Platonic (TV Series 2023– ) Poster

(2023– )

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8/10
Rogen and Byrne are great together
Supermanfan-1321 June 2023
As a Seth Rogen fan I've been looking forward to Platonic ever since I first heard about it. I loved Rogen and Rose Byrne in Neighbors so I had high expectations for this. Well, it not only met those expectations but surpassed them in every way. I know a lot of people say that Rogen always plays the same character and that's true to a point but I and many others find him very funny. Almost everything he's in does well at the box office. This is first tv show since Freaks and Geeks and that was before he became a movie star. Usually, A-List celebrities like these two don't do tv shows unless it's something really good. I'm looking forward to seeing more of this show.
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8/10
As a Rogen fan I liked it
Rob133114 June 2023
Platonic was everything I hoped it would be. It's about two former best friends (Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne) who are both having mid life concerns about their lives and after years of not talking because of a fight they come together and make up. From there it's like they are kids again and up to all the same stuff. It's a very funny show and should please any Rogen and Byrne fan. What I don't understand is the people who don't like Rogen watching it and then leaving a bad review. If you don't like Rogen's comedy then why watch in the first place? Just to leave a negative review? Anyway, I hope this is more than a limited series and they do a few more seasons.
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8/10
Thought it would be boring, but I was dying of laughter
amb-4458210 June 2023
I will preface this review with the fact that I love Seth Rogan, he's about my age, and Superbad came out when I was in college, so I'm a fan of his humor. I find the storyline of show super relatable, and although I found the first couple episodes a bit bland, the last few had me dying of laughter! All the good TV shows as of late have been dramas and serious storylines, and honestly, this show is such a breath of fresh air. I hope Apple TV invests in some more top notch comedies like this one. I also hope Seth Rogan does more acting again! I'm already 5 episodes in, but I hope it's a long season, because I don't want it to end!
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Not exactly cohesive
Bartozzi2 June 2023
It's okay; not terrible, and occasionally genuinely funny.

The script leans quite a bit on snappy banter (including when the characters are texting at unrealistic, overlapping lightning speed) and imo Rogan just isn't up to the task. In any case, some of it feels forced.

The direction has a tendency to gloss over or press forward in tone and pace in a way that often feels a bit careless and not cohesive. I'm sure some people didn't notice or mind what I perceived, but different strokes, eh?

And... generally, it again just doesn't feel cohesive. Subtle, genuine moments smack into exaggerated moments crash into trying-too-hard moments. And none of it is original, markedly creative, or even all that witty.
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6/10
Great Start, boring Ending
twentytenfinearts13 July 2023
The show, overall, was quite enjoyable. It featured great actors, captivating scenes, and witty dialogue, which made it a delightful experience from start to finish. However, when it came to the final episode, I couldn't help but feel let down. It was incredibly dull and lacked any substantial impact. It seemed like the creators were determined not to polarize or upset anyone, but in doing so, they missed an opportunity to deliver a strong ending.

It's truly a shame that the show didn't conclude with the same strength it had throughout its run. The lackluster finale left me wanting more, and it failed to leave a lasting impression. I had hoped for a conclusion that would resonate with the audience and stay true to the show's initial brilliance. Unfortunately, that was not the case.

While the show had many positive aspects, its weak final episode prevented it from reaching its full potential. It's always disappointing when a promising series concludes on a disappointing note, leaving viewers longing for something more impactful and memorable.
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9/10
Instead of stereotypes, human beings
AuVid12 June 2023
Wow! The BEST thing about this series (so far) is the writing.

They throw in a whole bunch of characters that, in a different "modern" series, would get the annoying stereotypical treatment: "the drunk", "the adulterer", "the manchild", "the bored housewife", "the friend", "the gay coworker", etc, etc.

Instead, in this one, they are developed like human beings; each one with their own feelings and their own behavior. Each one with good qualities, but also flaws, bad behavior. Keeps you constantly guessing what is it about to happen and, at the same time, feels incredibly relatable.

Production value, acting, everything else is also great (as per Apple standards).

Conclusion: hands down a great series to watch; alone or together (even better).
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7/10
Binge-worthy comedy on relationships
Matt-Canalcon25 May 2023
Sure, it's nothing special in terms of recipe, but the final dish is refreshingly sweet and honest.

Platonic is a mostly feel-good and charming look at adult relationships, friendship and midlife crisis shenanigans with Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen's chemistry elevating the material. If you're not into the Seth Rogen brand of humour you might actually be surprised by this performance which shows a more mature Seth Rogen who's still able to pull out some genuinely funny moments of comedy when necessary. In terms of exploration of adulthood, don't expect anything too deep but everything is flowing so smoothly that I ended up watching one episode after the other over two days.

