When Jon Lovitz appears on screen or in cartoon character form (with good writing), the results are hilarity. Why? Because Jon is a talented performer--he can act and sing. But he's best at playing a nebbishy guy that isn't terribly lovable. It worked in the Benchwarmers, it worked in A League of Their Own, and it certainly worked in The Critic. When you steal a few Simpsons writers and actors, change the skin color of the characters, and make the humor more entertainment themed, you basically have this cartoon. Certainly those in the "Tribe" religion will also get some more of the jokes--like when Lovitz's Jay Sherman sings in Yiddish, but nevertheless The Critic was an unfortunate victim of ABC and FOX's quick dismissal of this very funny and underrated show.
I will note one thing about The Critic's DVD (there were so few episodes made, the DVDs are all in one purchase): why wouldn't Lovitz be in the commentary? He was in the commentary for The Simpsons episode when Jay Sherman was on the Simpsons! And that episode's commentary was mostly focused on The Critic TV show! I don't get it. BTW--that commentary was also too funny. Lovitz unsuccessfully flirting with the episode's director, numerous product references for Jim Brooks (of which Lovitz had no stake in), and merciless mocking of Simpsons writers Al Jean and Mike Reiss. Too funny.
I will note one thing about The Critic's DVD (there were so few episodes made, the DVDs are all in one purchase): why wouldn't Lovitz be in the commentary? He was in the commentary for The Simpsons episode when Jay Sherman was on the Simpsons! And that episode's commentary was mostly focused on The Critic TV show! I don't get it. BTW--that commentary was also too funny. Lovitz unsuccessfully flirting with the episode's director, numerous product references for Jim Brooks (of which Lovitz had no stake in), and merciless mocking of Simpsons writers Al Jean and Mike Reiss. Too funny.