Champaign ILL (2018) User Reviews

Charming, unpredictable, and hilarious.

[wolfghostninja · 8/10 · 23 February 2019]

Champaign ILL could use some of those Netflix fake reviews, judging by the low score (sub 7 at the time of writing, with a meagre 500 reviews), but other than it's low visibility and completely undeserved lack of views, it is difficult to see what could improve this underrated gem of a show.

As far as buddy comedies go, Adam Pally and Sam Richardson share an outstanding chemistry coupled with excellent timing. The two actors feed off each other, and the script is a mile a minute, neither missing a beat. Their characters are well layered with clearly defined arcs, complex and flawed, but always likeable, or at least always redeemable.

One of the best shows I've seen all year.

Good!

[baslee · 8/10 · 10 June 2020]

Funny, good actors with a little bit of social commentary. The humour in this show cleverly undercuts moments that threaten to become too saccharine, but somehow still shows warmth between the characters. There's a few overused tropes, but there's something about the writing that stops it from feeling stale. I was genuinely disappointed to see there's not going to be a second season. Worth the watch.

Hidden gem, lost in the shuffle for sure!

[drinkycrowmedicineshow · 10/10 · 13 October 2021]

This show is delightfully hilarious. Seems like it was lost in the subscription battle , being a YouTube exclusive. Never heard of it but loved the actors and their other work. Was very excited to find this. Amazing show, hilarious all around. Chemistry was great and a fantastic supporting cast. Hate it was so short lived. Definitely worth the watch!!!

Funny show, got me hooked

[kashifalimd · 9/10 · 8 February 2019]

I happened to stumble upon this show on Youtube. I did't know what it was about based on the name, but that seems to be trend on youtube. At first the show seemed like a dumb slapstick comedy but then I really got into it. The writing is very good, the jokes are well timed and I enjoy the pop culture references. The main characters do come across as idiots, but there is some depth to them. Definitely a binge worthy show.

Excellent casting and writing

[lauradaveyemail · 10/10 · 1 January 2022]

Adam Pally delivers everything I've been missing since Happy Endings. The premise is unique and allows for hilarious storylines, and the writing is top notch. This is one of three shows I've told people is a "watch immediately" category. I can't believe the show didn't get more advertising or hype. I had to dig to find this. I hope this show makes its way to an audience.

Interesting

[ambergreen-94794 · 3/10 · 21 October 2021]

Actors are funny- I grew up in the town the show is about- so far into episode 3 I have yet to see any places in the actual city. Would've been nice- on to the next episode.

Really fun show

[shawngh · 10/10 · 9 January 2019]

This show has great writing from the perspective of an aging millennial trying not lose edge and keep up with trends and pop culture. I identify with the protagonists' struggle to adjust to losing b list celeb entourage status and the jokes are so well-timed and delivered with buffoonish elegance. The final few eps are behind the paywall at Youtube premium at the time of writing this, but the free episodes were enough to nudge me into the free trial. I am also a big fan of Detroiters, Search Party, and lots of dark comedies. This show isn't too dark, but it has plenty of raunch and boundary pushing. I love it.

Clever, funny and poignant

[jareckstein · 9/10 · 16 April 2019]

It's funny. It's over the top. It's about two 18 year olds who were just about to start their adult lives and then tagged along as their friend hit it big in the celebrity world. And 15 years later, it's over and they're back in Champaign, Ill. living with their parents and not fitting in. And grieving. Each episode is so well written. It really pulls you in. At first, it's just funny and shocking. Then, little by little, we get to know these nincompoops as more complex human characters and the series has its heart. By Episode 7 "8.1 Milligrams Per Deciliter," the pinnacle of the series, you will be satiated, in that way that we feel after being entertained just right. That episode shows off the writing, editing and acting so well. (The music is divine.) I wish this show was on Netflix so everyone would watch it and make these actors and writers super-celebs. But, on YouTube it's like my secret Precious and I will enjoy its delights.

Unexpected darn good show

[hewlett61 · 9/10 · 4 November 2021]

Only two episodes in, and I love the premise. I can watch anything with Sam Richardson, possibly the funniest character on Veep. I also think Keith David is a master comedy actor and have difficulty when he plays dramatic roles because I want to laugh even when he is serious. Never even heard of this show until it popped up on Hulu. Definitely better than most streaming comedies.