Return of the Mac

Return of the Mac is a fascinating sitcom from Pop TV that first aired in 2017, a must-watch for individuals who love a good combination of comedy and self-deprecation. It’s a semi-autobiographic series starring Joey McIntyre from the ‘90s band New Kids on the Block. In the show, Joey plays a fictionalized version of himself, as he skillfully weaves through the entertainment world in his quest for a meaningful post boy-band career.

The show kicks off with McIntyre returning home to Los Angeles after a successful stint on Broadway. The stage might be his comfort zone, but as the title reveals, "Return of the Mac" refers to his desire to get back on the grind in the familiar territory of Hollywood. Although his actual dream is to become a serious actor, he unfortunately quickly discovers that his reputation as an ex-boy-band member precedes him. He's persistently typecast, and everyone he encounters in the industry appears to be considerably more interested in his boy-band past than his acting futures.

Despite the hardships and barriers McIntyre faces, he remains determined to prove his critics wrong, one gig at a time. The series' hilarity and charm largely stem from the way it presents the now-middle-aged McIntyre, coming face-to-face with the realities of the entertainment industry. The discrepancy between McIntyre's desired career and the roles offered to him is amusingly vast: from hosting duties on a talk-show for a new youth-oriented cable network to ridiculous auditions that exploit his former boy-band glory.

Supporting characters add a layer of depth, particularly Joey's loving family, including his endearingly pragmatic wife, Barrett Williams McIntyre, and their three adorable children. Barrett is the grounding force in Joey's life, smoothly dealing with her husband's often hectic and dramatic entertainment world while managing their kids. The doting dad's attempts to maintain his cool and uphold his "rock star" reputation in front of his children is another recurring comedic theme of the series.

The show also doesn't shy away from celebrity appearances. Stars such as Joey Lawrence, David Koechner, and even former bandmates Donnie Wahlberg and his wife Jenny McCarthy, all make notable appearances. However, it's not merely gratuitous star power for viewership; every cameo is cleverly contextualized within the narrative.

One of the "realities" Return of the Mac revels in is behind-the-scenes dynamics, both cooperation and friction, in the television industry. The inner workings of the Hollywood business and the blurred lines between real-life Joey and the character Joey provide comic material that's both satirical and completely relatable. The interactions between McIntyre and network executives, agents, managers, and other entertainment personalities craft an enjoyable parody of Hollywood shenanigans.

The comedy of Return of the Mac is clever and self-referential. It uses the nostalgia of McIntyre's pop music image and exploits common perceptions about the fall of boy-band members, all with McIntyre being at the center, taking everything in the stride with humility and humor. His commitment to self-parody is commendable, making the sitcom a fascinating watch.

The tone of Return of the Mac is funny without being dismissive, warm without being overly sentimental, and most importantly, although not without conflict, it's never needlessly dramatic or grim. The series is a commendable representation of the middle-aged quest for relevance – a journey played out with charm, humanity, and substantial loads of clever humor. From one episode to another, through wins and losses, McIntyre navigates these struggles and opportunities, often with laugh-out-loud results.

In conclusion, Return of the Mac is a wonderfully entertaining sitcom that blends in elements of satire, nostalgia, sharp humor, and undeniable charisma of its lead. Ideal for a fun binge-watching session, it's a surprising treat for fans of Joey McIntyre and makes a broader appeal to anyone who appreciates comedies about the entertainment industry. It beautifully captures the bittersweet journey of a beloved boy-band member, fighting against the tide of his own celebrity to pursue his actorly ambitions. The series is perfect for viewers who like their shows light-hearted, moving, and genuinely amusing.