The Critic creator Al Jean and star Jon Lovitz have taken to social media to call upon fans of the cult-classic animated sitcom to help show their support for a potential revival. The series was created by Jean and Mike Reiss, following their previous collaboration on the early seasons of The Simpsons, running for two seasons from 1994 to 1995. The Critic focuses on Lovitz’s movie critic, Jay Sherman, and his televised review shows Coming Attractions, and his balance between his television career and his life at home.
Through his X account, Lovitz confirmed that Jean had agreed to help bring The Critic back to screens, calling on fans to support the post to show interest in the potential revival through likes and shares, alongside an image from the home release’s cover:
Lovitz’s post was followed by Jean, who also asked viewers whether they would be interested in a revival of The Critic along with an upload of the same image:
Could The Critic Revival Be Successful?
The Series Was Unable To Outshine Jean and Reiss’s Past Collaboration
While Jean and Reiss hoped it could stand apart from The Simpsons, The Critic has long since fallen into the shadow of the long-running animated juggernaut and the more successful shows developed by Simpsons alumni, such as Futurama. Between drawing upon ideas that they had for a scrapped Krusty the Clown-centered spin-off, to a notable crossover with Springfield’s most beloved family that proved to be controversial behind the scenes with “A Star Is Burns,” the series is perhaps best remembered for its contentious relationship with Matt Groening’s hit. Despite this, there may still be hope for a potential revival.
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From their adventure with the Futurama cast to the guest from The Critic, there have been a lot of memorable crossover episodes in The Simpsons.
Though later reappraisals and a successful home release showed The Critic had a strong following since its cancellation, the changing media landscape could have successfully created an environment where Sherman’s humor could thrive. With social media and internet culture offering audiences greater insight into the production of movies and television, as well as the critical profession, a revival of The Critic could find its place by giving Sherman the chance to use this awareness in its comedy. As such, The Critic revival could firmly distance itself from The Simpsons and fit within a more pop-culture-savvy landscape.
Our Thoughts On A Potential The Critic Revival
Many Producers And Stars Have Shared Their Hopes
Jean and Lovitz are not the first voices behind The Critic to share their hopes for a revival, as Reiss and recognizable voice actor Maurice LaMarche have shared their appreciation for the series and hope for a return one day. However, with both Jean and Lovitz calling out for support, many others may renew their endorsement of the series and potentially attract interest from a production company. Sherman’s return may not be guaranteed just yet, but it is clear there is still passion for The Critic by those involved, even after 30 years.
Source: Jon Lovitz/X, Al Jean/X
The Critic
- Release Date
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1994 – 2000
- Directors
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Bret Haaland, Lauren MacMullan, Alan Smart, Rich Moore, Dan Jeup, Brian Sheesley, David Cutler, Steven Dean Moore, Susie Dietter, Chuck Sheetz
- Writers
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Jon Vitti, Steve Tompkins, Ken Keeler, Patric M. Verrone, Tom Brady, Jennifer Ventimilia, Joshua Sternin, Steven Levitan, Max Pross, Nell Scovell
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Jon Lovitz
Jay Sherman (voice)
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Christine Cavanaugh
Marty Sherman (voice)
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Charles Napier
Duke Phillips (voice)
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Judith Ivey
Eleanor Sherman (voice)
