User reviews

This series is the perfect 'behind the scenes' show that sorta explains what went into making The Tonight Show so very popular. It's almost like Forest Gump in that you believe this really happened. Please... if there is any way possible to continue the series with Season Two... everyone over 55 will definitely watch... with their grand-kids.

I saw all 7 episodes of "THERE'S JOHNNY" yesterday. It was original excellent writing, direction and especially Ian Nelson and Tony Danza and the rest of the cast. The only problem is 7 episodes are not enough for me. Please give it a second season.

Really a nice quality show, and a terrific idea/concept! Paul Reiser should be proud to have written and produced. It reminded me a bit of Red Oaks - Also a very good little seres. I CAN'T believe this only had 7 episodes! I wish this was marketed better and picked up for renewal. It's right up there with the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, as far as feel good period pieces go. but with out the frenzy. PLEASE MAKE MORE EPISODES!!

Most criticism I've seen addresses protagonist Andy's (Ian Nelson) weak characterization, and the show's unimpressive attempts at connecting fictional plot with the real world. I'd argue, though, that the writers are not entirely at fault; the show's premise and setup are inherent transgressions of the modern television show formula. Between the fact that we, as the audience, don't get to spend much time with the characters on screen (about 3 hours), and that Andy resembles nothing of any modern protagonist, critics have labeled Andy an unsucessful attempt at creating a believable protagonist. In truth, creator Paul Reiser took a risk in introducing an unconventional protagonist by today's standards (conventional in 1970) to really enhance the show's nostalgic qualities. Most viewers of on-demand streaming services like its network Hulu and its original network, what is now the defunct debacle that is Seeso, are too young to feel nostalgic for something they never experienced. Most contemporary period dramas like AMC's Mad Men feature anachronistic modern characters. Andy is very much a 70s character in a 70s setting, and not a modern character in a 70s setting. Naturally, then, the show's attempts at linking Andy with the real world fail, because the viewer simply can't relate with Andy. Still, I think it's refreshing to see a change, for once, in a television era dominated by dark, jaded, and overly pessimistic protagonists.

On the opposite end, Jane Levy's fantastic portrayal of Joy Greenfield features a very modern character dealing with very modern issues. When Joy is on the screen, There's...Johnny is at its best. The show does a pretty good job with the writing as a whole, but Joy's story arcs and relationships are especially captivating. It's really a shame she doesn't receive more screen time.

Other than that, the show is competently directed, well written, and wonderfully performed (especially Jane Levy and Tony Danza). It's really unfortunate that, with Seeso's untimely demise, There's...Johnny doesn't get the attention it deserves. For a show with only roughly 3 hours of runtime, I'd definitely recommend There's...Johnny for an afternoon binge watch.

10. It's different. 9. It's interesting. 8. It's enlightening. 7. It's nostalgic. 6. It's funny. 5. It's real 4. It's empathetic 3. It's well-written. 2. It's well-acted. 1. Jane Levy (Thanks Dave.)

Addendum: The way I rate shows... I don't usually review anything less than a 7 because 6 would be a failing grade and I won't waste my time watching it. I'm old; I don't know how much time I've got left. Since I probably turned it off before getting even halfway through, it wouldn't be fair to rate or review it. 7 is watchable but I may go a while between episodes since, though somewhat entertaining, there are other shows more interesting or compelling. 8 would be a regular in my lineup. 9 is a must see and probably bingeable. 10 is just the epitome of superbity and headed for my all-time favorites list. I'm adding this to my reviews because it seems there are a lot of binary reactions to pretty much everything these days. I am not a like/unlike kind of guy. I see a lot of grays so if I give something a 10 it doesn't mean the only alternative is a 1.