In all that time, Ebert and Siskel never reviewed a television series except for one major occasion.
That review was for the short-lived animated seriesThe Critic,which was ironically about a movie critic’s life.
Created byAl JeanandMike Reiss,The Criticfollows New York movie critic Jay Sherman (Jon Lovitz).
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He even had his own catchphrase: “It stinks!”
Butwhat did Siskel and Ebert think of the show?The answer’s a bit complicated.
Siskel felt thatThe Critichad far fewer memorable characters thanThe Simpsons, which Jean and Reiss previously worked on.
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But the mix of Jay’s personal and professional life is what makesThe Criticsuch a great watch.
It’s no wonder Jean and Reiss consider this to beone of their favorite episodesofThe Critic.
Totally rad thumbs up.
It was cancelled after two seasonsbutearned a reappraisal years later.
It was a hit show, and they just canceled it.
I’ve been trying to do it again ever since, and they tell me it’s complicated.
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It’s rather fitting that it was the only TV show they ever reviewed and guest-starred in.
