HACHI MACHI, the 1990s animated sitcom “The Critic” may finally be eyeing a return! Speculation is abuzz following two posts from the show’s co-creator, Al Jean, and its star, “Saturday Night Live” favorite Jon Lovitz, who both took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to get a sense for if the fans might want the series to be revived.
“Just curious … how many would like to see ‘The Critic,’ with Jon Lovitz return?” said Jean in his post on Thursday, March 27.
The following morning, Lovitz himself jumped into the fray. He wrote on X, “Critic Fans!!!! You keep telling me you want it back. I’ve been trying for years! Well, now, creator Al Jean is on board!!!”
Based on the tens of thousands of likes and retweets, it would seem hunger for the show’s return is palpable, but Lovitz plead with fans to be vocal in their support. It would seem studios are watching and with enough excitement, Lovitz and Jean might be able to get another chance to revel in movie parodies and celebrity hi-jinks.
“If you want it back, we need your help! Please like this post and spread the word!” said Lovitz. “So we can show the studio, how many people want it!”
“The Critic” originally aired on ABC before being transferred to Fox for its second season, where it was cancelled after airing 10 episodes. A series of brief webisodes were released online in 2000-2001 and featured on the DVD set that came later.
Spawning from “The Simpsons” writing team of Jean and Mike Reiss, “The Critic” followed the career and antics of film critic Jay Sherman, a slovenly nebbish from a well-to-do family who relishes his opportunity to cut filmmakers and celebrities down-to-size. His famous catchphrase, “It Stinks!” rivaled even Siskel & Ebert’s beloved “Thumbs Up,” and spoke to the power critics held towards the end of the 20th Century. The show as a whole aimed to skewer the corporatization of arts and entertainment, a subject that has only grown more worthy of satire with advent of streaming and as viewing habits continue to change among different generations.
With Seth Rogen’s recent Hollywood satire “The Studio” blowing up on Apple TV+, it would seem others want to capitalize on the desire to see the entertainment industry ridiculed as well. With AI invading filmmaking and IP continuing to reign supreme, “The Critic’s” acerbic wit and biting commentary couldn’t come at a better time.
