It's Bruno

It's Bruno is an American comedy television series that premiered on Netflix in 2019. This unique and charming series stands out in the crowded landscape of contemporary TV shows with its authentic portrayal of life in Brooklyn. The show is centered around the everyday adventures of an adorable dog named Bruno and his affectionate master, dubbed as ‘Dog-God’ by his friends and peers. Created, directed, and starred by stage and film actor Solvan "Slick" Naim, It's Bruno is a light-hearted, whimsically entertaining show offering an appealing blend of comedy, drama, and pet eccentricities.

Living in the heart of Brooklyn's vibrant Bushwick neighborhood, Slick and Bruno, his trusty, four-legged sidekick, wander the streets, meet a colorful cast of characters and run into unexpected occurrences. The show explores the widely relatable theme of human-pet relationships and the lengths one would go to keep their furry friends safe and happy. However, it also goes beyond the simple portrayal of pet love and dives into the eccentricities, complexities, and competitiveness of dog ownership.

It's Bruno is presented in bite-sized episodes, typically less than 15 minutes long. But within this small window, the show skillfully crafts a mini-universe filled with diverse characters and interesting plotlines. The episodes highlight Slick's encounters with fellow dog-owners, territorial confrontations with rival dogs, feeble attempts at dog-parenting from clueless locals, and more. One of the central elements of the show is the profound love and commitment Slick has for Bruno, a handsome puggle (a mix of pug and beagle), whom he cares for like a child.

As a genuine dog-lover, Slick surely portrays his character to perfection. The depiction of a dog-dad life and his ceaseless efforts to protect Bruno from any harm is lighthearted yet emotionally captivating. Whether it is warding off dog thieves, negotiating with quirky dog-walkers, challenging an uppity animal control officer, or rallying against unhygienic pet habits of neighbors, Slick handles it all with grace and a fair share of humor.

Adding color to the show is the impressive supporting cast that ranges from pet store employees to zany neighbors. They each have their sub-plots, often revolving around their interactions with Slick and Bruno, making the viewing experience enjoyable. What bolsters the storyline are the often comical and sometimes tense rivalries between Bruno and neighborhood dogs, epitomized in the form of territorial pee-offs.

The show also presents a rich, realistic picture of life in Brooklyn, complete with its diverse people, bustling streets, and vibrant culture. From hilarious dialogues to entertaining street encounters and quirky commentary on gentrification, It’s Bruno infuses the essence of Bushwick in its narrative. The background score, punctuated by hip-hop and catchy beats, adds an extra layer to the cultural narrative, enhancing the overall mood of the show.

Filmed largely on location, the visuals of It’s Bruno are well-executed with a naturalistic color palette, illuminating the everyday beauty of Brooklyn streets. The cinematography adds to the show's overall charm, showcasing Bruno's amusing, slow-motion walks, or capturing the authentic expression of neighborhood characters.

It’s Bruno is not just a show about a man and his dog. It is a story about love, friendship, community, and life in the ever-evolving backdrop of Brooklyn. The heartwarming bond between Slick and Bruno serves as a testament to the universal appeal of pet companionship. Largely humorous, occasionally poignant, and always entertaining, It’s Bruno is a delightful collection of mini-stories wrapped around the unlikely hero—a little dog named Bruno.

While this might seem a simple tale of a man and his dog navigating their urban life, It’s Bruno effortlessly offers more depth and humor than one might expect. It’s a binge-worthy series that will certainly charm the viewers, leaving them yearning for more of Bruno’s delightful adventures and Slick’s unwavering determination to make Bruno’s life as amazing as possible. If anything, It’s Bruno re-establishes one universal truth: A man's best friend, indeed, is his dog.