Will (Seth Rogen) just got out of a divorce and is a owner of a brewery while Sylvia (Rose Byrne) is a stay-at-home mom of three kids who's clearly bored with her life, they both end up reconnecting after spending a few years apart. It's a light and entertaining Friday night watch with some good performances all-around. When Rose Byrne channels her inner comedic side she can be effortlessly hilarious and it's almost as if Seth Rogen brings out the best of her which allows her to unleash her wild side.

I got attach to them pretty quickly thanks also to the writing which is not flashy but can be clever at times. It wins you over with the smaller moments that speaks volume. Maybe it's because I just hit my 30's or maybe it's because I always liked Seth Rogen, but this resonated with me without saying I was emotionally moved by the series it does get you hooked with the blend of drama and comedy, all thanks to Byrne and Rogen's charms and wits.

I just think this works without being special or ground-breaking, it immediately becomes some sort of comfort food. In some ways, this might've benefited from the whole season dropping the same day but the first three episodes will be releasing on May 24th. It might lose some people along the way with the week-to-week format. By the end of the series, I was a bit underwhelmed by the finale, it left me wanting more. I still think it was a good watch overall.
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9/10
Great
DVK123413 August 2023
Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne are so great together in this show about life long friendships and acceptance. There were so many times I laughed out loud. I wish I had a friend like they were to each other, they accepted the other no matter what, had each other's backs. One of my favourite scenes was when Rose Byrne's character goes back to work at the law office and damages a painting of a partner at the law firm. Seth Rogen trying to fix the damage with her nail polish and some white out, lol!!! Then the finished product - something other than a nose on the face. I loved this show and it was refreshing to see imperfect albeit likeable characters that you really want to succeed! I recommend.
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7/10
Grand reunion among Rose Byrne, Seth Rogen and Nicholas Stoller
paul-allaer6 June 2023
As Episode 1 of "Platonic" (2023 release; 10 episodes ranging between 27 and 33 min each) opens, we are introduced to Sylvia, her husband Charlie an their 3 kids, arguing what to watch. Sylvia then learns on social media that Will, her erstwhile best friend whom she hasn't seen in years, is getting divorced. Charlie encourages her to reach out to Will, to show her support. At this point we are less than 10 minutes into episode 1.

Couple of comments: this marks the grand reunion of director/co-writer Nicholas Stoller, and leads Rose Byrne (as Sylvia) and Seth Rogen (as Will). All three were also on board for the feature film "Neighbors" and its sequel. "Platonic" provides a familiar perspective on the issue of whether members of the opposite sex can be the best friends without, well, the sex. Both Sylvia and Will are flawed, and hence very relatable, characters, with their ups and downs. The chemistry between these two feels natural (or maybe it's just 2 great performers doing what they do well: acting). With episodes being about a half hour, all of this breezes by in no time.

"Platonic" premiered in late May on Apple TV and so far 4 episodes have been released. The remainder 6 episodes are coming on a weekly basis, on Wednesdays. If you are in the mood for a modern relationship comedy, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
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8/10
A lot of bad but also a lot of good
gehete-4094928 May 2023
Many valid criticisms were raised about this show. That it is just another light hearted stoner Seth Rogen production, the netflix version of Neighbours, that the jokes are repetitive, Seth Rogens laugh is annoying, getting old as a manchild-story is not funny anymore and over-hashed etc. Etc.

And to be honest I cannot refute these points. What I can say is that if you are into character comedies with a light tone and consequence free scenarios then you are probably at the right address. Because the chemistry between Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne is irrefutable. Their interactions are just a great watch. Neighbors did something right, and that was to find the right counterpart to Rogen.
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7/10
Rogen and Byrne chemistry makes the show!
filmideewana24 May 2023
Two estranged former best friends meet up again and rekindle their friendship. The plot is simple but what makes it work is the chemistry between Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne - basically if you enjoyed their work in the Neighbor's movies then you will have a pleasant time here. Sure the humor is crude, but that's what makes it stand out from the countless bland sitcoms that currently populate the TV landscape. The first three episodes that launched today are super relaxing and a perfect way to kick your feet up after a long day at work! The only complaint would be that the supporting characters don't really have much of a voice at the moment and I suppose that's perfectly fine as the main focus is on the dynamic between the two leads. It would be super cool if the characters do live up to the title of the show and remain strictly platonic because to be honest there are hardly any shows, comedy or otherwise that feature strong male/female friendships. So yeah, if the humor of the Neighbor's movies are your bag (bonus being this is by the same director of those movies), then stream with confidence.
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9/10
Gave me the laugh I badly needed
annemaree-990743 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This show deserves a much higher score than at present. A bit of context about me. I am starting cancer treatment this week and need a laugh (true story). I have loved watching the final episodes of Succession and Barry but the feel-bad themes have been a bummer. I did not expect much from Platonic but I have been howling with laughter all week instead of crying in my pillow. In short: both characters are reinvigorating an old friendship during their respective mid-life crises. Sylvia (Rose Byrne) has been raising three children for 13 years and lacks confidence to look for work as a lawyer. Will (Seth Rogan) has just been divorced, works in a micro-brewery in LA and his life is at a cross-roads. It is a simple premise but the laughs come from how these two bring out the best and worst in one another. For me the standout scene was when Sylvia tried to act like one of the boys at Will's divorce party. She snorted what she thought was cocaine only to find the white powder was Ketamine. Watching her try and be furious with Will's friends whilst off her dial made me howl with laughter. Rose Byrne is developing into a fine screwball comedienne. I normally find Rogan annoying but I really want to anoint him as an honorary Gen-X slacker.

