There's... Johnny! 

Young Andy becomes a gofer at "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" circa 1972.

Stars:

Ian Nelson, David Hoffman, Jane Levy

Cast

Series cast summary:
Ian Nelson	...	Andy / ... 7 episodes, 2017
David Hoffman	...	Jim 7 episodes, 2017
Jane Levy	...	Joy Greenfield 7 episodes, 2017
Daniel Strauss	...	Alan 7 episodes, 2017
Tony Danza	...	Fred de Cordova 6 episodes, 2017
T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh	...	Roz 6 episodes, 2017
Andrew Schulz	...	Mitch 6 episodes, 2017
Nate Smith	...	Mike 6 episodes, 2017
Roger Bart	...	Angelo 5 episodes, 2017
Kevin Hawley	...	Doc Severinsen 4 episodes, 2017
Camrus Johnson	...	Rasheed 4 episodes, 2017
Johnny Ferro	...	Buddy Klavin 3 episodes, 2017
Abigail Klein	...	Chrissy-Ann Aldean 3 episodes, 2017
Alison Martin	...	Lorraine Klavin 3 episodes, 2017
Don Stark	...	Bernie Greenfield 3 episodes, 2017
Ari Frenkel	...	Tom Donahue 2 episodes, 2017

Storyline

Young Andy becomes a gofer at "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" circa 1972.

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Plot Keywords:

1970s | television studio | 

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Genres:

Comedy

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Details

Official Sites:

official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 November 2017 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Comedy Dynamics

Technical Specs

Runtime:

25 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Connections

Featured in The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: Rebel Wilson/Paul Reiser/Gwen Stefani (2017)

User Reviews

Great show that takes a risk

Most criticism I've seen addresses protagonist Andy's (Ian Nelson) weak characterization, and the show's unimpressive attempts at connecting fictional plot with the real world. I'd argue, though, that the writers are not entirely at fault; the show's premise and setup are inherent transgressions of the modern television show formula. Between the fact that we, as the audience, don't get to spend much time with the characters on screen (about 3 hours), and that Andy resembles nothing of any modern protagonist, critics have labeled Andy an unsucessful attempt at creating a believable protagonist. In truth, creator Paul Reiser took a risk in introducing an unconventional protagonist by today's standards (conventional in 1970) to really enhance the show's nostalgic qualities. Most viewers of on-demand streaming services like its network Hulu and its original network, what is now the defunct debacle that is Seeso, are too young to feel nostalgic for something they never experienced. Most contemporary period dramas like AMC's Mad Men feature anachronistic modern characters. Andy is very much a 70s character in a 70s setting, and not a modern character in a 70s setting. Naturally, then, the show's attempts at linking Andy with the real world fail, because the viewer simply can't relate with Andy. Still, I think it's refreshing to see a change, for once, in a television era dominated by dark, jaded, and overly pessimistic protagonists.

On the opposite end, Jane Levy's fantastic portrayal of Joy Greenfield features a very modern character dealing with very modern issues. When Joy is on the screen, There's...Johnny is at its best. The show does a pretty good job with the writing as a whole, but Joy's story arcs and relationships are especially captivating. It's really a shame she doesn't receive more screen time.

Other than that, the show is competently directed, well written, and wonderfully performed (especially Jane Levy and Tony Danza). It's really unfortunate that, with Seeso's untimely demise, There's...Johnny doesn't get the attention it deserves. For a show with only roughly 3 hours of runtime, I'd definitely recommend There's...Johnny for an afternoon binge watch.