Flaked (2016–2017) User Reviews

Underrated and misunderstood

[johan-herstad · 8/10 · 14 March 2017]

This show is certainly flawed in some aspects, but that is also part of its nature. That might be difficult to understand. It can be a bit of a mess, just like the main character and the spirit of the show.

What is however extremely competent, is the way it is shot. It's gorgeous. The cinematography is probably the best i've ever seen in a TV-show. The way it uses Vence as location and the way they capture light is gorgeous; the orange glow of a low sun shot in natural light on location. the locations and vibe of venice. Together with the use of music this makes a framework that gives the show an inherent quality that few other shows have.

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The show is like a mix of The Big Lebowski and Californication, with some added flair of beat literature. You either get those things or not, and sometimes you need time. The show certainly grew on me, and somehow I couldn't stop watching. Enjoy the atmosphere that is beautiful and chill

The show does sometime dip into melodrama a bit too much for my liking, when it should be a bit more comedic than it is. But it is a far more intelligent, mature and artistic show than most. In fact it's probably one of my favourite shows since Treme.

Six Degrees of Humor and Heart

[freebirdisgod · 8/10 · 14 March 2016]

I saw this on Netflix, I decided to give it a chance. So I watched the first episode and I was shocked at how good it really is. This is not slapstick humor nor is it over the top. The lead role is Chip, he is a 40 something guy who runs a stool shop in downtown Venice. He is a troubled individual who simply survives life. He is a recovering alcoholic with a tragic past and yet he chooses to endure even if his existence is not entirely humorous. There is a great deal of emotion with the characters, including his roommate Dennis and his love interest London.

While the shows situations don't always fit into place, it is like watching those people you know in real life as an adult but don't associate with because they don't fit into your lifestyle. This is truly like walking a mile in the shoes of a mans life that is worth watching.

9/10

Dark and painfully witty. Will Arnett shines as a dark star.

[dannerkins · 7/10 · 11 March 2016]

I've been a fan of Will Arnett for years. But this is the first time we're seeing the true range of his acting. Chip is dark and complex in a way that is not appealing except for the fact that Will Arnett somehow manages to make a very unlikable person desirable. There are moments when watching Will Arnett as Chip that makes you completely forget that you're looking at what is usually a very funny man.

Given that this was a first time writing an entire show from start to finish for Arnett, I went in with lowered expectations. While the show struggles with knowing what it wants to be in spots, the characters are deep, the inter-relationships toxic and intriguing to watch.

While the plot sometimes got lost in character in fighting, I'm interested to see what will happen with a second season. This wasn't a perfect attempt but there's a great deal of heart here and that's worth it. I want more.

Has Promise

[imbendingtime · 6/10 · 12 March 2016]

I really want to like this show. The acting is great. The writing is great. I like Will Arnett in the lead role. Like the bro love between the main characters. The trouble I'm having is with the casting of the female leads. Really? 40 something, dead beat guys, with no real jobs, no real purpose and coloured backgrounds are pulling smoking hot 20 something, hipster girls? Really?

Older women in this little serious are treated like accoutrements, x-wives, old mothers. Like somehow as a demographic women over 28 no longer exist except as accessories?

Maybe this is a show for guys and the fantasies they live in? And I am not really the right demographic. I actually found myself feeling insulted, every female character, save for a few, are 20 something, smoking hot, young women, because apparently women just don't exist after a certain age.

If the producers ever read these these kinds of reviews, and they decide to do a second season, seriously think about expanding on female characters, because you are losing an entire demo of watchers for no really good reason.

Really really good.

[Med-Jasta · 10/10 · 1 March 2020]

The feel of the show it great. The clothes, the music, the way they talk... The cinematography is amazing. I watched this show in the dead of winter and kept thinking that it was summer outside because the colors of the show conveyed that perfectly. The characters are great and their relationships are really good. Will Arnet is fantastic.

Since this show was about alcoholics I was afraid that it was going to be really heavy. It's serious but it doesn't feel heavy. I didn't feel stressed by watching it. The second season is a little more serious and they balance this out well by giving Cooler more screen time. Cooler is by far the funniest part and you just never know what he's gonna do it say.

