Red Oaks

I started this with no expectations, actually all other Amazon Prime Video series did not get into me that much... OK, we are in the '80, so if you are born exactly in 1980 like me you are going to have a lot of revival moments, this is not sweating '80 like some other piece of TV streaming show (cough... stranger, cough... things, cough...), but there is a lot of quotes and reference everywhere. Then the whole plot is pivoting around niceness, and this is heart- warming, too many series are around just bad and evil characters, here you will find comfort after a hard work day. But the most important thing is: Time Travel. When I watch this show, time goes faster than ever! It is unbelievable how an episode slides smoothly to the end, while you think you are actually in the middle of it. This is actually the most sophisticated magic entertainment can do, and it must mean something if this happens.

The pilot was a rarity in that I actually cared about the characters and their storylines by the time it ended. And each episode keeps getting better. The pilot comes off a bit raunch-commy with boobs and f-bombs galore, but it simmers down after that, and the bit of mature content that remains serves the storylines. And I find myself, at odd times, getting choked up. The humor and silliness slows down and there are these wonderful moments of empathy and vulnerability-something most half-hour comedies can't pull off.

Set in a country club in the 80's, Red Oaks is a story of the staff and members alike as they work their way through a summer of transition.

It's a feel-good show with likable characters and consistently engaging plot-lines that drag you in until your emotions are undoubtedly invested.

Notable mentions go to Oliver Cooper, who plays drug-dealing valet and lovable rogue 'Wheeler', and 'Nash', a tennis-pro and ace with the ladies, hilariously played by Ennis Esmer.

The cast was flawless with many names worthy of praise, however the stand-out is unquestionably Craig Roberts. Known widely for Richard Ayoade's Submarine, Roberts provides us with a neutral perspective of the chaos unfolding around him.

Ultimately, this is a show that Amazon can be thoroughly proud of, with overwhelmingly positive reviews and an equal number of cliff- hangers in the final episode of the season that I'm sure will leave many fans eagerly awaiting a season 2.

Strong first season and a definite must-watch. 8/10.

P.s - Craig Roberts bears an almost uncanny resemblance to Rob Schneider at times...or maybe it's just me.

Every moment of this excellent series makes me grin from ear to ear. All the characters are perfect and the writing is an awesome mixture of sweetness and hilarity. I discovered this purely by chance in the IMDb recommendations and I'm so glad I did. I can't help that feel that Red Oaks deserves more recognition and praise then it has already received. For me this is up there as one of the greats in the sitcom genre. If your on here looking for a new series to get into than I couldn't recommend Red Oaks enough!

I decided to give this show a try and I was immediately hooked! I binge watched the first 2 seasons. Sad to hear that season 3 will be the last. Wish there were more shows this well done on TV. Every character on the show keeps your attention in every scene.Give this show a chance. You will love it!