alejandrogarciameza5021]

Carzy, last night surfing YT, I found some episodes of this series, One of my favs! Good job with all the vids you guys upload

[@strangetalk.thecornercosmic]

As a huge fan of Siskel and Ebert and Woody Allen films, I was absolutely in love with this little treasure when I discovered it in syndication - achem!

[@heatherdale5571]

We were some of the few whom adored The Critic! I absolutely LOVED the show. It was the perfect vehicle for Luvitz! It was such a bummer when it went away. Thankful for what we have!

[@TheDigitalslayer]

I used to love watching the critic when I was 10, but I always had a difficult time catching it. I saw it tears later on cable in which I realized it was more brilliant than I realized.

[@ander7018]

I grew up on this show. Absolutely loved it. To this day, I still watch reruns

[@SurferJoe1]

I worked on both seasons as a character layout artist. I remember I was posing out scenes parodying "Casablanca"- Bogart and Raines watching the plane take off at the end- when the '94 Northridge quake hit. Working super-late on a Sunday night, I had left the building just a few hours earlier, and the entire floor of the building, including my desk and my goldfish- were destroyed. We eventually finished the first season crowded into an old abandoned corner store of a nearby strip mall, shoulder to shoulder, with passersby watching us through the store windows.

[@Tornado1994]

I suspected that especially with Gracie Films. The Critic came into public conscience Shortly after Duckman(Duckman was Already Making Headlines during late 1993 and had a Test Pilot Run on Comedy Central and didn't picked up by USA Network until January 1994, as CC decided not to pick up Duckman due to Klasky Csupo being Behind schedule for its first 13 Episodes, The First Season was supposed to be Ready by The Holiday Season of 1993 ) and I DO remember production of the Critic being slowed down by the Northridge Quake. Episode 11 of Duckman "Confinger" was actually scrapped due to the Northridge Quake, as "American Dicks" is just an Edited Repackaging of the original 1993 Pilot.(Klasky Csupo was also on hiatus from Rugrats production at the time and was trying to finish AAAH! Real Monsters and have it ready for the Fall). I Vividly remember ONLY the Pilot airing on ABC on March 6,1994 the following day after Duckman's USA Network premiere and FOX Picking the series up immediately.(Remember, the Simpsons didn't Return to Sundays until that Fall and had been on Thursdays since Season 2 in 1990-91 And In Living Color which had ruled FOX's Sunday Timeslot was coming to an end as production and Taping was discontinued in November 1993). I suspected the Quake affected production of several Animated Series and it affecting The Critic certainly means that only HALF of the First Season was ready by Early '94. Making MOST of the Air Dates of S1 inaccurate and placing most of their Broadcast Dates of March 6th-June 12th 1994. The Critic being affected by Northridge isn't surprising. It's shocking how Mediocre Building Codes were in the Valley. You'd think 23 years after Sylmar, that North Los Angeles County would have improved Earthquake Resistant Infrastructure. I applaud you and the Layout and BG Artists for Solidering on able to finish everything with S1 despite the Quake.

[@SurferJoe1]

@@Tornado1994 Interesting; lots I didn't know there. Yeah, the fourth floor (us) was virtually destroyed; I don't remember what the Simpsons did: they were on the first floor but the building was so damaged only management was allowed to enter. A chunk of the roof was hanging over the parking lot. We called each other, and director Alan Smart had most of his episode at home for some reason, so we all drove to his house for scenes and worked at home for a while. Paychecks were handed out by the production manager in her yard. Strangely, I didn't remember the schedule being affected as we made our first airdate on ABC and that's where the focus was, I guess. I want to say the wrap party was at Jerry's Deli (bowling alley) on Ventura...I wanted to talk to James Brooks about the "Mary Tyler Moore Show" but couldn't work up the nerve.

[@Tornado1994]

@@SurferJoe1 Fascinating! So Simpsons Co Producer James Brooks had a Key role in the Development of The Critic? Regarding calling the Production Crew, seeing as this was the Mid 90s, I'm sure each of you had Multiple Pagers. That's really neat to hear to that you and the Crew were beyond determined to finish production of S1 despite the Quake. That was really cool of Alan Smart to keep the Dailies for his Remaining Written episodes and have the Crew finish them up at home and to do panels and scenes at his House. "Mary Tyler Moore Show". Hmmm....So there was Plans for a MTM '94 Reboot? Interesting, because I do know that Get Smart got a Reboot later that year that did get picked up by FOX.