I highly recommend the show. Only two seasons but a conclusion is reached so you're not blue balled.

Drama/Comedy better than I expected

[writetopcat · 7/10 · 14 March 2016]

Set in Venice CA the show centers around a recovering alcoholic named Chip and his friends. Since Chip is played by Will Arnett I imagined the show would have a lot more comedy, one liners, etc. I took a shot at it on Netflix even though I was afraid it might lack enough substance to hold my attention. Sometimes comedies rely far too much on witty lines and predictable gags. But FLAKED is not just a vehicle for snappy lines and comebacks. Most of the characters have enough depth to keep me interested. There are a few which are kind of one dimensional like Cooler, a stoner type. He is shallow and not too bright and not too with it and sometimes irritating because of it. But he adds comic relief.

I like the show more than I thought I was going to like it. There is one thing I don't like about the show, and about most shows of this type. Writers make characters do and say stupid things in order to develop conflict in the story line. Viewers watching this are hit with a feeling that the plot is just too phony, too unbelievable. If it were a pure comedy it would not matter. But this show is a mix of ostensibly real life drama with comedy. It is hard to buy into the real life bit when people say things or fail to say things which real people obviously would bring up in real life. They allow their lives to crash and burn in the show by failing to simply tell someone a simple set of facts as anyone in real life would obviously do. This makes it easier for writers to develop conflict, and I suppose the writers also feel that viewers will feel anxiety when they see the characters they identify with making such really bad decisions, omissions, or foolish statements.

This is obviously a pet peeve of mine, right up there with the grade B camera work seen in some action and horror films, i.e. shaky cameras, rapidly changing camera positions and angles, and rapidly changing depth of shots. I don't know why modern film uses these cheap techniques. Many people hate that kind of camera work. In the same way we hate to see seemingly ordinary and intelligent characters behaving stupidly and ruining their lives by doing so. It is extremely common in film and television and very annoying also.

Must watch

[zwolsa · 9/10 · 2 February 2020]

I love this show and I can't even tell why. Especially the first season. I've seen it 3 times in 3 years. I guess it's the atmosphere. These two friends who live thru the days, somehow disconnected from the rat race. And it's definitely the dialogues. You don't get the finesse and the oftentimes silent humor or sarcasm when you don't pay attention. I wish it would have been more appreciated and successful. There are not many shows that are ignoring what the mainstream expects and that are just telling a story.

Arnett Is Flaked

[PCT1970 · 7/10 · 8 May 2019]

Arnett and Chappell have created a considerable dramedy series. The duo also pen the series first season. Great direction, writing, cinematography, setting, soundtrack and acting. All of the artists involved deliver significant performances. Arnett stands out with his innate ability to deliver comedic dialogue in sometimes serious, sarcastic and subtle ways. There are several guest stars in the series which contribute to the humor. The plot is set in Venice Beach, CA and revolves around Chip. Chip is a man in recovery from an incident that occurred ten years earlier. Through his recovery he lives a stock lifestyle and has surrounded himself with his best friend Dennis, a stoner friend Cooler, his former sponsor who is a cop George and his sometimes love interest Kara. He is also still married to his very successful wife Tilly. Suddenly Chip's routine life is turned upside down upon the arrival of a girl named London. Everyone around Chip views him as a self serving individual who can never quite tell the truth, but at the same time often seek life choices advisement from him. They seem to tolerate him because of his likability and love for his community. Initially it is Dennis that pines over London, but as usual Chip's self serving habit leans his eyes towards her and he always gets his way. Everyone in Venice Beach knows what each other is up to much like a small town. Chip's web of little white lies always catch up with him and little does he know, but London didn't just arrive in Venice Beach by coincidence. While Chip is living his everyday existence his sobriety is constantly being tested by topics such as his wife, the gentrification of Venice Beach and many more events in life. The plot is emotional, clever, witty, crisp and insightful. Both seasons have delivered the goods. This is an indelible series and one of the better in it's genre

Fantastic Debut for Only 8 Episodes

[rexstone2010 · 8/10 · 16 March 2016]

The plot line of the show is unique and dark, yet humorous. Disguised as a typical comedy drama, this show is quite an emotional roller-coaster with a sensational soundtrack to compliment. It does have a "hipster" vibe to it, but that's just the culture of California and specifically the character of Venice. To complain about that is just silly.

