Why HBO’s The Franchise Should Be Your Next Must-Watch
If you’re tired of the rinse-and-repeat superhero movies dominating the box office but secretly enjoy the chaos behind their creation, HBO’s The Franchise is your perfect binge.
Created by Veep mastermind Armando Iannucci and co-executive produced by Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes (1917, Skyfall), this satirical comedy takes a hilarious, razor-sharp look at the absurdities of making a blockbuster superhero film.
It’s not just smart—it’s laugh-out-loud funny and will keep you grinning throughout.
What’s It About?
Set on the chaotic production of a generic superhero movie, The Franchise follows the daily struggles of the crew attempting to keep the project afloat amid studio meddling, diva actors, and an underqualified director.
Think The Office meets The Avengers, with plenty of biting humor about Hollywood’s obsession with franchises.
The Stellar Cast
The show boasts an impressive lineup:
- Himesh Patel (Yesterday, Station Eleven) anchors the chaos as Daniel, the overworked assistant director.
- Aya Cash (The Boys) shines as Anita, a producer balancing studio demands and personal baggage.
- Billy Magnussen (Game Night) and Richard E. Grant (Loki, Withnail & I) hilariously portray the egocentric stars of the fictional franchise.
- Richard E. Grant, in particular, delivers a standout performance as Peter, a seasoned actor who brings Shakespearean gravitas (and plenty of disdain) to a genre he clearly despises. His biting remarks and theatrical outbursts are some of the show’s comedic highlights.
- Daniel Brühl (Inglourious Basterds) plays Eric, the out-of-his-depth director whose indie sensibilities clash hilariously with blockbuster expectations.
- Lolly Adefope (Shrill) and Darren Goldstein (Ozark) round out the team with pitch-perfect comedic timing.
What Critics Are Saying
Critics are already hailing The Franchise as one of the year’s smartest comedies.
According to RogerEbert.com, the show’s humor is spot-on, with standout performances by Richard E. Grant and Himesh Patel. The satirical jabs at superhero tropes, from overdone CGI battles to absurd product placements, make it a delight for both fans and skeptics of the genre.
The show’s ability to avoid clichéd jokes ensures it remains fresh and relevant.
Why You Should Watch
- A Fresh Take on Hollywood Satire: If you love meta-commentary on filmmaking, this series delivers in spades, poking fun at the Marvel and DC universes without being mean-spirited.
- Top-Tier Talent: With Mendes and Iannucci at the helm, you’re guaranteed sharp writing and a cinematic touch.
- Relatable Chaos: Whether you’re a film buff or just someone who’s ever dealt with a workplace meltdown, the relatable absurdity of The Franchise will have you laughing and cringing.
- It’s Hilariously Accurate. From ridiculous product placements to the chaos of creative clashes, The Franchise nails Hollywood’s behind-the-scenes mayhem with pinpoint accuracy.
HBO’s The Franchise isn’t just a show about superheroes—it’s a comedy about the people who try (and fail) to create the magic behind the scenes. Catch the premiere on HBO and Max to dive into a world of hilarity, dysfunction, and behind-the-scenes drama.
Stream in HBO, Max and CraveTV in Canada.
