TV REVIEW
'Ted' Is As Extremely Raunchy And Hilarious - Yet Surprisingly Heartfelt - As Its Predecessors
By Sal LoCicero | January 24, 2024
In 2012, Seth MacFarlane introduced the world to Ted; a foul-mouthed, pot smoking teddy bear, and now, he has returned once again, however he has not returned to the big screen. ‘Ted’ is a prequel show (on Peacock) centered around young John Bennett and his family in 1993. John lives with both his mother and father, as well as his older cousin Blair, and of course Ted.
When it comes to a prequel - especially a show - usually it doesn’t pan out well (unless it’s ‘Better Call Saul’). They always suffer from being inferior to their predecessors. With ‘Ted’, this show’s challenge was being able to live up to the movies - in terms of storytelling quality. Mark Wahlberg’s absence is also a big step down. But the biggest question was, how will this show provide audiences with a decent story with genuinely funny jokes that will keep viewers interested. Ted, as a character, is what (mostly) helped the movie’s box office success and fan base. So could that go the same with the show?
Surprisingly, ‘Ted’ may just be superior to its predecessors. Seth MacFarlane pays homage to sitcoms of the 90s (and 70s) to deliver a show with memorable characters, hilarious dialogue, an entertaining story, and heartfelt moments.
The first episode offers everything you would expect from the creator of ‘Family Guy’. Over twenty uses of the word “f**k” within the first five minutes, vulgar humor, and drug use. In one scene - at a dinner table, the Bennett family have an (outrageously hilarious) discussion about political and social correctness, and it gives us everything we need to know about both Matty Bennett (John’s dad) and Blair (John’s cousin). We also get a look at John’s High School life, he barely has friends, he’s a huge nerd, and he’s socially awkward - especially around girls. Once Ted attends school with John, Ted tries to help him experience everything that a 90s teen would get themselves into. Susan Bennett (John’s mother) enjoys taking care of her family and is very loving. Her character is reminiscent of Edith Bunker from ‘All In The Family’ - which is mainly due to the show’s satire.
Almost all of the episodes are hilarious and offer a good plot. Episode 4, titled ‘Subways, Bicycles and Automobiles’, is set during Halloween, and is probably the most fun episode of all. Ted and Blair try to get back home during a party, but they run into many inconveniences. While John is sitting around his house with one of his mother’s friend’s sons who is (quite possibly) a scene-stealer. The less you know going in, the better.
While most of the episodes are great, there is one in particular that stands out the most. The season finale, titled ‘He’s Gotta Have It’. Seth MacFarlane mixes his hilariously crass humor with a John Hughes-like coming of age story. It successfully manages to be hysterically funny and raunchy while also being sweet and relatable. Episode 6, titled ‘Loud Night’ is the only one that falls a little flat. The jokes still remain, however it tries so hard to create the most shocking humor that eventually it becomes less smart and more absurd.
The cast is Freakin’ Sweet, Max Burkholder is great as young John Bennett, a role that must have been a little intimidating, given that a much popular actor depicted the role before, but Burkholder establishes a way to make this character feel new. Scott Grimes gives one of the most hilarious yet completely unfiltered performances as Matty Bennett. Alanna Ubach is fantastic as Susan Bennett, she disguises herself in the role. Giorgia Wingham as Blair Bennett is the shining star of this series. She portrays her character with warmth and cares a lot about John (and Susan), even when he and Ted irritate her. And then, there is the one and only Seth MacFarlane as the voice of Ted, who is a comedic perfection.
‘Ted’ is one of - if not - the best show on Peacock right now. It has everything that fans could want and more. By the time you finish the last episode, you’ll be eager for another season.
Grade: A-
What are your thoughts?
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