I'm a fan of Edward Burns and really loved The Brothers McMullen and She's the One. Unfortunately, the first episode of Bridge and Tunnel comes across as stale and uninteresting. The writing is okay but the performances by the cast are forced, plastic and often overacted. The characters don't feel authentic. Hopefully, the problems in the first episode will be ironed out in the coming episodes and the actors can find a way to become more natural in their respective roles. I'll give the show a chance because of Burns but I'm not too optimistic at this point.
37 Reviews
Well...
mcquearyrobert26 January 2021
After waiting for the yet-to-be released film, Summertime, Bridge and Tunnel is either a way-station or this will replace the film. I'm probably one of the biggest fans of anything Burns does and I was very excited for the B and T premiere.
I like it, I didn't love it. But I think my mind will change seeing as how it was only episode one. It's "talkie" like any Burns project would be with the right amount of f-bombs and attitude. The acting was a little overzealous by the college graduates and you can tell none of them are professional smokers (sorry but c'mon). But the biggest pro for me was it did strike a nostalgic chord, putting me back in the 80's past when it comes to a relationship that might not go anywhere.
I'm hopeful as I absolutely love anything Ed Burns does even it's just cameos.
I like it, I didn't love it. But I think my mind will change seeing as how it was only episode one. It's "talkie" like any Burns project would be with the right amount of f-bombs and attitude. The acting was a little overzealous by the college graduates and you can tell none of them are professional smokers (sorry but c'mon). But the biggest pro for me was it did strike a nostalgic chord, putting me back in the 80's past when it comes to a relationship that might not go anywhere.
I'm hopeful as I absolutely love anything Ed Burns does even it's just cameos.
An ok watch if you have nothing to do for 30 minutes.
jester-405642 February 2021
A drama series about 6 young adults set in the 80s. Its about their relationships, uni and work.
Based on the first 2 episodes its ok, nothing to write home about. Its just attractive people hooking up, and nothing much deeper than that yet. The acting is fine & production and wardrobe (for the time period) are well done.
I will say that Sam Vartholomeos is the highlight of the 6 leads. He has a little more to work with than the rest of the cast, and he also has a great screen presence.
Based on the first 2 episodes its ok, nothing to write home about. Its just attractive people hooking up, and nothing much deeper than that yet. The acting is fine & production and wardrobe (for the time period) are well done.
I will say that Sam Vartholomeos is the highlight of the 6 leads. He has a little more to work with than the rest of the cast, and he also has a great screen presence.
Just turn off your brain and have fun
vandercobi9 March 2022
Many years ago I watched a movie by Edward Burns called "Sidewalks of New York" - and I absolutely hated it. I thought it was total trash. Art imitating much better art by much better directors.
The other day, the above movie popped into my head, and I googled the director... As it turns out, Edward Burns has just made a TV show! Why would I watch it when I hated his movie so much all those years ago? Honestly, I have no idea.
Cut to now. I've just watched the first episode. Lo and behold; it was heaps of fun. Despite some scathing reviews and a very low score of Rotten Tomatoes, I thought it was an enjoyable, nostalgic 30 min romp through fork-in-the-road troubles of youth.
The beer flows, the cast are young and unrealistically sexy, F-bombs are dropped every 5 seconds, and there's plenty of angsty pathos woven into the story. It reminds me a little of the Tv show "Togetherness" - sort of a Woody Allen-ish cast of characters directed with a mumblecore sensibility.
It won't be everyone's cup of tea. But for me, I say turn off your brain and enjoy the ride. It's a lot of fun (so far at least).
** Update ** Four episodes in and I'm still enjoying it... but I do acknowledge the one-track story is starting to drag a little, and a few clunky scenes (particularly with the parents going on dates) bring this one down to a 7/10. Still a lot of fun though.
*After watching more, I may come back and update this review.
The other day, the above movie popped into my head, and I googled the director... As it turns out, Edward Burns has just made a TV show! Why would I watch it when I hated his movie so much all those years ago? Honestly, I have no idea.
Cut to now. I've just watched the first episode. Lo and behold; it was heaps of fun. Despite some scathing reviews and a very low score of Rotten Tomatoes, I thought it was an enjoyable, nostalgic 30 min romp through fork-in-the-road troubles of youth.
The beer flows, the cast are young and unrealistically sexy, F-bombs are dropped every 5 seconds, and there's plenty of angsty pathos woven into the story. It reminds me a little of the Tv show "Togetherness" - sort of a Woody Allen-ish cast of characters directed with a mumblecore sensibility.
It won't be everyone's cup of tea. But for me, I say turn off your brain and enjoy the ride. It's a lot of fun (so far at least).
** Update ** Four episodes in and I'm still enjoying it... but I do acknowledge the one-track story is starting to drag a little, and a few clunky scenes (particularly with the parents going on dates) bring this one down to a 7/10. Still a lot of fun though.
*After watching more, I may come back and update this review.
