Blending nostalgia with his brand of wildly inappropriate humor, Seth MacFarlane’s latest creation, Ted, hit the Peacock streaming platform on January 11, 2024. Serving as a prequel to the iconic Ted film franchise, starring Mark Wahlberg, MacFarlane’s comedy invites viewers into the outrageous world of a foul-mouthed, sentient teddy bear named Ted.
Set against the backdrop of 1993 in Framingham, Massachusetts, the show delves into the early life of Ted as he shares a home with the Bennett family, including his teenage bud John (Max Burkholder). MacFarlane, renowned for animated hits like Family Guy and American Dad, leaps to live-action, exploring his ridiculously inappropriate comedic sensibilities. A sample:
Ted: Hey, John how much is school going to suck?
John: You’re not going to like it.
Ted: How bad?
John: It’s like getting your nuts smashed together so hard they become one nut.
Ted: Holy sh*t!
Like the movies, the series ain’t shying away from pushing boundaries, as the talking bear becomes John’s only pal during his high school years. From smoking pot to navigating the quest for losing one’s virginity, the show tackles taboo topics with a playful spirit. The comedic chaos intensifies within the Bennett household, featuring John’s beer-swilling, racist dad and a cousin adding an extra layer of hilarity. Watch below:
REELated:
In addition to Burkholder, Ted features MacFarlane as the voice of the foul-mouthed, witty, and best friend of John Bennett. Adding a fun touch, Tara Strong lends her voice to Ted’s “I Love You” function. This quirky feature adds a hilarious dynamic to Ted’s character, making him even more endearing.
Alanna Ubach portrays Susan Bennett, John’s girlfriend. Previously named Helen and portrayed by Alex Borstein, Ubach adds her flair to the character, contributing to the film’s comedic chemistry. Scott Grimes takes on the role of Matty Bennett, previously named Steve in the film. Grimes captures the essence of Matty, John’s bumbling yet lovable relative.
Giorgia Whigham plays Blaire Bennett, John’s intelligent and progressive-leaning cousin, and Matty and Susan’s niece. Whigham’s portrayal adds depth to the storyline, especially as Blaire navigates her challenges and relationships.
Ted cleverly integrates ’90s pop-culture references, paying homage to iconic movies like Jurassic Park and Alive. MacFarlane’s strategic use of streaming allows the series to capitalize on the irreverence without the pressure of justifying another movie, creating a refreshing and binge-worthy experience.
While the seven-episode season occasionally stumbles into clunky moments, the unpretentious silliness captures the essence of ’90s comedic sensibility.
In essence, Ted on Peacock ain’t aiming for high art. But nor would we expect it to. Still, it offers a hilarious escape into the absurd world of a talking teddy bear, providing a more-than-bearable trip down memory lane for those who can appreciate its unique blend of humor and ’90s throwbacks.
Bottom Line: If you are entertained by Prank Fart Videos on IG, you’re going to move Ted. It’s a Reel See.
Follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram
The Geek is a working screenwriter, director and screenwriting instructor.