Will Arnett's character is compelling, dark and constantly evolving. You think you have him figured out and it changes multiple times throughout each episode. The character of London by Ruth Kearney is equally complex. Arnett's immature, brotherly relationship with David Sullivan is palpable as is their combined relationship with Cooler, the village idiot so to speak. George Basil is great and is hard not to enjoy. Aside from minor flaws, it is great character writing across the board.

The soundtrack as I previously mentioned is brilliant. The filming of the show is gorgeous and the soundtrack syncs with the scenic views, tone of the scene and the overall emotions of the show. Looking forward to the original scores being released whenever an official soundtrack is available.

Overall I think 8 episodes certainly wasn't enough, definitely felt like the show ended right as it got going. That said, even though it took a few episodes to get the ball rolling it ended on a high note. Will Arnett has done fantastic with what was given and I look forward to seeing what he can do with more episodes and a bigger budget. A solid 8 out of 10. Great debut.

Anyone who has ever been part of AA/Al-Anon

[DerrrrDerp · 6/10 · 18 July 2016]

and didn't drink the Koolaide or buy into it wholesale, might appreciate this show. It's dark, dry and real. There's always "that guy" (many of them) who talk the program and really "work it" whether they are still drinking or not. They also love to work the 13th step, which consists of preying on younger and vulnerable women new to the program. They are indeed flakes. AA is full of them. They talk love and acceptance but in my experience, ego stroking, controlling their sponsees, and bragging is the real name of the game. I don't begrudge the community many of these folks get at AA. Most of them need serious psychological help they can't afford. They do get help but the program isn't entirely healthy. World wide membership is way down, their funds are way down.

Chip is embodies this whole feeling for me. I even knew a guy named Chip in AA!

Quietly charming and engaging

[jetohu · 9/10 · 25 September 2016]

It has a very relaxed-paced and is character/setting-driven. It is incredibly charming if you give it a chance. I decided I liked it about episode 3, but really fell in love with it by episode 5. I really enjoyed its laid back vibe, quietly angst-ridden characters, and the Venice/southern California setting. Personally, it was refreshing to not be bombarded by slick, wise- cracking main characters or overly insecure nerdy types so popular these days. Thanks for that, writers! The setting is also a big part of the show. I felt like I was there in Venice with the characters. The show does a good job of creating the sense of "being there" which is incredibly enjoyable. The great indie-type music used in the scene transitions is a bonus.

Compelling, yet irksome.

[jnosbo · 7/10 · 8 June 2017]

There are no Vikings, gangsters, pyhcopath policemen or cowboys, but that's what I like about Flaked. To me it's something different, it isn't a treacle dripped love story or a woe is me story about alcoholics, it's a story about annoying friends who are alcoholics, and irritating people who arn't. Dennis is very annoying but you have to give it to him, he always trys to punch above his weight when it comes to women. London is just a bit of a dullard and Chip, terrible name, well he's just a cool guy that the ladies love, which makes him irritating. The best things about him are his Adidas Rod Lavers ( I had the same ones years ago)and his Elesse swim shorts. Compelling, yet irksome viewing.

hmmm...not sure about this

[thegiant-95061 · 5/10 · 13 March 2016]

5 episodes in and im asking myself what is the point of this show?

Is it a genuine comedy like Will's previous efforts? Nope, there is way too much drama about life and relationships to be a comedy.

Is it a drama/dramedy? well possibly, but the humour is too few and far between, and the episode plots not really that interesting or intriguing.

Is it a character driven story? well the male characters are all 40 something deadbeats with no prospects gong on, and the female characters are all hot 20 somethings. So not a lot to pull you in there as far as character development goes.

And the predictable love interest is all a bit contrived, with Will being close to 20 years older than Ruth Kearney.

