Turner & Hooch

Turner & Hooch is a beloved Disney+ original series that first premiered in 2021. Breathing new life into the classic 1989 film of the same name, it transports the charming and heartwarming story of a man and his dog into the modern-day, blending crime-solving action, character-driven drama, and family-friendly humor. A perfect watch for both seasoned fans of the original movie and new viewers alike, the show achieves a blend that keenly targets Disney's core demographic of families and young viewers, whilst also having something to offer for hardcore cinema buffs.

The show focuses on ambitious U.S. Marshal Scott Turner, played by Josh Peck, who inherits an unruly and slobbery Mastiff that he names Hooch. His orderly and structured life is utterly upended - but what initially seems like a disruptive nightmare quickly reveals layers of unexpected blessings. As Turner and Hooch begin to navigate their new reality together, they find themselves embroiled in a series of thrilling and perplexing criminal investigations.

A marked presence throughout is the irreplaceable bond between Turner and this seemingly unsophisticated but endearing and often times hilariously chaotic pet, which forms the beating heart of the series. The comedy comes mostly from the dynamic between the meticulous Turner and the disorderly Hooch, whose considerably different life views and attitudes create humorous situations and challenges. However, this is balanced by touching moments of emotion and sincerity, shining a light on companionship, friendship, and the ability to look beyond first impressions.

Turner & Hooch faithfully introduces a fresh cast of characters while respectfully nodding to its cinematic roots. It flushes out the Turner clan and their respective roles, while also populating the world with a variety of supporting characters made up of colleagues, friends, and love interests who add further layers of intrigue, comedy, and romance to the mix.

The cinematography and setting contribute another level of appeal to the series. Filmed primarily in Vancouver, Canada, the series manages to create a captivating atmosphere that effortlessly shifts from humorously chaotic home life to exhilarating crime-solving adventures. It utilizes its high production values effectively with sweeping shots and a vivid palette that perfectly encapsulates the series' mold of warmth and excitement.

While the series revolves around solving different cases, it also focuses on developing its characters and relationships amongst themselves. Like a lot of Disney’s productions, the series exudes a wholesomeness that's difficult to resist, yet still manages to engage with realistically flawed characters and challenging scenarios, making it far more than just a simple mystery of the week show.

From a performance perspective, the ensemble cast does a wonderful job. Josh Peck brings just the right amount of everyman likability to Scott Turner, effectively portraying the character’s journey from someone wary of change to a stalwart believer in the power of connection and partnership. The surrounding cast complements the central duo well, each bringing their unique energy and chemistry to the story.

The canine star, Hooch, is an absolute show-stealer, commanding every scene with his lovable antics and larger-than-life personality. Arguably the masculine heart of the show, Hooch's charm lies in his intuitively emotive expressions, his endearing stubbornness, and his unwavering loyalty to Turner.

Finally, music is another element the show masterfully utilizes to compliment its storytelling. The show’s score swirls between suspenseful, playful and emotional, underscoring and amplifying the varying tones and moods of the scenes.

In a nutshell, Turner & Hooch is a series that celebrates the bond between humans and their pets. It's a sentimental, funny and thrill-packed series that carries the legacy of the original film and successfully transposes it into a modern-day setting. With its serviceable blend of comedy, action, and heart, it is a beautifully produced addition to Disney+'s growing pantheon of original programming that's well worth checking out. The series serves to remind us all of the joy and the complication, but ultimately, the immense reward that comes with a loyal four-legged friend by one's side.