Ted

On January 11th, Peacock released all episodes of the new miniseries; ted, the most recent follow up to Seth MacFarlane's hit film series of the same name starring MacFarlane and Mark Wahlberg. The show takes place in the early 90s after Ted the bear's fame has worn off, but well before the events of the first Ted movie. This story gives us a glimpse of Ted and John Bennett's relationship before John became an adult. Max Burkholder plays young John Bennett while Seth MacFarlane reprises his role as Ted and the show features many alum from MacFarlane's previous shows: Scott Grimes (The Orville, American Dad!, & Family Guy), Penny Johnson Jerald (The Orville), Julius Sharpe (Family Guy), Mike Henry (Family Guy, American Dad!, & The Cleveland Show), and many others!

I am a big fan of Seth MacFarlane's work; from his hit shows like Family Guy & The Orville (still not over that show being cancelled by the way), to his movies like A Million Ways to Die in the West and the Ted series. As you can imagine, I was very excited when I heard that this show was coming out and I had very high expectations. Now, sometimes starting a show with high expectations is a recipe for disappointment. Thankfully, however, it was not the case for this show. It completely blew away my highest expectations and I found myself texting friends and family imploring them to watch it. Ted has everything: great story, classic MacFarlane-esque comedy, and brilliant performances (specifically by Scott Grimes and Alanna Ubach). It is an easy watch that is sure to entertain. I found myself being disappointed when I had finished it and saw that it will be a one-and-done show. If you are a fan of Seth MacFarlane's other work, and you feel like literally cackling with laughter (just ask my wife), I highly recommend ted, now streaming on Peacock.

Thank you!

Am a big fan of Ted, Ted 2 and Seth in general so was hoping this would be good.

I wasn't initially sold after the first two episodes but it gets better and better and funnier and funnier as it progresses! Really like the characters, they grow on you and it becomes classic Ted with the back story.

Great 80's throwbacks, film references etc which is great for me and along with the hilariously vulgar jokes there is the usual warmth that comes from the story line and characters.

Give it a chance if you are a Ted fan. Really hopeful of another season at some point but doesn't look like for now.

Season 1.

Based on the success of the original 2012 film and its sequel three years later, was initially surprised that this concept was adapted into a mini tv series. Now of course it takes place in the early 1990's with our lead character of John being a teenager. The series very much represents a lot of the 1990's with its clothing, video games, furnitures, and frequent pop culture references.

As seen in the films, the comedy is very much on par with a lot of crude jokes and witty dialogue. They don't water down the product as this series is very much for mature audiences as equivalent to an R rating.

Seth MacFarlane does great voice work as Ted. The actor portraying John certainly gets better as the show progresses. The actress portraying Blair may be the standout as she's the smart independent voice of reason and social conscience. The father is the more laid back occasionally aggressive drunk type while the mother is the more nice easy going pushover one.

Each episode has enough laughs but their stories do vary and do get serious at times. From the opening episode dealing with buying drugs, to the following episode with the bully and his absent father. A Halloween episode is in there which may be the highlight (ep. 4) mainly because it brings the pairing of Ted and Blair. To the final two episodes which felt more serious dealing with issues (Blair seemingly "coming out", John's prom wanting to lose it). Although they each of course have comedic moments but the laughs were less the final episodes.

Overall a very entertaining mini series with eye opener results with a nostalgic factor for people to enjoy. We are now anticipating the second series and it has been reported in the works.

This is exactly what we need at times like this. The comedy is brilliant. You hear jokes which are rarely said these days. The writing and acting are quite good. They created a backstory in the best way possible. The new characters are also relatable. And I think the casting couldn't have been better except for John's dad who although is does an amazing job but I get a Bill Burr vibe from.

Still, I don't think episode six was necessary. That's not what Ted is about. The episode felt a bit off as if they were forced to make one with this concept. We are seeing enough of this in stories in the present time, I don't think we need it in stories from the 90s as well.

Overall, I enjoyed the show so much and I believe it has the potential for at least another 3 seasons which I seriously hope we get. Seth McFarlane has a great mind and is definitely able to extend this beautiful story. We all need more shows like this where the comedy is the focus.

The story arcs could use some work, but this series is hilarious and knows no bounds. As is the case with Seth MacFarlane's Family Guy, we are treated to an array of politically incorrect humor, sexually charged situations, drug use, and people being beaten to a pulp or bullied. The Boston accents are spot on and these characters are developed appropriately.

This is a prequel to the events of Ted and Ted 2, but I bet anyone can go into this series without having seen either film. People who have a fondness for the 1990s should also get a kick out of this show.

On a strictly personal note, I've been out of work for a few months and Ted has been a delightful distraction for me. I laugh and cringe, but also feel affection for the Bennett family. This has everything that I look for in a comedy series, and more.