Apple TV Strikes Again: Platonic S1 Review

In an alternate world, a much worse title for this newsletter might've been “Maurice3 never watches movies”. Name a popular movie, and there is a 95% chance I have not seen it. Pre-2015 adult movies is especially a blind spot, which in general is fine. I’m a TV kind of guy. But it’s also, you know, the entirety of Seth Rogen’s career.

For some cosmic reason, also known as Zach Efron, I did end up watching Neighbors. So hearing Seth and Rose Byrne were going to reunite in an Apple TV+ almost 10 years later made me very excited. And to be honest, I couldn’t always feel the chemistry between the two stars. But Platonic is a fun show, and its scenarios are wacky enough to deserve a watch!

Platonic is a fun look at two chaotic people, at very different stages of their lives. United by the common thread of being in the thick of a mid-life crisis. Sylvia (Rose Byrne) is a mother of 3 who put her career on the back burner for her now self-sustaining kids. And Will (Seth Rogen) is a freshly divorced man in his 40’s that is still not ready to grow up.

The differences in their lifestyles comes out in an undertone of competition. A lot of the time when Sylvia and Will are talking, well to be fair most of their talking is arguing. It feels like they are holding back the fact that they think they’re lifestyle is better. I felt like it stopped me from fully realizing their chemistry together. But it made them feel more real, added nuance to their relationship.

Speaking of their relationship, its fun one. To put it simply: Sylvia and Will bring out the YOLO in each other. It's prone to yelling and borderline public disturbance. Plus, Seth Rogen is a master of F-bombs, and spares no expense sliding them into every conversation. But behind all the fighting and the burns, they do care for each other. And show growth in learning how and when to call each other out.

The best part of the show is the side characters. Part of this is due to the wacky situations Will and Sylvia get each other into. Like Will dating someone in their early 20’s. Or Sylvia trying to get her husband's boss to remember her name. And part of it is due to Platonic’s good balance between showing them together versus apart. The time apart fills in the individual lives of Sylvia and will, making it time well spent. It's where you get to connect with them, and where the side characters keep you laughing.

Shoutout to Charlie for being a caring and understanding partner! Omar and Katie are hilarious, and props to the totally 29 year old Alan! Finally, the end was so sweet, I’m a sucker for a relationship montage and it Platonic’s pays off.

Platonic is a fun watch, the F-bomb filled dialogue flows freely between Rose and Seth. The side characters are a hoot and the ending is so sweet it brought tears to my eyes. Not the best Apple TV+ comedy but with only 30 minute episodes, definitely worth a lazy weekend binge.

Currently Watching: Unicorn Warriors Eternal, Secret Invasion, City on Fire, My Adventures with Superman, Kizazi Moto, Drops of God, Full Circle

Check out my watchlist here
Feel free to suggest stuff on my twitter @maurice_3_