Some of the criticisms levelled at this series are nit-picky. Rose Byrne's accent sounds exactly like an expat should. I saw someone on Google reviews moaning about Seth Rogan playing on his Jewishness. That comment reminded me of my favourite line in Party Down when Casey (Lizzy Caplan) explained how she failed an acting audition for being 'too Jewy.' The role she went for was Anne Frank.
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6/10
Storyline good but.
gailmck-6222428 May 2023
Rose Byrne is terrific, as usual. A refreshing storyline ruined by casting Seth Rogen as the male lead. Totally miscast, his stupid laugh which pervades every scene. Ever since he was cast in Knocked Up, this guy has driven me nuts. He sounds like a stoner and carry's that through to every part he plays. Seth is typically cast as this sort of person, maybe that is the only type of part he can play. So, for me, this series, which could have been terrific, is totally shadowed by him and his stupid laugh. There are plenty of more younger male actors, who are funny, who could have played this part with better results.
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3/10
Something is really off
jeakin-1755614 June 2023
For a show that leads two big actors, this had a lot of potential. It boils down to the writing, which is awkward and nonsensical and forced the characters into situations that would never happen in real life. Jokes aren't funny and dialogue repeats itself in an unrealistic way. It almost seems as if there should be more involvement from other characters to boost plot points where massive weaknesses are. Humor is almost entirely situational and after every event I am left thinking how this would never happen. On top of that we never had an intro period to understand and feel for the protagonists, so during these silly meaningless oddities we aren't even pulled to feel for the characters position. The show's title and incredibly top line plot probably sound good on paper, but the writing and awkward acting falls embarrassingly flat.

I think it's worse noting that I also really love Seth Rogen. Amidst that love, I can't unsee the terribleness of the show he's in.
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6/10
Fun but not good
hanna_anderson3 June 2023
This show is really fun and I think if you want something enjoyable to watch then you should watch this!!! Tldr I would recommend but I also don't think it's a good show!!

Caveats: every character is annoying. The writing is weak. Sylvia is super annoying by being such a lightweight and that feels like they're making a statement about women, and Will is annoying for being a manchild which not to defend men but also is annoying for its homogenizing men. Also I think in 2023 idk maybe it's realistic but it still is kind of a weird to have a whole show based on the concept that men and women can't be friends. Personally I don't think that's real but I'm also not a 49 year old divorce.

Anyway my overall thought is: the writing isn't great but the acting is good and the concept is fun!
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8/10
Delightful
timmyhollywood11 June 2023
What a great little show. After four episodes, I think it's safe to say this one's a winner. I'm not a huge Seth Rogen fan in particular, and I just know Rose Byrne from a few movies. But as the two friends at the center of this contemporary comedy, they have chemistry. Each episode is written by a different writer, but they all have the same sense of humor, it seems. Nothing feels too contrived, either. Nor does the fact of the main characters friendship overwhelm the stories. It's not until episode four that we deal with Byrne's husband feeling a little jealous, a little left out. And it's resolved, ultimately (spoiler alert?), with communication, love, and understanding. Imagine that.
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8/10
Hilarious and realistic
sweetcandie0084 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I feel this show so much with how I am with my guy friends. It's a different type of friendship sometimes better and worse. Was going to give this a 7 but can't stop thinking about all the feelings it highlighted for me and they really touched a nerve.

**spoiler**

I was very worried this was going to be a trope and they would be clearly in love and end up together, her marriage destroyed. This wasn't the case!!! I think there were drops of love here and there but in general it was realistic and satisfying.

Will and Sylvia also had great chemistry which is crucial considering they're in nearly every scene together.
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7/10
Her accent is slipping
seanhorne27 May 2023
Liking this show but couldn't they just make Rose Byrne's character an Australian import? She keeps slipping in and out of American and Australian accents. That's a bit distracting.

Other than that I'm enjoying the show. The cast is good and the writing is good as well.

