- Network: HULU
- Series Premiere Date: Sep 16, 2021
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Critic Reviews
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While it’s clear that Novak has a take on the big topics, his script largely serves as a canvas for a cadre of quick-witted, deliciously entertaining characters—played by titans like Lucas Hedges, Jon Bernthal, Daniel Dae-Kim, Kaitlyn Dever, and Tracee Ellis Ross. ... The script twists around drama-comedy corners in an altogether promising showcase of dexterity.
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The new FX on Hulu anthology series “The Premise” is problematic but has promise. ... While some chapters are told in broad, mostly comedic strokes that result in hit-and-miss storytelling, the most effective episodes play out in more dramatic and realistic fashion. ... The most powerful episode in the series is “Moment of Silence,” with Jon Bernthal giving one of the most effective performances of his career as Chase Milbrandt
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Some will accuse Novak of taking easy swings at low-hanging piñatas about to burst with mockable topics, and he’s already been scolded for doing so from a privileged perspective, with symbolic more than fully fleshed-out characters. Regardless, the premises within “The Premise” yield stories crafted with care and played-out with sincere commitment — even when it’s all in the service of snide irony.
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One thing all five episodes have in common: They’re smart, thought-provoking and worth watching.
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"The Premise" is the rare type of anthology that's far more hit than miss—if one piece of an episode doesn't work, there's something else happening on screen that will keep you watching.
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The ultimate worthiness of The Premise taking up your time is going to be based on your individual patience level for uneven storytelling. And that’s a shaky premise to build a series upon.