Running Wilde

Watch Running Wilde

  • TV-14
  • 2010
  • 1 Season
  • 6.8  (3,267)

Running Wilde was a short-lived comedy series that aired on FOX from 2010 to 2011. Created by Mitchell Hurwitz (who also created Arrested Development), the show starred Will Arnett as Steve Wilde, a wealthy, irresponsible playboy who has spent most of his life partying and avoiding any kind of responsibility. Keri Russell played Emmy Kadubic, Steve's former crush and now the head of a rainforest conservation group. The two are brought together when Steve's father, an oil tycoon played by Jeffrey Tambor, offers Emmy a large sum of money to stop her rainforest project.

The rest of the ensemble includes Jayne Houdyshell as Steve's loyal and overbearing assistant, Robert Michael Morris as Steve's (closeted) neighbor, Peter Serafinowicz as Steve's eccentric best friend, Mel Rodriguez as Emmy's dependable and down-to-earth colleague, Stefania Owen as Puddle, Steve's neglected and overlooked daughter, and Drea de Matteo as Steve's ex-girlfriend who still carries a torch for him.

The show was a zany and irreverent take on traditional sitcoms, with rapid-fire jokes and physical comedy. It often incorporated absurdist humor and running gags, which were a hallmark of Hurwitz's other work. Despite its strong cast and creative team, Running Wilde struggled to gain a following and was cancelled after just one season.

One of the show's strongest elements was its unique and colorful setting. The Wilde family mansion was a sprawling and opulent estate filled with bizarre artwork, exotic animals, and endless supplies of alcohol. The rainforest project, which Emmy was trying to save, was also vividly depicted, with lush greenery and vibrant wildlife. The show made great use of its location in capturing the eccentricity and excess of the characters' lifestyles.

The central romantic relationship between Steve and Emmy was a driving force of the show, though it was far from traditional. Steve was hopelessly in love with Emmy from afar, but when they finally reconnected, Emmy was both repulsed and intrigued by his boorish behavior. Their chemistry was often explosive, with Arnett and Russell displaying excellent comedic timing and sharp banter.

Running Wilde was also notable for its commentary on environmentalism and corporate greed. Emmy's rainforest project was a pointed critique of capitalist exploitation, with Steve and his father serving as the villains. The show tackled serious issues with a light touch, but it did not shy away from making its point.

One of the weak points of the show was its reliance on repetitive gags and one-note characters. Steve's immature behavior and Emmy's uptightness were entertaining at first, but over time they became predictable and stale. The supporting characters often felt underutilized, and some of their quirks bordered on caricature. While the show was undoubtedly funny, it lacked the depth and nuance of Hurwitz's previous work.

Overall, Running Wilde was a fun and offbeat sitcom that showcased a talented cast and creative team. Its cancellation was disappointing, but it remains a cult favorite among fans of Hurwitz and Arnett. While the show's humor may not be for everyone, those who appreciate absurdity and irreverence will find plenty to enjoy.

Running Wilde is a series that ran for 1 seasons (14 episodes) between September 21, 2010 and on FOX

Running Wilde
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Seasons
Basket Cases
13. Basket Cases
May 21, 2011
In the series finale, Steve becomes suspicious of his father when he asks Emmy to be in charge of the cleanup efforts of an oil spill.
The Pre-Nup
12. The Pre-Nup
May 14, 2011
Though Emmy isn't interested in becoming Steve's wife, she signs a prenup to prove she's not after his money. The prenup proves to be a financial pitfall for Steve.
Alienated
11. Alienated
May 5, 2011
Emmy thinks Steve has abused his friendship with Migo, and sends Migo off to pursue his dream of painting. Steve, lost without Migo, decides to help Emmy with one of her causes, illegal immigration. But Steve accidentally supports the wrong side.
Jack's Back
10. Jack's Back
April 28, 2011
Steve's excitement quickly turns to envy when a former fraternity brother arrives at the mansion and impresses Emmy.
One Forward Step
9. One Forward Step
December 26, 2010
Ironically, Steve's stepmom arrives at Wilde Mansion to stop Steve's excessive spending - on the day Steve plans to announce he is bankrolling Emmy's new non-profit.
It's a Trade-Off
8. It's a Trade-Off
December 7, 2010
Thinking their own lives are more complicated than each other's, Steve and Emmy take a walk in each other shoes, leaving Steve in charge of Puddle and Emmy socializing the night away to impress a powerful magazine editor.
Mental Flaws
7. Mental Flaws
November 30, 2010
When Steve invites Emmy to a charity ball, she attempts to prove to him that there is more to a woman than her outside appearance.
Best Man
6. Best Man
November 9, 2010
Steve and Andy's rivalry for Emmy's affection makes Steve inadvertently hold an elaborate Renaissance fairy tale wedding for his adversary and the woman he loves.
The Party
5. The Party
October 19, 2010
Steve tries to prove to Emmy he can be less extravagant by throwing an environmentally friendly soiree.
The Junior Affair
4. The Junior Affair
October 12, 2010
When Puddle's boyfriend breaks up with her right before the school's fall formal, Steve and Emmy each decide to try to help the kids make up....but both are unsuccessful.
Oil & Water
3. Oil & Water
October 5, 2010
To impress Emmy, Steve vows to quit his job at Wilde Oil. Meanwhile, Puddle gets some unusual help on her science fair project, and Fa'ad gets locked in a vodka cellar.
Into the Wilde
2. Into the Wilde
September 28, 2010
Steve plans to take Emmy and Puddle on a family vacation; Emmy's fiance (David Cross) visits.
Pilot - Wilde's Kingdom
1. Pilot - Wilde's Kingdom
September 21, 2010
Steve Wilde is a filthy-rich, immature playboy whose quest is to win the heart of his childhood sweetheart, a liberal humanitarian.
Sneak Peak, Trailer, Show Preview
0. Sneak Peak, Trailer, Show Preview
 
Take a look at "Running Wilde", a romantic comedy airing this fall.
Description
Where to Watch Running Wilde
Running Wilde is available for streaming on the FOX website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Running Wilde on demand at Amazon, Vudu, Google Play, Apple TV, Tubi TV and Plex.
  • Premiere Date
    September 21, 2010
  • IMDB Rating
    6.8  (3,267)