Last Year, 'Ted Lasso' Creator Made a 92% Fresh Detective Masterpiece You Haven't Seen
In a time when feel-good detective stories are rare, this one proves that you don't have to delve into pitch darkness to have a fascinating investigation.
With all the hype surrounding 2024 hits like Shogun and Fallout, it was easy to miss one of the most unusual and charming projects – Bad Monkey.
Bill Lawrence, known for his therapy sitcoms Scrubs and Ted Lasso, has made a detective story instead of a comedy this time.
This show is so unique and refreshing that it can be confidently recommended to anyone who is tired of dark, oppressing projects like True Detective.
What Is 'Bad Monkey' About?
Andrew Yancy (Vince Vaughn) is a former Miami police detective who was suspended for pushing his lover's husband into a swimming pool.
While awaiting trial, Yancy is asked to assist with a seemingly routine case: a human hand clutching a middle finger was found in the ocean.
This seemingly insignificant incident draws Yancy into a dangerous investigation that unexpectedly intertwines with the story of a Bahamian man named Neville and his pet monkey.
'Bad Monkey' Is Not Your Typical Dark, Depressing Detective Series
Unlike modern detective projects such as Mare of Easttown or Sharp Objects, which immerse viewers in an atmosphere of hopelessness and trauma, Bad Monkey takes a completely different approach – it's a light, almost beachy detective story.
Terrifying events unfold on the sun-drenched Florida coast, and rather than overwhelming viewers with darkness, the series invites them to enjoy the investigation as a captivating, albeit dangerous, adventure.
'Bad Monkey' Has a Charming Main Character You'll Fall in Love With
Bad Monkey's greatest strength is Vince Vaughn's brilliant performance. He plays a charismatic slacker who hides a talented detective and a vulnerable person behind his relaxed facade.
Vaughn masterfully balances comedy and drama, remaining charming even in the most absurd situations. This role was made for Vaughn, who finally received the solo part he has deserved all these years.
Is 'Bad Monkey' Similar to 'Scrubs' and 'Ted Lasso'?
Bill Lawrence's signature style is evident in Bad Monkey. First, the dialogue is brilliantly written. The characters talk at length and with enthusiasm about "nothing," joking, bickering, and flirting.
While these conversations may not advance the plot, they create a uniquely lighthearted atmosphere.
Second, the storylines are dynamic: problems arise and are resolved quickly, making Bad Monkey incredibly gripping.
What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Bad Monkey'?
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Bad Monkey has 92% from critics and 81% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.
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On IMDb, the series has a score of 7.4/10.
Where to Watch 'Bad Monkey'?
Bad Monkey is available to stream on Apple TV+ and Prime Video.
