Starstruck (2021)

In addition to the sharp wit of the series that leads to many laugh-out-loud moments, “Starstruck” is elevated by its pacing and use of time. .... “Starstruck” gets to the heart of what makes life such a mindfuck.

And although the show stumbles occasionally in this third outing—Patel is sadly underutilized, and Macfadyen’s charm must occasionally cover for thin character beats—its heartfelt honesty continues to shine through.

This time around, the show also has more distinct fall vibes, with one episode even revolving around a friend-cation booked in a countryside cottage, but don't mistake the cozy aesthetic as a sign of more relaxed storytelling. Instead, Starstruck seems poised to redefine both itself and its winsome leading lady once again, just as it did when it stole our hearts all the way back in Season 1.

It’s not perfect, but the right balance of glee, melancholy, and realism makes it a standout modern-day rom-com.

I’m increasingly unsure about Jessie and Tom’s viability even as an odd couple (they’ve got all the sexual chemistry of stewed chai), but Starstruck remains a slow-burn treat.

While we wonder if the Jessie-Tom relationship cycle is getting a bit old, we still find Starstruck a warm and funny show, with Matafeo leading a confidently funny ensemble.

By the end of these transitional six episodes, Starstruck has become a better – more interesting, more relatable, more affecting – show, one that no longer revolves around its original premise, but instead deals in distinctly un-gimmicky reflections on life's trajectory.