Why Platonic Proves TV Is The New Home For Big Comedy Hits

James

3 min read

Post on Aug 07, 2025

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Why Platonic Proves TV is the New Home for Big Comedy Hits

For years, the big screen reigned supreme for comedy juggernauts. Think back to the blockbuster hits of the 90s and 2000s – Wedding Crashers, Bridesmaids, Knocked Up – cinematic experiences that defined a generation's humor. But something's shifted. The roar of laughter is now echoing louder from the living room than the multiplex, and Apple TV+'s Platonic is a prime example of why television has become the new home for big comedy hits.

This isn't just about streaming services offering more content; it's a fundamental change in how comedy is created, consumed, and marketed. The traditional constraints of a 90-minute film are being replaced by the flexibility and depth of serialized storytelling. This allows for richer character development, nuanced humor, and a level of emotional resonance that’s difficult to achieve within the confines of a feature-length comedy.

The Rise of the Long-Form Comedy

Platonic, starring Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne, is a perfect illustration. The series dives deep into the complexities of a rekindled friendship, exploring the awkward realities of adult relationships with a sharp wit and surprising emotional honesty. This kind of sustained character study is almost impossible to pull off in a movie format. The show has time to build its jokes, its characters, and the audience's investment in their journeys.

This isn't an isolated incident. Shows like Ted Lasso (Apple TV+), Barry (HBO), and The Bear (FX on Hulu), while varying in genre, all showcase the power of long-form storytelling to deliver truly exceptional comedic performances and compelling narratives. They're not just funny; they're emotionally resonant, offering relatable characters and exploring complex themes with depth and nuance.

Why TV Offers More Creative Freedom

Several factors contribute to television's ascendancy as the leading platform for comedy:

• Character Development: TV allows for the creation of deeply flawed, multi-faceted characters that evolve over multiple seasons. This depth resonates with audiences who crave authenticity and relatability.
• Nuanced Humor: The extended runtime allows for a broader range of comedic styles, from slapstick to observational humor to dark comedy, woven together seamlessly.
• Storytelling Flexibility: The episodic format offers greater freedom for exploring subplots, character arcs, and complex narrative structures, resulting in more satisfying and complete stories.
• Target Audience Reach: Streaming platforms offer targeted marketing, ensuring that the show reaches its intended audience effectively, unlike the broader reach (and potentially diluted audience) of a theatrical release.

The Future of Comedy: A Hybrid Model?

While television is undoubtedly dominating the comedy landscape, it doesn't mean the death of cinematic comedy. There's still a place for big-screen comedies, particularly those that lean towards broader, more accessible humor. However, for nuanced, character-driven comedies that explore complex themes, television now provides the ideal creative canvas. Platonic is a strong testament to this, highlighting the shift in where the biggest laughs – and the most compelling comedic storytelling – are happening.

Are you ready to embrace the new era of comedy? What TV shows are your favorite examples of long-form comedic excellence? Share your thoughts in the comments below!