Review

Review is a dark, innovative, witty and off-the-wall comedy series that aired on Comedy Central between 2014 and 2017. Based on an Australian show called 'Review with Myles Barlow', it was adapted for American audiences by comedian Andy Daly who also paves the way as the lead character, Forrest MacNeil. The framework of the show is unique, and it's built around life-experience reviews rather than customary product evaluations or artistic recaps.

The main character, Forrest MacNeil, is a quirky, sincere, and significantly flawed individual, who puts a spin on the traditional review format by insisting on reviewing life experiences rather than movies, books, or restaurants. He has devoted his life to not merely critiquing cinema or literature but designed an unusual premise: rather than evaluating works of art or food, MacNeil provides reviews of real-life experiences, which are suggested to him by viewers. From the routine and mundane to the dangerous and illegal, no task is too large or small for MacNeil to tackle. His commitment to thoroughly examining each life experience, no matter how absurd or unlikely, drives the narrative and forms the comic backbone of the show.

With stalwart and misguided determination, Forrest goes above and beyond to gain a full understanding of the experiences he’s tasked with reviewing. It's a gritty commitment to duty that often results in immense personal cost, including but not limited to his career, personal relationships, dignity, or even his health. His subsequent rating (on a five-star scale) proves both amusing and bittersweet, as each review often affects his life in unexpected ways.

Accompanied by his skeptical executive producer, Grant (James Urbaniak), his loyal and often alarmed personal assistant, Lucille (Tara Karsian), and his long-suffering wife, Suzanne (Jessica St. Clair), Forrest traverses through various life experiences with a fervor that is both admirable and horrifying. The supporting cast both complements Forrest's full-bodied commitment to his role and provides a grounded counter-view to his eccentricities, making the series all the more hilarious and engaging.

Combining the elements of satire and farce, the show does an excellent job of finding humor in darkness. Review is an exploration of a man's desperate search for meaning, context, and understanding within the banality of human existence, all through a comedic lens. It’s this unique premise and narrative arc that sets Review apart from the traditional comedy sitcom making it a must-watch.

Daly's performance as Forrest is richly nuanced, infusing the character with a sense of earnestness and tragedy that makes him both compelling and laugh-out-loud funny, often simultaneously. Regardless of the chaos that ensues from his reviews, the audiences can’t help but be invested in Forrest's journey.

Each of the show’s three seasons keeps viewers on their toes by mixing the crackling humor with doses of tragedy. Using its already-unorthodox premise as a launching pad, the show dives deep into even darker and more surreal territory as the series progresses, keeping the audience always guessing and engaged.

Aside from the mountain of hilarious scenarios and its unusual central premise, Review excels in its ability to derive deeper social commentary from the absurd. Comedy here is not relegated to the slapstick or superficial but deeply engrained and interwoven throughout the show’s multi-layered structure.

In sum, Review from Comedy Central is a standout piece of television, with a depth and originality that disguises profound commentary beneath a veneer of absurd humor. It's a unique and unforgettable viewing experience that is intelligent, extremely funny, and often unexpectedly poignant. Andy Daly delivers an extraordinary performance with his bone-dry wit and physical comedy. Whether you're a fan of intelligent comedies, bizarre concepts or social commentary, Review offers something for every demographic. It's a series that makes you laugh hard and think deeper and stays with you long after the credits roll.