[@SuperSaiyanGuyver]

Thanks for reminding me of yhis criminally underrared series. I loved it as a kid and still do. It was never afraid to take even sacred cows apart.

[@ScipioAfricanusI]

I LOVED The Critic. The tone of the show and the highlighting of New York City was wonderful!

[@mannyja]

I loved this show. I was in my mid-teens when it aired. It doesn't need a modern reboot; it perfectly captures the '90s film and pop culture.

[@cavemanbum]

I absolutely LOVED this show. Incredibly good writing, and humor that was top-notch.

[@shaggymcdaniel3216]

That intro song is the most 90’s nostalgic thing I’ve ever heard. It puts a tear to my eye.

[@KnightofDarkSorrow]

One of the most memorable moments from this show for me is when Duke's giant talking statue eats pigeons, then Duke just says they like the sound of his voice, when a pigeon suddenly flies into Duke's own mouth and down his throat.

[@rdthaprariedawg]

My favorite Duke moment is when he opened the Day Care Center, and had the freezer shaped to look like him where frozen yogurt came out of his nose. Then he said “you should see the Biscuit Shooter”

[@Tornado1994]

I remember that scene. One of my favorite scenes is when Jay recalls his Disastrous Honeymoon with his Ex Wife sheepishly, when all the sudden, the Thought Bubble unexpectedly Grows into the Size of a Blob and starts Consuming Jay Sherman as he stops laughing and starts screaming as if the Memory is Devouring him.

[@GrosvnerMcaffrey]

My favorite of the whole show was Franklin with the Owl

[@chrisbg99]

Duke Philips had such Mr. Burns energy. I love him.

[@feck2594]

D.T. The Drunken Terrestrial. " I fly better when I'm drunk " , damn i loved this show .

[@JerryMeehanJr]

this show was so good. there was a point in time when I was a kid growing up into a pre teen where the simpsons started to fall off for me(like everyone else i am sure it died off the same time) and i wanted something with more edgier humor and the critic nailed it.

[@selfdo]

Simpsons "Jumped The Shark", IMO, about the time of the Y2K "Treehouse of Horror" episode. It has moments of brilliance every now and then (like another THOH vignette about "The Great Pumpkin", aka "Pumpkin Segregation Forever!"), but largely, it's been limping along for twenty or so years, and IDK Fox doesn't just put it out of its misery. The "Critic", "Duckman", "Pinky and the Brain", and "Rocko's Modern Life" simply didn't last long enough to get stale. In most cases, their producers simply wanted to move on, and there's another reason why Simpsons would last while these other great cartoons don't...MERCHANDISING. Simply put, the Simpsons is still a merch cash cow. Sure, I'd pay a hefty sum for a Jay Sherman "buy my book!" cardboard standup, but that's not exactly a mass market item. "Pinky and the Brain" was especially sad, as I wonder what nitwit decided to retool the show into "Pinky, ELMIRA, and the Brain"? I swear that was to deliberately kill it. As for Duckman, at least there was potential in some smart-assed T-shirts ("What the hell RU staring at?").

[@AcidWords1]

@@selfdo I don't think a jumping the shark moment can be traced to a Treehouse of Horror episode. The whole point of those was that anything goes. Their jumping the shark moment has to be "The Principal and the Pauper". I know it's the typical answer, but I believe that's for a good reason.

[@johnnythewalrus]

Agree. I loved it until about season 9/10. And I agree that it may differ from person to person, but the largely accepted answer is The Princpal and the Pauper. Oddly enough, I didn't mind that episode.

[@Tornado1994]

@@selfdo Simpsons Jumped the Shark in 2000 after killing off Maude Flanders in a very mean spirited way. Its been a Zombie since then. The Critic Ran out of Gas after its first season. As for Duckman? Production ended in 1997 because both Jason Alexander and Nancy Travis got too busy to continue with it and both each had a Dispute on how they wanted to end it. Jason wanted Duckman Martyred. Nancy wanted a Soap Opera like satirical finale where Duckman and Bernice end up falling in love with each other and make plans to get married when Beatrice suddenly returns.

[@selfdo]

We agree that Simpsons JTS about 2000.