Liking this show but couldn't they just make Rose Byrne's character an Australian import? She keeps slipping in and out of American and Australian accents. That's a bit distracting.

Other than that I'm enjoying the show. The cast is good and the writing is good as well.

I'm giving this show 7 stars out of 10... so far. Stay tuned.
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7/10
Worth Your Time!
I just finished watching all the episodes, so here's my updated review. At first, I didn't like the actors in this show, especially Seth Rogen as Will. But after watching everything, I think this show could become really great in the future. I haven't seen this kind of romantic tension in a while, and I'm happy they renewed it for Season 2. Both main characters, especially Sylvia, are amazing. The final episode and the flashbacks of good moments between Will and Sylvia were lovely. This show will probably last for three seasons or more; they just need to improve the side characters because it's sometimes tough to watch when Sylvia and Will are not together.

Overall, it's a good, light comedy show with nice conversations and great romantic tension. I recommend it!
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8/10
Heartfelt and funny
viprankishore25 May 2023
Set in Los Angeles, the show takes us through the tumultuous lives of two characters who are in different stages of their lives but find resolve, joy and comfort in each other. The characters hold each other accountable for their actions while being critical of their choices in life. The dialogues are well written and the episodes bring forth moments of joy, sadness, struggle, and laughter. Just after watching the first few scenes in the show, it is clear that Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen are the perfect cast for this show, and without fail, their on-screen (platonic) chemistry will leave you wanting more.
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6/10
Rose Byrne is great, Seth Rogen is annoying
MoniekEl27 July 2023
I really wanted to like this show after reading the great reviews. Unfortunately I didn't. Watched all episodes but although Rose Byrne was quite funny it was Seth Rogen who ruined it for me. His character was so unbelievable and annoying. So loud and his laugh got on my nerves after a while. His crazy behaviour with the scooters was not funny at all. Who would do that??? The only episode I actually liked was the one where Sylvia (Rose) gets back to work and ruins a portrait of her boss. The family-dynamic with Charlie was way more interesting than Sylvia's "adventures" with Will. So no, not funny enough to be called a comedy. Glad to read that some of the reviewers feel the same way.
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1/10
Like fingernails down a blackboard
Jennystralia3 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
From the drawn-out and annoyingly unfunny opening, to the awkward meeting of 'old friends', this had me wincing in utter disbelief.

I've seen Rose Byrne in several movies and series, and have always thought that her acting is competent, but pretty average. As other reviewers have mentioned, her inconsistent accent (whether Aussie or American) is disconcerting.

Seth Rogen's appearance in anything usually irritates me because his unremarkable roles all seem to be the same type of unattractive character. So I didn't have very high hopes for this and I wasn't disappointed.

The acting just isn't at all credible, and I can't stand Seth Rogen's voice; it makes me want to mute the volume and throw things at the screen - to the extent that I couldn't even finish the first episode.

In ten years on IMDB I've never written a review, but this trash galvanized me.
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6/10
Enough is Enough
drryanjames30 July 2023
Honestly, I have been in a similar type relationship when I was in my 20s. I had a best friend who I did more with than the person I was in a spousal relationship with. Thankfully, we did not have children. This nearly destroyed my spousal relationship. I can now sympathize with Charlie. I say just divorce Sylvia and let her play to her hearts content with Will. The two of them are so immature, they deserve each other.

I am certain every scooter rental company would like to knock off the writers with the stupid antics of destruction as well.

As much as I love Luke McFarlane, Rose Bryne and Seth Rogen, I do hope this show is not renewed for a second season. Rose, stick with Physical.
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9/10
Amazing Story, Great Acting and Terrific writing
jhsportsline23 July 2023
This is a really good drama and sitcom all rolled into one. Rose Byrne and Seth Rogan have amazing chemistry and the story is terrific. You will laugh out loud. No annoying laugh track! I highly recommend and you can binge watch all 10 episodes. This is one of my favorite shows on Apple TV. I'm hoping Platonic gets renewed for season two. There are so many plots that could be explored. It will depend on how popular the show becomes and if the writers and actors strike gets resolved. Within the first minute of episode one, you'll be hooked on this show. Seth Rogan and Rose Bryne are also credited as executive producers.
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6/10
Started funny, dissolves into empty and unfunny
mrnolan9121 June 2023
It started out great and fresh. There was kind of a story and I was interested. I wanted to know what happened next with the platonic relationship because I thought that was what the show was about. Then episode 6 came out and it's basically about... nothing. Everything they've been building up to doesn't matter anymore. They have useless conversations for minutes and you're like, Yeah, ok ... so what? What is this about?

It would have been a great movie, but unfortunately you have to keep people hooked to put out episodes every week. I loved the connection between the two, but now it's unfunny, boring and stupid, like a romcom you don't care about.

The first 5 episodes where so funny, I actually cried at some points.
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