HBO's new comedy series "The Franchise" takes aim at the superhero movie industry, but falls short of its lofty ambitions. The show, which follows the chaotic production of a fictional superhero film "Tecto: Eye of the Storm," attempts to lampoon the Marvel Cinematic Universe and its ilk, but often comes across as overly self-satisfied.
The premise is ripe for comedy: a cynical film crew working on a superhero blockbuster that no one seems to care about, save for the earnest first assistant director Daniel (Himesh Patel). The cast of characters includes a pretentious director, a vain leading man, and a producer who openly disdains the genre.
While the show boasts an impressive pedigree - produced by "Veep" creator Armando Iannucci and directed by Oscar-winner Sam Mendes - it struggles to land consistent laughs. The satire often feels surface-level, relying on easy jabs at the superhero genre rather than incisive commentary.
That's not to say "The Franchise" is without merit. The talented ensemble cast, including Daniel Brühl, Richard E. Grant, and Aya Cash, elevates the material with their committed performances. The show also excels at portraying the chaos of a big-budget production, with rapid-fire dialogue and constant crises.
However, the comedy frequently misses the mark. Many jokes feel generic, applicable to any film set rather than specific to superhero movies. The show's attempts at edgy humor, including creative profanity and off-color jokes, sometimes land but often feel forced.
Perhaps the biggest issue is the show's apparent disdain for its subject matter. "The Franchise" seems to believe it's so superior to superhero films that it doesn't need to try hard to mock them effectively. This snooty attitude undermines the comedy and may alienate viewers who enjoy superhero movies.
It's also worth noting the irony of HBO, part of the Warner Bros. Discovery empire that produces its own superhero content, airing a show that criticizes the genre. This context makes some of the show's critiques ring hollow.
Ultimately, "The Franchise" is a mixed bag. While it has moments of brilliance and a stellar cast, it fails to fully capitalize on its promising premise. The show's smug attitude and inconsistent humor prevent it from becoming the biting satire it aspires to be.
For fans of behind-the-scenes Hollywood comedies, "The Franchise" may be worth a watch. However, those expecting a truly insightful or consistently funny takedown of superhero movies may be left disappointed.
"The Franchise" premieres October 6 on HBO and Max, with new episodes releasing weekly.