[@hermanmurry2812]

I can't believe Groening disowned the crossover episode. I was excited about that lineup. 8 o clock a Simpsons cross over followed by the fox premier of The Critic. It was a gem

[@BlueDog241]

I miss this show. I was sad to see it go. The Dad was my favorite character. Any time Jay's Dad was on screen was hilarious.

[@_melvonty]

I loved this show because I loved movies..it was a hit if u lived during that time. The other characters didn’t get a chance to be developed outside of the scene with Jay but the dialogue between characters was Gold! I’m going to binge what little is available 👍🏾 👍🏾

[@boneappletea3858]

The Critic is awesome. Takes me back always. Thanks for this!

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

I bought the box set just because I hadn't really seen it get aired in the years since. Although, that may be on me for not watching TV that much.

[@selfdo]

The Critic, Simpsons, Animamiacs, Batman-Animated Series, Duckman, Pinky and the Brain, Freakazoid...90s animation ROCKED.,

[@jesserapkin2660]

How can you not love this show?! I still have the series set from the week it was released on dvd. You're spot on. A Jay show where he convinces us that super hero movies are tired and need to go is exactly what we need now.

[@bernie472]

I still love the post credit scene at the end of every episode of the Critic. When the Usher comes by and says "Excuse me sir, the show's over" And Jay replies with something different every time.

[@BurnDoubt]

But I have nowhere to go...

[@selfdo]

Alice (to the usher): Get away, zit-face! Jay: That's why I love her!

[@bernie472]

@@selfdo Oh yeah! I forgot that.

[@bernie472]

@@BurnDoubt "Is the........ Snack bar still open?"

[@bernie472]

@@selfdo "I'm Stuck in the chair!"

[@aaronmerkel5216]

always loved the critic. i bought the dvd set when it came out as well. i still watch it today on occasion

[@arcoliatiggett1869]

This was awesome trip down memory lane. Loved this show!

[@MrRipmur]

Makes me want to dig out my box set of the show. Has been a while since I watched it.

[@gnext2]

I think it's also important to say how reruns aired on Comedy Central. I feel like that is how it built a much stronger fan base leading to the dvd release.

[@claymathewselevator8121]

REELZ channel too

[@robzilla730]

I discovered this show on CC...

[@ShamanTiers]

duckman to

[@robzilla730]

Dr Katz also...

[@mywifiiscoolerthanyours]

love the Critic. Duckman always gave me the same vibe as what you explained of the main character being singularly focused

[@Quirky_QF]

I still use the Orson Welles 'Rosebud Peas' gag from time to time. "Filled with Wholesome Goodness and Green Pea-ness."

[@JoBloOriginals]

I’ll just take a few of these for the road…

[@LostRanger87]

Great cover, and great points highlighted. This was a fun show to randomly catch growing up. I never had an issue with the Simpsons crossover, he looked normal there. Thanks, mate!

[@fryode]

The "New York, New York" song bit where Jay gets hit by a Taxi will never not be funny. "The cars don't stop. They don't even slow down." *Whack*

[@eagleeyecherrypie9947]

Loved, loved, loved that show! I quote “buy my book!” randomly at least once a year. And it always makes me smile.

[@Captofthisship]

Jo Blo, you read my mind, I was hoping you might cover this show!! So great for a then ten year old to watch and absorb. Thank you!!

[@AutomaTom1939]

I love this show! The Nightmare Before Hanukkah was one of my favorite movie parodies! I was impressed that they actually used stop-motion.

[@selfdo]

"Pardon, me, is this Chaunakah town? No, it's the Vatican...and I'm "Pope School I". Oy!"

[@jasonbungard7484]

'Family Dog', I totally forgot that was ever a show! It was a spinoff from a single episode of 'Amazing Stories'. Wow, this takes me back.

[@RnB1275]

Such a great show!!! I have the DVD and saved the series on my KZbin!

[@Monkey_Boy9602]

It makes sense that it was a box office bomb, it's not the greatest Sci-fi comedy of all time, but I absolutely *LOVE* "Mom and Dad Save the World"! It and "High School High" are my top 2 Jon Lovitz movies.

[@zimriel]

as far as I'm concerned "Rat Race" is a Lovitz movie

[@davidmargis3476]

Agreed. It makes perfect sense that "Mom and Dad Saved the World" bombed and is barely remembered, but having watched it again recently I think it holds up as a funny if dumb and campy comedy. "No. I like the goatee better. Shoot yourself in the head!"

