Seth MacFarlane might be best known for his work in the adult animation space, but his live-action film Ted — in which he starred as a CGI talking teddy bear alongside Mark Wahlberg — was a smashing success, making over $200 million at the box office in 2015. Unfortunately, the sequel didn’t fare as well a mere three years later, fizzling out at theaters and quashing any hopes of a new franchise. Although no one may have been clamoring to revisit this world, the new Peacock series Ted has us do so, and it’s (perhaps unexpectedly) pretty great.
A prequel to the movies, Ted follows John Bennett as a teenager trying to survive high school with his best friend by his side, his teddy bear that he once wished to life. The result is a decidedly adult high school comedy, not only in terms of its humor but also surprisingly with its mature handling of complex themes.
The jokes are pretty much exactly what you’d expect if you’re a fan of the two films: stoner humor and shock gags about a cursing teddy bear. However, MacFarlane knows how to keep things fresh. One especially funny episode focuses on the duo as they get revenge on a high school bully through a method that is extremely dark.
Ted is ideal for fans of the movies
Yet, for all the mean-spirited humor, the show never feels like it’s punching down. Although MacFarlane is never afraid to get edgy or crude, his jokes never feel like they’re simply trying to stoke controversy like, for instance, Dave Chappelle’s stand-up. Part of it might be MacFarlane’s liberal politics, as this imbues the show with a positive message of acceptance — especially in a later episode in the season.
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The one thing that the show does suffer from is bloated episode lengths. While some of the episodes are only a little over 30 minutes, others near 50 minutes. This concept is perfect for a half-hour sitcom, and many of the episodes have great sitcom premises. However, a few of the episodes begin to feel like they are spinning their wheels and just trying to get to the next joke.
However, what makes this series work so well is how endeared we get to the characters. The idea of showing the relationship between Ted and John when John was a teenager is great because it makes both characters feel much more charming. Honestly, they almost feel like entirely different characters with new arcs, but it works quite well.
Alanna Ubach and Scott Grimes replace Alex Borstein and Ralph Garman as John’s parents, and they’re both quite funny. However, the standout in the supporting cast is Giorgia Whigham, who is equally hilarious and charming as John’s college-age cousin, particularly in the back half of the season where her character’s subplot gets more attention.
If you were a fan of the movies, Ted is sure to be an absolute delight, but it’s unlikely to win over anyone beyond the fanbase of the decade-plus-old raunchy comedy. Thankfully, it doesn’t feel like a cash grab, as MacFarlane clearly had new places to take these characters and this premise.
Ted streams on Peacock beginning January 11. All seven episodes reviewed.
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Rating: 8/10
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