Not really sure where this show is meant to be going, im not sure if the writers know either. 5/10

This is very real

[igraba · 6/10 · 20 April 2024]

I work abroad with Americans. It's quite disturbing, but most US citizens are exactly like Chip; especially the progressive liberal types. This show had so much potential but the word "too" applies and it's just all too much. Too much deceit, lying, narcissism, etc. It makes the watch experience tedious and frustrating. Hoping that the main character gets his stuff together, well it just never really happens. There are some funny moments, but nobody ever grows or reaches a state of consciousness where they're considered to be a normal human being. A bed of lies. And that's it. How not to live.

Painfully good

[drinkdrunkthedifferencei · 9/10 · 18 March 2018]

It saddens me that this show isn't hailed by critics and viewers alike. Those looking for a knee-slapping comedy will have to look elsewhere. Not to say it isn't funny, because it is - but the humour is usually low-key, often muted by an underlying sadness or ennui. But it's all so beautiful. The setting and ambience give me deep, long nostalgia pangs, even though I've never lived in Venice or anywhere near it. People riding around in shorts, getting by on a shoestring, struggling with honesty and friendships and knowing what to do with their life... well, I loved it. Ignore the critics (and get past the first episode, which isn't the best).

Bojack Horseman meets Californication

[doctordbx · 6/10 · 15 March 2016]

First of all, if you're fans of Bojack Horseman you'll find the lead character, Chip, very much channels the down and out lower depths of Bojack's character. In fact, at first I would have described this as the real life lows of Bojack without the highs (because Chip is essentially broke).

Where it collides with Californication is the scenery and buddy comedy with the loser friend aspect, ala Hank Moody and his agent sidekick, here we have Chip and his sidekick... plumbing the depths of morality and women as a trophy, not actual living, breathing human beings.

The writing is OK. The story is OK. But if you're up to speed with Bojack and Californication then you'll probably feel like you've seen it all before.

Beautiful and strange

[jcrawfordor · 8/10 · 19 March 2016]

I've been a huge fan of both writers work for Arrested Development and The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret, so when Flaked turned up at the top of my Netflix homepage I decided to give it a try.

First, this show is definitely a testament to Arnett's acting. His character is moody, complex, and incredibly relateable. I would not categorize Flaked as a comedy at all, although it has its funny moments, the focus of the show is intense drama with several strong characters in a difficult situation.

The acting and the story aren't really what makes this show for me, though. There's something else about it, a certain je ne sais quoi as they say, that's very hard to explain. Flaked is beautiful.

The soundtrack is outstanding, and the cinematography, set dressing, just about every little detail somehow combine to evoke in me every bit of nostalgia that I've ever had for life in a small town. I've fallen in love with Flaked for the experience of watching it, and that's not something that happens to me very often.

Will Arnett is Great :D

[dougmacdonaldburr · 7/10 · 20 June 2017]

I give it only a 7 for the Hipster music and fashion. I hate hipsters. It is a really great show though. Will Arnett is one of the best comedy actors out there and this is proof he can do drama too. It is more drama than comedy, but, there are definitely some funny moments. His friend is sometimes cool and sometimes really annoying. The main girl is mysterious. He has a one dimensional stoner buddy. Mostly the characters and stories are interesting. It all has a lazy Sunday vibe. I like it a lot :D

Sticks with you

[aliciaphillips-88935 · 10/10 · 23 January 2021]

I am still thinking of this series many months (and other series) later. I laughed, I cried, I loved the complex characters.

Too unlikeable

[asliyaseminbahar · 6/10 · 9 November 2017]

Surpririsingly this is a pretty good show. But my review will mainly focus on the negatives.

The acting is decent, and the directing the visuals are decent. But at some point the main character becomes too flawed to relate to or emphasize with. And he's not exactly a character that you can hate to watch and have fun.

I like that the show tries to have a realistic and meaningful side, but the main character feels more of an old friend who never learns so even the least assertive person gets too annoyed to spend his time on him. It's not like a crash about to happen that you can't take your eyes off, or like fun gossip about a small but harmless mistake.