Has room for growth!
petedavies-495507 February 2021
An ok start
tyrocker218 February 2021
The first episode was decent, not too bad for a start. The biggest problem was that the F word was used in nearly every other sentence. Not really understanding why. Oh yeah, authenticity. So you can't write an authentic show without using it in constantly? It's very jarring. Seems like lazy writing to me.
Slow
marenkm5 August 2022
This looked like something I would love. I grew up in the eighties. First of all - why are they dressed and styled like the seventies?? There's nothing eighties about this.
And is so slow. I didn't feel any connection with the characters. I just didn't find them interesting.
Guess I'll skip season 2.
And is so slow. I didn't feel any connection with the characters. I just didn't find them interesting.
Guess I'll skip season 2.
Great show!! Please renew for another season!!
rtcalo1 March 2021
As someone in his mid 40's this show is very nostalgic and reminds me of the good times during the 1980's. I'm a huge fan of Ed burns and as usual he does a great show with a great cast. The music, the outfits, and the cars just remind of a more fun era before texting and Facebook. This show takes me back to that adolescent period in my life were it was all about enjoying the moment with friends while our journey towards the future awaits in the horizon. It's that golden period before salaries, careers, mortgages, children, etc. It is a period that we will never get to experience ever again. I'm willingly to bet that most of us would love to go back and revisit this period of our lives and this is exactly what this show does for me.
And a half
Headturner111 July 2022
I swear I reviewed this after I watched season 1?!? Any ways I really liked it and googled and they said there wouldn't be a second season so it was to my surprise it came up when I was searching new releases. I may have to watch season 1 again because ( No lie) I've probably watched close to 100 shows since. Lol. It reminds me a lot of Red Oaks ( which I loved). I love shows/movie set in the 70's and 80's. Only one episode has aired so far so I can't judge yet I just hope it's as good as the first.
Nothing happens.... EVER
NullUnit7 August 2022
Seriously NOTHING happens.
Two seasons and NOTHING happens.
There's no driving factor, no compelling story, no overall plot. NO POINT. It's just a "day in the life" of rather ordinary people each and every episode. Characters are shallow and uninteresting.. often VERY cliché.
It is NOT a comedy... I've never even grinned at anything presented in this series.... much less chuckled or laughed.
It's as if they made a series about you in high school - even though these characters are supposed to be college-age, it SURE seems like high school ... except it's far, far, far, less interesting because you aren't involved.
A series about snails migrating to the other side of the garden would be more compelling.
Here's a tip Mr Burns... have a PLOT... a POINT... a PURPOSE...
How this got picked up, or even greenlit in the first place, is a mystery to me. I can only assume it was because of Mr. Burns' name being attached. If it were from some unknown writer.. it would have NEVER seen the light of day.
Two seasons and NOTHING happens.
There's no driving factor, no compelling story, no overall plot. NO POINT. It's just a "day in the life" of rather ordinary people each and every episode. Characters are shallow and uninteresting.. often VERY cliché.
It is NOT a comedy... I've never even grinned at anything presented in this series.... much less chuckled or laughed.
It's as if they made a series about you in high school - even though these characters are supposed to be college-age, it SURE seems like high school ... except it's far, far, far, less interesting because you aren't involved.
A series about snails migrating to the other side of the garden would be more compelling.
Here's a tip Mr Burns... have a PLOT... a POINT... a PURPOSE...
How this got picked up, or even greenlit in the first place, is a mystery to me. I can only assume it was because of Mr. Burns' name being attached. If it were from some unknown writer.. it would have NEVER seen the light of day.
Great show!
jtungsten1627 January 2021
Fast-paced but very relatable
useth-7595811 July 2022
I've got to say. I started watching this series with an open mind and not expecting much. Right now, all I can say is WOW. Things I love about the show: Jill and Jimmy's insane chemistry, the 80's music feel, how the show manages to be so sexy without being vulgar or raw. The very relatable decisions and relationships on the show. This gem of a show is highly underrated. I've seen a lot of TV and trust me when I say this show deserves a higher rating. PLEASE DO NOT CANCEL THIS SHOW EVER!!
Geez, Ed!
chiltonsjillfreeport5 February 2021
I watched Bridge and Tunnel blind-only knew it was an Ed Burns project-and initially thought the characters had just graduated high school, not college.
After two episodes, I wonder: is their collective, extreme arrested development supposed to be the only (charming?) point? Because their JV mentality and acting makes every thin-on-the-ground 'serious' discussion feel like it drifted in from another show.
How someone with Ed Burns' experience and success could go so far over the line between adult-adjacent and shrill kids is honestly puzzling. The tone is just off; even the nostalgia flows crooked. Burns errs w/the '80s slang and period details.
At least Ed Burns as wise, cursing father is a rewarding, if brief, presence. Besides his son/protagonist Jimmy, the strongest character by far is the music.
