Salvage is all the rage in Hollywood these days. Proof of this is the numerous re-readings, sequels and other ante-episodes of successful series. Steve Levitan, veteran screenwriter of several sitcoms broadcast on the major networks, including the essential Modern Familywas inspired by this heavy trend for his first “platform” series (on Hulu, relayed in Canada by Disney+), a rather successful, but not so fierce, satire of the industry in which he operates.
Reboot recounts the chaotic reboot of a cheesy sitcom from the 2000s, via the Hulu platform (self-mockery is on the agenda), under the leadership of a promising young screenwriter and “left field” (Rachel Bloom, as solid as in Crazy Ex Girlfriend). The latter wants to make it a more modern production, while calling on the original cast, a nice band of friendly and voluntary failures. The project takes a completely different turn when the creator of the original version arrives, an old trucker (brilliantly played by Paul Reiser) who wants to bring back the comic spirit, the ways of doing things from his golden age.
This clash of generations is one of the effective comic engines of this production which gently scratches the quirks and tics of today’s television industry, dominated by digital platforms eager for “daring” productions that attract clicks. Even if it unquestionably flirts with the codes of the new television, Reboot nevertheless distills a tenderness worthy of classic comedies which adds a welcome supplement of soul…
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