I was pleasantly surprised that I liked Arnett's acting but day after day his character makes poor choices that just seem inconsistent with some of his other behavior, not in a way that makes him a multidimensional character but in a way that makes it feel like they write these poor choices just for the sake of them. I believe this makes the show too annoying to want to follow. Furthermore, the storyline becomes too cloudy and tangled.

I believe there is an unwillingness to add new characters as well. Too many coincidences, too many betrayals, too small a circle. I don't necessarily think the show needs more characters. I just wish that things were not as messed up. I believe there was potential to have an entertaining storyline without having so many very very big mess ups. It just does not pair well with the realistic dramedy vibe of it.

I'm glad it's not just a comedy/ exaggerated show. This format suits an AA story quite well. Yet somehow, it is difficult to watch at times

*spoiler*

like cheating on girlfriends, betraying the town, betraying and lying to best friend so many times.

Under-appreciated Netflix Original Production

[mr_big17 · 8/10 · 31 October 2016]

Will Arnett stars in this beautiful comedy/drama Netflix Original. The whole show is about change: Chip (Arnett) refuses to change anything about his life. He rides a bike, does not have a cellphone, sells the same stool since 2008. When his friends, entourage and town try to move on from the way things are, he will do whatever is in his power to prevent that. Also, the past is literally chasing Chip.

Great writing, great acting and directed in such a comfortable manner that really illustrates how the characters perceive their life in this city that is stuck on hold. The soundtrack is amazing and fits perfectly with the tone and the colours of the show.

I strongly feel that it is the most underrated show on Netflix.

Light to watch drama/comedy

[Slackshank · 7/10 · 24 August 2017]

When I watched pilot first time few months ago. I couldn't watch it till end, don't know why, but it just didn't get interesting for my taste. And my taste, that is wide.

After few months I decided "Ok, lets give it a another shot." And I started from pilot and after a while didn't notice I was at 3rd episode already.

So the series is actually quite good to watch, its loose and relaxed with daily drama and some dramatic twists. There some comedy aspects too, but they mainly are drawn to medium black comedy.

Only thing I don't care much is the intro/theme song, it's annoying and gives me jitters.

Why is this a show?

[lalaw8 · 3/10 · 28 May 2016]

So many clichés in search of a plot! Alcoholics who go to AA meetings, constantly utter all the AA sayings, keep trying to fix other people, and struggle to avoid the constant temptation of the bottle. Middle aged loser men chasing after hot loser-ish women half their age, for the purpose of meaningless sex. And not a plot or story to be found. None of the characters are very likable either.

I watched the first episode, waiting for something to actually happen, yet nothing really did. The experience made me depressed and vaguely angry - why would anyone green light this show? Why would Netflix finance it? Is Netflix mad at me about something, and passive-aggressively trying to get even with me? Or did I somehow offend Will Arnett, and this is his way of getting back at me? I don't even know the guy. Or when he and Amy Poehler got divorced, did he lose custody of the couple's talent, without even weekend visitations? So many questions, so few answers.

Nothing special here.

[deloudelouvain · 6/10 · 12 September 2019]

Looking at all the other great shows that we are currently bombarded with I wonder if this show is worth for me to waste time on. It's just a bit dull and slow, with almost nothing happening except a lot of drama. I wouldn't call it a comedy as for that there are just not enough laughable moments, in my case there are just none as I didn't laugh once, or at least not sincerely. Will Arnett isn't a bad actor, nor are the others but the storyline is just not doing it for me. I doubt I will waste my time with a second season.

Arnett has found it

[snowabode · 9/10 · 16 March 2016]

Along too, with all the people needed to create this sort of thing and put it in front of us, Will Arnett has found a real gem. I haven't been able to really enjoy a TV comedy with him since Arrested Development. Now, I want the next episode right away.

Their stab at a complex mix of characters and character nuance has hit the mark. The subtleties are both funny and dramatic and the story unfolds in a measured score. The relationships are familiar to me, as is the dialogue, except funnier. The plot twists are twists, indeed. For me, that's a sign of an excellent production staff at all levels.

Thank you to all who are taking the time to do it right. I really appreciate your efforts.