There's... Johnny!

:

Season 1
  • Network: HULU
  • Series Premiere Date: Aug 24, 2017
Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6

Critic Reviews

  1. IndieWire
    Reviewed by: Steve Greene
    Nov 16, 2017
    83
    There’s…Johnny! is unabashedly a tribute, filtered through the glow of fondness for a time gone by. Not without its second-guessing, there’s still a lovely underpinning of specificity that finds some honesty among the nostalgia.
  2. The Lincoln Journal Star
    Reviewed by: Jeff Korbelik
    Nov 14, 2017
    75
    The opening is a groaner, but after that it’s a wonderful journey back to an era when Carson was king.
  3. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    Nov 14, 2017
    73
    Co-created by Paul Reiser (“Mad About You”) and David Steven Simon (“The Wayans Bros.”), there’s a warmth to the “There’s Johnny” pilot that’s extremely appealing, especially in an era of cold, cynical comedies.
  5. Sioux City Journal
    Reviewed by: Bruce Miller
    Dec 6, 2017
    50
    [Johnny Carson is] such a presence, it’s hard to concentrate on what happens to those in his employ. Had Reiser and Green made him less vital to the story (even to the point of eliminating the clips), “There’s Johnny” might be a better look at those who worked so hard to win his favor. Now it’s just another journey down “42nd Street” and all the potholes it has to offer.
  6. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Tim Goodman
    Nov 16, 2017
    50
    While the original clips certainly make the concept interesting, the actual series suffers from a big divide in tone. And when you see the divide, you might end up wanting the show that's not there.
  7. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Chris Barton
    Nov 15, 2017
    50
    The backstage antics could make for a satisfying enough escape except for the show’s clunky attempts to engage the real world.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
5.9

Mixed or average reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 9
  3. Negative: 2 out of 9
  1. panosAK
    Nov 21, 2017
    10
    This show will end up being one of Hulu's hidden gems im sure. Every now and then people will stumble on 'There's...Johnny' and if they giveThis show will end up being one of Hulu's hidden gems im sure. Every now and then people will stumble on 'There's...Johnny' and if they give it a chance they will end up making a very heartfelt travel back to the glory days of Late Night with Johnny.

    The story however doesn't focus on Johnny Carson himself as much as it focuses on the behind the scenes and the story of Andy (Ian Nelson) and Joy (Jane Levy ) the show's assistant talent coordinator.

    Levy gives a hell of a performance in this one with the show taking it up a notch everytime she is on screen proving once again how vastly underutilized her talents have been by Hollywood.

    Andy is more of a blank slate (by design) but Ian Nelson sells his naive and "too nice" attitude perfectly.

    A lot of laughs, a lot of emotions, great performances...

    Overall There's...Johnny is a heartfelt dramedy that is definitely worth a watch.    … Full Review »
  2. AlexanderTheMeh
    Aug 23, 2018
    9
    Most criticism I've seen addresses protagonist Andy's (Ian Nelson) weak characterization, and the show's unimpressive attempts at connectingMost criticism I've seen addresses protagonist Andy's (Ian Nelson) weak characterization, and the show's unimpressive attempts at connecting fictional plot with the real world. I'd argue, though, that the writers are not entirely at fault; the show's premise and setup are inherent transgressions of the modern television show formula. Between the fact that we, as the audience, don't get to spend much time with the characters on screen (about 3 hours), and that Andy resembles nothing of any modern protagonist, critics have labeled Andy an unsucessful attempt at creating a believable protagonist. In truth, creator Paul Reiser took a risk in introducing an unconventional protagonist by today's standards (conventional in 1970) to really enhance the show's nostalgic qualities. Most viewers of on-demand streaming services like its network Hulu and its original network, what is now the defunct debacle that is Seeso, are too young to feel nostalgic for something they never experienced. Most contemporary period dramas like AMC's Mad Men feature anachronistic modern characters. Andy is very much a 70s character in a 70s setting, and not a modern character in a 70s setting. Naturally, then, the show's attempts at linking Andy with the real world fail, because the viewer simply can't relate with Andy. Still, I think it's refreshing to see a change, for once, in a television era dominated by dark, jaded, and overly pessimistic protagonists.

    On the opposite end, Jane Levy's fantastic portrayal of Joy Greenfield features a very modern character dealing with very modern issues. When Joy is on the screen, There's...Johnny is at its best. The show does a pretty good job with the writing as a whole, but Joy's story arcs and relationships are especially captivating. It's really a shame she doesn't receive more screen time.

    Other than that, the show is competently directed, well written, and wonderfully performed (especially Jane Levy and Tony Danza). It's really unfortunate that, with Seeso's untimely demise, There's...Johnny doesn't get the attention it deserves. For a show with only roughly 3 hours of runtime, I'd definitely recommend There's...Johnny for an afternoon binge watch.    … Full Review »
  3. Sunburndmg
    Nov 22, 2017
    7
    Its a good show but not great. The acting could use some improvements and cinematography aswell. What shines is the comedy and writing. PutIts a good show but not great. The acting could use some improvements and cinematography aswell. What shines is the comedy and writing. Put this on late at night when you want to relax and be entertained but dont expect your mind to be blown.… Full Review »
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