"Huff" (2004) TV series 2004-2006

User Rating:

8.4/10   

Creator:

Bob Lowry

Seasons:

1 | 2

Release Date:

7 November 2004 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Comedy

Tagline:

Life. Sometimes you wake up in the middle of it.

Plot:

Psychiatrist Craig Huffstodt (Azaria) experiences his own midlife crisis.

Plot Keywords:

Psychiatrist | Alcoholism | Stalker | Father Son Relationship | Overbearing Mother

Awards:

Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 4 wins & 8 nominations

Cast

Hank Azaria	...	Dr. Craig 'Huff' Huffstodt (24 episodes, 2004-2006)
Paget Brewster	...	Beth Huffstodt (24 episodes, 2004-2006)
Anton Yelchin	...	Byrd Huffstodt (24 episodes, 2004-2006)
Andy Comeau	...	Teddy Huffstodt (24 episodes, 2004-2006)
Blythe Danner	...	Isabelle 'Izzy' Huffstodt (24 episodes, 2004-2006)
Oliver Platt	...	Russell Tupper (24 episodes, 2004-2006)
Kimberly Brooks	...	Paula Dellahouse (23 episodes, 2004-2006)
Liza Lapira	...	Maggie Del Rosario / ... (21 episodes, 2004-2006)
Faith Prince	...	Kelly Knippers / ... (19 episodes, 2004-2006)
Jack Laufer	...	Homeless Hungarian (14 episodes, 2004-2006)

Also Known As:

"!Huff" (USA) (working title)

Runtime:

55 min (approx)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

Argentina:Atp | Australia:M | Canada:14A

Filming Locations:

Delfino Stages - 12501 Gladstone Avenue, Sylmar, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Sony Pictures Television

Movie Connections:

Featured in 'Huff': Around the Edges (2004) (TV)

It was brilliant, but the cancellation was the right move

The show stars Hank Azaria as psychiatrist Dr Huff(stodt). Without revealing too much, I'll just say the show basically revolves around his work and his personal life and all the trials and tribulations the characters face.

Right from the start, you realise, "this is quality television". The characters are interesting and appear convincing, the script is brilliant and everything is pretty well executed. At the end of most episodes you get that burning desire to watch the next one ("oh, what's going to happen next?!"). That's always a good indicator for a good show.

Hank Azaria is convincing in his depiction of a troubled psychiatrist. The actor who plays his kid is brilliant, as is Oliver Platt in his portrayal of the libertine lawyer who always seems to get into trouble of his own design.

For those of you wondering why there have only been two seasons: I can't quite fathom why the execs decided not to renew the show for another season. But I do know this, though: often it's best to quit while the going's good. Otherwise, by trying to top something that's already peaked, you run the risk of ruining something special - take Nip-Tuck, for example. By just going on and on they've ruined a great show that, after season 3, I think, was a mere shadow of its former self. So, don't worry about the cancellation of Huff. The end of season 2 was the point to stop, and by so doing the show was wrapped up admirably and with a good resolution at the end.

SHOULD YOU WATCH THIS SHOW?

I can recommend 'Huff' wholeheartedly and without reservation. This show, albeit largely unknown, is certainly a gem among television shows. Though I must say: It took some getting used to seeing Hank Azaria in this role after having seen him as Agador, the hilarious gay waiter in 'The Birdcage'. The contrast between the two roles is so stark, it'll make it even more enjoyable watching him in 'Huff'.

This show is likely to grow on you if you enjoyed 'Six Feet Under', 'Nip/Tuck' or 'Californication'. All these shows are somewhat brutal and unrelenting in depicting harsh realities and unusually offensive (for American television) language. It'll definitely keep you interested and you may enjoy it with a clean conscience as it is intelligently made.