After two episodes, I wonder: is their collective, extreme arrested development supposed to be the only (charming?) point? Because their JV mentality and acting makes every thin-on-the-ground 'serious' discussion feel like it drifted in from another show.
How someone with Ed Burns' experience and success could go so far over the line between adult-adjacent and shrill kids is honestly puzzling. The tone is just off; even the nostalgia flows crooked. Burns errs w/the '80s slang and period details.
At least Ed Burns as wise, cursing father is a rewarding, if brief, presence. Besides his son/protagonist Jimmy, the strongest character by far is the music.
The 80's....
angelaboz-104231 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Edward Burns does a great job of taking me back to the good old days. It's fun, good cast and remembering that crucial time in one's life deciding whether to take that big leap of uncertainty or stay where you know it's safe.
Only to ask yourself 40 years later..."what if?"
Hits home...enjoyed the show and the memories, wishing I would have taken that leap!
Music
keedo-762481 February 2021
Lacks something ... but ok
celt00725 August 2021
Was hoping for a continuation of the epix movie summer days , summer nights but its a retelling of that plot . Not done as well as the movie it lacks the editing and pace . It also lacks any of the actors from the film . That said its work a watch perhaps if you can watch this and dint expect the film .
Disappointing
impactful12 July 2022
I'm very surprised at this product considering Ed Burns is in it, producing it, directing it... I can tell the actors are probably great... But the writing is so bad. Incredibly cheesy and nonsensical a lot of the time. Unless they meant for this to be a teeny bopper show, it needs more depth and certainly better writing. I really wanted to like this show because it's my era, and I'm loving the clothes and the music, but that's about it.
like you're in a time tunnel
RhondaDCTM30 January 2021
I thought this show(episode one) was fantastic! As someone who graduated from college on Long Island during this time era ( Stonybrook Univ) I can't tell you how accurate the setting was and the characters. The women characters were exactly like the women from Long Island during those years. I know its a little stereotyping but it is what it is. And even the problems they were struggling with were the problems you 20 somethings struggled with then. EDward Burns nailed that time era - it was like going into a time tunnel. I can'twait for episode two
I would give this a zero, if it was an option!
reneekoegel31 July 2022
I see the reason Ed burns stays behind the camera, he not a Great actor, nor is anyone else in this show, it's not funny, not sure what it's supposed to be, whats with all the chain smoking, and it's not just this show, almost every show lately, people are smoking constantly, it makes me nauseous, these 3 young girls are literally sitting around and passing the cigarette, as if it's a joint, they even hold it like it's a joint, it looks ridiculous,
noone does that, unless they are smoking a joint, plus not 80s accurate! The guys they hang out with, are way out of their league! Good shows are hard to come by these days, this is just annoying!
Great Show!!
ndguxqdh30 January 2021
A great show about the challenges of moving on with your life after college. It brings back a ton of memories that most of us college grads have to deal with. I look forward to seeing what's in store in the upcoming episodes!
Inaccurate and uncompelling
Omnicient930 January 2021
Right off the bat, the dialogue offended me. "Hook up" was not used in 1980 the same way it is today. In 1980 it referred to meeting up, not have sex like it does today. Strike one. Then, when the guy that just got laid prays, he says "...it was a big ask..." Again, that's a current phrase not used in 1980. Next, I noticed the beer bottles were longnecks - not introduced in the States until 1986.
Ordinarily such glaring anachronisms are enough to make me change the channel, but I really wanted to see if I could overlook them for a compelling story, compelling or even likable characters, or some decent referencing to Manhattan and its residents disdain for the B&Ters... No such luck.
I won't be tuning in for episode 2.
And Ed, seriously, if you want to do a nostalgic trip, work a little harder on authenticity.
Thanks
And Ed, seriously, if you want to do a nostalgic trip, work a little harder on authenticity.
Thanks
Horrible Horrible Horrible
The-Ambassador25 September 2021
I rate A LOT of television shows and films; thousands upon thousands. But almost never write reviews. I admire those who have the time and inclination to do so. Only in the rarest of incidents do I take the time to write a review - when it's outlandishly important. And THIS is one of those rare moments. Especially for Ed Burns fans. I'm one of those Ed Burns fans. But I can honestly say I haven't seen anything as downright bad stupid childish and meaningless as Bridge and Tunnel. And I love the guy. But this is just an epic fail in every way.
Love this Show!
juddsmith-6801916 August 2022
Really, really, really, really bad
stirthesauce24 February 2021
Don't listen to the film snobs, this show is authentic and good.
johnfranzen8 August 2022
Give this show a chance, this is exactly what it was like growing up in the Tri state area. I know 10 real copies of each of those characters. The actors who play the parents are dead on with their portrayals. Ed Burns kind of doesn't fit his character, but I knew over enthusiastic Dads like him as well. The music really sets the mood as well and will bring you back to good and no so good times. Definitely worth watching wether you grew up there or not.
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