The Critic, a beloved animated series from The Simpsons writers Al Jean and Mike Reiss, is now available for viewers to stream for free on Tubi. The show, which centered on the film critiques of Jay Sherman, ran for two seasons and a total of 23 episodes.
Jay Sherman, voiced by Jon Lovitz, hosts a show where he reviews movies and interviews stars, often delivering his signature catchphrase, "It stinks." The series was notable for its rapid-fire cutaway gags and parodies of popular films. Examples include "Frau Doubtfire," featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger as a parody of Mrs. Doubtfire, and "Field of Dreams 2," which humorously reimagined the classic baseball film.
The show featured a cast of memorable characters, including Jay's son Marty, his eccentric billionaire boss Duke Phillips, and his chain-smoking makeup lady Doris Grossman. Celebrities like Orson Welles and Clint Eastwood were also featured, voiced by Maurice LaMarche.
Despite its critical acclaim and humor, The Critic faced cancellation after its first season on ABC due to low ratings and a perceived mismatch with the network's family-friendly programming. It was later revived by Fox, airing after The Simpsons, but ultimately concluded after its second season. In total, only 23 episodes were produced, amounting to approximately eight-and-a-half hours of content, making it suitable for a weekend binge.
In addition to its availability on Tubi, a classic season 6 episode of The Simpsons, "A Star Is Burns," which features a crossover with Jay Sherman, can be found on Disney Plus.
Creators Al Jean and Mike Reiss have recently indicated that a reboot of The Critic may be closer than ever to happening. Jean has reportedly secured his deal, and negotiations are underway for Lovitz's involvement. While the fate of a potential reboot remains uncertain, the series' short run and sharp writing have cemented its status as an animated gem worthy of a revival.