[@jeremy1860]

One of the best shows of the 90s 😊

[@ferociousgumby]

Oh, I LOVED this show! It was one of the few shows I watched with my kids (teenagers at the time). Jay Sherman seemed like a cross between Siskel and Ebert.

[@Bluboy30]

I love this show! I always hoped that it would get live action remake with Lovitz returning as the main character.

[@TheSuburban15]

I remember watching The Critic on Comedy Central in 1998/1999. Totally missed the first run.

[@Dhampir101980]

I have the show on DVD and just rewatched it last month. It’s amazing how well Jay’s “ if the movie stinks, just don’t go” rant is and applies to the movie climate we have today with endless remakes, reboots, re-releases and unnecessary sequel ( Dial of Destiny). I wish the show had lasted longer

[@Ness_and_Sonic]

It doesn't just applies to movies, but one could claim the same is true about video games, too.

[@Attmay]

Every barrel has a bottom.

[@johnnythewalrus]

I hate to admit it, but I agree with the video game thing. I've been gaming since '85 and can't remember the last time I looked forward to a game release.

[@brendaspence1824]

@@johnnythewalrus…….sounds like your just getting old Every generation does this crap

[@felipesalas6389]

Really, out of all the films you could have gone for you go for Dial of Destiny? The one that not only is meant as a conclusion but is better in almost every way to Crystal Skull?

[@thaxtonwaters8561]

I was between 14 - 16 years old watching this show (& Dr. Katz Professional Therapist) and I absolutely loved this show.

[@Omar-wq9dz]

Speaking of animated shows, how about a WTF Happened To Spectacular Spider-Man and WTF Happened To Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes? Those shows were great but got cancelled

[@KingOfMadCows]

Spectacular Spider-Man couldn't continue because Disney bought Marvel so the rights were split between Disney and Sony. Earth's Mightiest Heroes was cancelled by Jeph Loeb after he was put in charge of Marvel Television. Although, a secondary reason was that Boyd Kirkland, one of the showrunners, passed away when they were making the second season.

[@Arroyo2099]

Maybe one day

[@briantrafford8501]

Truly a lost gem of the nineties. My wife and I loved movies AND we loved The Critic.

[@brandonpage7087]

I absolutely adored the Critic, & was mad that it didn't last longer! It should've had more seasons! The gags on this show were brilliant & hilarious, & damn, i need to watch this again! Lmao, i forgot all about Mom & Dad save the world! Had no idea that it was considered to be a terrible movie, lol.

[@Soppy-0]

Genuinely and wholeheartedly love this show. Watched it when it first came out, was sad when it got cancelled so quick. Some of the best non-sequitur jokes. Very rewarding to the pop culture junkie of the 90s in a very different way Family Guy is now. And it could just be damn clever on its own when it wanted to be. "Who are you?" "We are caterers." "You're pretty heavily armed for caterers." "We took the subway!" "You're pretty lightly armed for the subway." Not sure how to feel with saying the supporting cast is weak. They're really fun and honestly can't name a single one I hated, or even disliked. But they're strong SUPPORTING characters, and I guess you're right that they could only carry episodes they got focus with Jay's involvement. Wouldn't feel the same rebooting it without Doris Grau and Kristine Kavenaugh either. (RIP)

[@brandonmedina4471]

Glad I’m not the only who sees The Critic’s influence on Family Guy. I actually think Family Guy’s success is a vindication and validation of The Critic. They were the same except The Critic was better because Jay’s job was the perfect set up to pop culture references. With Family Guy it’s more random and nonsequitor.

[@benjaminhoyt1421]

I thought all the characters from The Critic were great. The fact that they didn't get a lot of screen time made their moments even better.

[@chrisbg99]

Yes. If you don't love Duke Philips I don't know what is wrong with you.

[@saml302]

loved the critic as a kid in the 90s and still love it when I throw it on from time to time

[@cxa340]

This was one of the absolute best cartoons ever made - the writing on this was just so intelligent and hilarious

[@Tornado1994]

Yeah. That First Season.

[@JWEATHERSBY]

Perfect rundown the nostalgia train for "The Critic". I want to see one of these for "Duckman" so badly!

[@joaoyapur1247]

pure 90s humor, loved it

[@punk_rock_music_teacher]

I saw Jon Lovitz do stand-up in Vegas last December it was so cool to meet him in person.

[@repairshop22]

LOVED this show!

