The Critic (1994)
The animated comedy where every film gets the same verdict from New York’s most opinionated critic: “It stinks!”
The Critic - Series Information
- Original Title: The Critic
- First Air Year: 1994
- Last Air Year: 1995
- Created by: Mike Reiss, Al Jean
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Comedy, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (22 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 23
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: January 26, 1994 (United States - TV-PG), January 26, 1994 (France - NR)
- Networks: ABC, FOX
- Alternative Titles: The Critic (US)
- Production Companies: Gracie Films, Film Roman, Columbia Pictures Television
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Critic - Plot
Jay Sherman is a TV movie critic who is forced to review the most pathetic films which he always rates as “It stinks.” In addition to the film parodies, the show also deals with his personal life: working for a tyrannical media mogul boss, his lovelife and his family.
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The Critic - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Mike Reiss
- Al Jean
Main Cast
- Jon Lovitz
- Christine Cavanaugh
- Charles Napier
- Judith Ivey
- Gerrit Graham
- Nancy Cartwright
- Doris Grau
- Maurice LaMarche
- Nick Jameson
- Park Overall
Writers
- Steve Tompkins
- Al Jean
- Mike Reiss
- Jon Vitti
- Richard Doctorow
The Critic - FAQs
What is The Critic animated series about?
The Critic centers on Jay Sherman, a pompous New York film critic whose go-to verdict for nearly every movie he reviews is “It stinks!” Beyond the sharp Hollywood parodies, the show explores his chaotic family life, romantic misadventures, and his fraught relationship with his overbearing media mogul boss, Duke Phillips.
Who voices Jay Sherman in The Critic?
Jon Lovitz brings Jay Sherman to life with his signature pompous charm. Lovitz’s theatrical delivery perfectly captures the character’s self-important yet oddly lovable personality. The supporting cast includes Nancy Cartwright, best known as Bart Simpson, voicing Margo Sherman, and Maurice LaMarche as the flamboyant Australian actor Jeremy Hawke.
Where can you stream The Critic for free?
The Critic is available to stream for free on Tubi TV with ads, as well as on Plex and the Plex Channel at no cost. These platforms make it easy to revisit Jay Sherman’s scathing reviews without spending a dime.
Who created The Critic TV series?
The Critic was created by Mike Reiss and Al Jean, two veteran writers who honed their craft on The Simpsons. Their background in sharp satirical comedy is evident throughout the show’s rapid-fire pop culture parodies, witty wordplay, and affectionate skewering of Hollywood excess and the film criticism world.
Why was The Critic cancelled after two seasons?
The Critic ran for two seasons across ABC and FOX before being cancelled in 1995, largely due to modest ratings despite a devoted cult following. FOX moved the show mid-run, disrupting its audience. Though short-lived with just 23 episodes, it has since earned a passionate fanbase and lasting recognition as an underappreciated gem of 1990s animation.
Is The Critic connected to The Simpsons?
The Critic shares deep creative DNA with The Simpsons. Creators Mike Reiss and Al Jean were both showrunners on The Simpsons, and several writers overlapped between the two shows. Jay Sherman even made a memorable guest appearance in the Simpsons episode “A Star Is Burns,” though Matt Groening famously distanced himself from that crossover.
How was The Critic received by critics and audiences?
The Critic earned warm praise from television critics who admired its rapid-fire wit and clever movie parodies, though it never found a wide mainstream audience during its original run. Over time, its reputation has grown considerably, and it is now widely celebrated as one of the sharpest and most inventive animated comedies of the 1990s.
What animated shows are similar to The Critic?
Fans of The Critic tend to enjoy Futurama for its smart satirical humor, Animaniacs for its pop culture-packed comedy, and Robot Chicken for its irreverent parody style. Close Enough and Central Park also carry that same spirit of witty adult animation with strong character-driven storytelling at their core.
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