I just watched my favourite episode of TV this year – and it wasn't what I expected
The Studio's pilot blew me away


I watch a lot of TV – there's no two ways around it, if you're going to write as much about the best streaming services and platforms as I do. It means that I get through a lot of content, but I like to think that I've retained a sense of my own taste.
I can still judge when something isn't up to snuff, and if a show doesn't hit the right notes, then I'll happily bin it off to find something that does. Every so often, though, I'll watch something new that zaps me with a bolt of metaphorical electricity.
That sort of jolt is exactly what Apple TV+ hit me with as I sat down to start The Studio, the new Seth Rogen show it's been trailing for months. I can't remember enjoying an episode of TV that much in ages, and it's left me craving more episodes – which is tough since they're coming out weekly from now on.
The opening 45-minute episode of The Studio follows Rogen's character Matt as he arrives at work to discover that upheaval is happening. His studio, Continental, is changing, and his biggest mentor has been given the hoof. It's his time to step into the limelight, to potentially make the arthouse movies he's always loved.
Except he's going to have to figure out how to make a movie about Kool-Aid first. The best comedies have a sense of momentum to their episodes, and the way this pilot builds up is terrific – weaving in new characters and real-life figures (hello, Martin Scorsese) who all tie in eventually.
Stop if you don't want spoilers, but by the time Matt's realising that the only way to keep his new job is to kill the passion project that he just bought from Scorsese, I was loving every single line of dialogue. It's not that it was so intricate, but that build-up was really well-executed.
Plus, of course, it looks pretty gorgeous, in classic Apple TV+ style, and I basically can't wait for more. I hoovered up the second, much shorter episode (also great), and now have to sit on my hands each week in anticipation of further fun. I knew this one looked exciting, and now I might have found my favourite show of the year. Its pilot episode is certainly my favourite episode in ages.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Max is T3's Staff Writer for the Tech section – with years of experience reporting on tech and entertainment. He's also a gaming expert, both with the games themselves and in testing accessories and consoles, having previously flexed that expertise at Pocket-lint as a features editor.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
-
This affordable Android phone impressed me more than a budget Samsung
The direct successor to Nothing's best-selling phone to date loses out on the Pro's telephoto camera – but does try something new with the Essential Key
By Alex Walker-Todd Published
-
I love Nintendo for bringing back kooky gaming cameras for the Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2 Camera is mad
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
I've read every Reacher book, but this season hasn't hooked me
Not quite floating my boat
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Did Netflix just reinvent Black Mirror as a comedy series?
Bad Thoughts looks unique
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Amazon Prime Video in April: 5 unmissable shows and movies coming soon
The streamer has a lot lined up
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Netflix's new show Ransom Canyon is coming for Yellowstone's lunch money
It's precision-targeted
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Netflix in April: 5 top movies and shows coming to the streamer
Here's what you can't miss this month
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Apple TV+ has a new show coming that looks impossibly sexy
Carême oozes a sense of fun
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
I physically cannot wait for Disney+'s best sci-fi show to return
Andor needs to be out already
By Max Freeman-Mills Last updated
-
Netflix's new comedy has some massive stars – and a surprise twist
The Four Seasons will be a time-lapse
By Max Freeman-Mills Published