[@hadinaqui]

I absolutely fell in love with this show. It was warm and light-hearted. But the side characters like Duke were funny too. But the end sentiment of a product of its time was accurate.

[@baliyae]

I loved The Critic! It was such a great show!

[@cameronrobinson3933]

I watched every episode of the critic when it came out. In my memory it lasted a lot longer but I do remember it's end and being sad.

[@moonxtalstar920]

I disagree on the supporting cast not being very fleshed out and it being all on jay. There are many EPs where supporting cast had character defining EPs. His sister Margo falling for the rock star neighbor, jays son marty trying to lose weight and actually doing it, duke dating his southern Cinderella etc. The show only had 23 Eps so naturally they only had so much time to develop them. I miss this show because it was genuinely funny and smart but also dumb humour too. And with all the reboots and remakes and sequels today, combined with the almost absurd "diversity","political correctness" and "cancel culture" it could work if they were smart about it. But I'm also happy to just leave it in the past and enjoy eps rather than risk turning it into another woke political mouth piece

[@bigduke5902]

You just made me glad this show was never revived

[@deementia6796]

I agree. Duke was a wonderful character. Around our house, we still say, "It's a Duke-tastrophe!" Jay's dad is great too. "I didn't ask to be Secretary of Balloon Doggies, they demanded it! Isn't that right, balloon doggie?!"

[@selfdo]

@@deementia6796 He knew the name of the only Veep to die before he took the oath of office...William Rufus DeVane King, in 1853.

[@Vaporvice84]

Would've loved to heard the theme song song, but the Charlie Brown Jazz at the end will do, lol. I was a kid who watched it every Sunday night (after The Simpsons) and like Jay still sitting alone in the theater during the credits, I too would watch the credits just to hear the theme song. In a lot of ways I have this show to thank for giving my tiny developing brain ideas about how movies can be spoofed for laughs (alongside all the Mel Brooks and Zucker brothers stuff I saw as a kid too).

[@denardoellisjr]

The Critic was an awesome show i missed this show 😂

[@AndrewLuke]

Really good video. I've never watched an episode of The Critic and now I'll look out for it.

[@scottmcfadyen293]

I think it could be brought back if you focused on the change of having to adapt from television to the internet and the changes that he would have to adjust to in order to fit in - a whole new aspect of character would have to be formed and would make for a lot of jokes. Call me crazy , but i don't think it has to be a show of just one day and time.

[@MegaMagicdog]

He could be a social media influencer (or trying to be)and struggling with YT's "rules", the hyper sensitivity of wokies, getting potentially cancelled, I think it's possible. People with social media accounts can have millions of followers so Jay could be one of those trying to get to his 2,000th!

[@scottmcfadyen293]

@@MegaMagicdog You see it too how The Critic could be brought back. i like your thinking !

[@christopheranthony2468]

Watching this show in my youth was great and seeing it again brings back some great memories. As much as I liked and watched this show there were still some interesting things I learned here. Excellent video!

[@anthonycerulli5524]

This show was sooooo good! This and Duckman

[@skyhunter2816]

A classic that rings louder now than ever before.

[@jmarx3943]

I enjoyed this series overall, but it was hit or miss for me. When it missed, it fell flat. When it hit, it knocked it out of the park and was hysterical. Still miss it though.

[@RosalieHendricks-z7l]

Such an underrated show.. Any episode with Orson Wells was absolute GOLD.

[@cadillacdeville5828]

Oh, j vaguely remember that..i was about 9 years old 😊.

[@zainmudassir2964]

Jay's relationship with Alice was sweet. Really goes in nuances of being single parent with kids

[@selfdo]

Jay himself was a single parent, even w/o Alice (and Penny, and I really liked them both), there were plenty of "nuances", but from a DAD's perspective of trying to be one to his son, especially with an ex that shows him no respect and a court system that regards him as nothing more than an ATM.

[@grapeshot]

DT the Drunken Terrestrial

[@KW160]

The character Doris was voiced by Doris Grau, who also played Lunchlady Doris on The Simpsons. RIP.

[@asleeptime8134]

Thank you for making this video. More folks need to be aware of this awesome show.

[@goblinoidfilms7119]

I loved this show, as did most my college crew. Had no idea there were so few episodes! Damn shame

[@lisahoshowsky4251]

This unlocked my memory of this show!

[@AdamMann3D]

I'm 44, I loved the Critic. His boss was amazing.