The Critic

Watch The Critic

  • TV-14
  • 1994
  • 2 Seasons
  • 7.9  (9,212)

The Critic is an animated television show that aired on Fox from 1994-1995 and then was picked up by Comedy Central from 1995-1997. The show followed the life of Jay Sherman, a film critic who worked for a New York newspaper. Jay was voiced by Jon Lovitz, who also created the show with Al Jean and Mike Reiss.

The premise of the show was simple. Jay Sherman would review movies and offer his opinions on them. Most of the films he reviewed were terrible, and he was not shy about sharing his thoughts on them. The show would also occasionally parody famous movies, like "Jurassic Park" and "Star Wars."

The show's humor was often self-deprecating, focusing on Jay's failed relationships and his insecurities. Jay was a divorced father with a young son, Marty, who he cared for deeply. His relationships with women were often rocky, and he struggled to find someone who understood him.

Jay also had a complicated relationship with his boss, Duke Phillips. Duke was a billionaire who owned the newspaper that employed Jay. Duke often used Jay's reviews to manipulate the film industry to his advantage. Despite this, Jay and Duke shared a unique bond, and there was a sense of affection between the two.

The show featured several recurring characters, including Jay's makeup artist, Doris Grossman, who was voiced by Christine Cavanaugh. Doris was overweight and often the recipient of fat jokes from Jay, but she was also one of Jay's closest friends. A recurring plotline involved Jay trying to set Doris up with a man who could appreciate her for who she was.

Another notable character was Marty, Jay's son. Marty was voiced by Nick Jameson and was often the voice of reason for his father. Marty was an intelligent, curious child who loved spending time with his dad. He was also the source of much of Jay's angst, as he struggled to balance his career with his responsibilities as a father.

Jay's love interests were also recurring characters on the show. Several times, he dated Alice Tompkins, a woman who worked at the newspaper with him. Alice was voiced by Judith Ivey and was a single mother herself, with a son named Jeremy. Though Jay and Alice had chemistry, their relationship was always turbulent.

The most memorable aspect of the show was its parodies of famous films. The Critic was not afraid to skewer Hollywood and its excesses. In one episode, Jay reviews a film called "It's A Wonderful Life: The Lost Ending," which was a spoof of the beloved holiday classic. In another, he reviews a film called "Flesh Gordon 2: The Forbidden Dimension," which poked fun at the softcore adult film industry.

The animation style of The Critic was unique. The show was animated using traditional hand-drawn techniques, but the characters were often drawn in exaggerated proportions. This gave the show a cartoonish feel that was a departure from other shows like The Simpsons or Family Guy.

The Critic was critically acclaimed but struggled to find an audience. Fox canceled the show after one season, but Comedy Central picked it up for two more seasons. Despite this, the show was still ultimately canceled in 1997.

In conclusion, The Critic was a clever, witty show that was ahead of its time. While it may have struggled to find an audience when it first aired, it has gained a cult following in the years since its cancellation. The show's humor was sharp, and its characters were well-rounded and surprisingly relatable. The show's blend of movie parodies and self-deprecating humor made it a standout in the crowded world of animated sitcoms. Fans of the show remember it fondly and consider it one of the best animated comedies of the 1990s.

The Critic is a series that ran for 2 seasons (23 episodes) between January 26, 1994 and on Fox

The Critic
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Seasons
I Can't Believe It's a Clip Show
10. I Can't Believe It's a Clip Show
May 21, 1995
Jay is hosting an anniversary show at Carnegie Hall and is taken hostage. He starts showing clips while he awaits rescue.
Dukerella
9. Dukerella
May 14, 1995
Randa, Alice's sister, comes from LA, hoping to find a husband. She zeros in on Duke.
Frankie and Ellie Get Lost
8. Frankie and Ellie Get Lost
May 7, 1995
Jay finds out that his parents are lost at sea and he is now in charge of their fortune.
Sherman of Arabia
7. Sherman of Arabia
April 30, 1995
Jay tells his friends about the time he was trapped in Iraq during the Gulf War.
All the Duke's Men
6. All the Duke's Men
April 23, 1995
Duke decides to run for President and asks Jay to write his speeches.
From Chunk to Hunk
5. From Chunk to Hunk
April 2, 1995
Marty looses weight and becomes popular at school and Jay is threatened after giving a bad review to an actor.
A Song for Margo
4. A Song for Margo
March 26, 1995
Margo falls for a rock star and Jay decides to help find a preschool for Penny.
Lady Hawke
3. Lady Hawke
March 19, 1995
Alice becomes jealous when Jeremy's sister begins to show interest in Jay.
Siskel & Ebert & Jay & Alice
2. Siskel & Ebert & Jay & Alice
March 12, 1995
When Siskel and Ebert part ways, Jay becomes the top candidate as a new parter for both of them.
Sherman, Woman, and Child
1. Sherman, Woman, and Child
March 5, 1995
Jay softens his heart to take in a single mother and her child, this leads to romance.
Description
Where to Watch The Critic
The Critic is available for streaming on the Fox website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Critic on demand at , Crackle and Tubi TV.
  • Premiere Date
    January 26, 1994
  • IMDB Rating
    7.9  (9,212)