Blockbuster: Is Netflix's Comedy Series Our New Brooklyn 9-9?
The navy shirts and tan khakis are back this November as the notorious video store Blockbuster returns to Netflix.
It's a new workplace comedy about the last Blockbuster store to survive prior to the explosion of streaming services, like Netflix. Previously, a documentary about 'The Last Blockbuster' had been produced by Netflix yet this series will deliver a much lighter tone (think The Office and Parks and Rec).
Blockbuster stars Randall Park (Fresh Off The Boat) as Timmy, the store manager, and Melissa Fumero (Brooklyn 9-9). Meanwhile, Tyler Alvarez, Madeleine Arthur, and Olga Merediz round out the rest of the main cast. Blockbuster is created by Vanessa Ramos and has already been greenlit for a 10-episode first season that premieres November 3.
Recently, the first glimpse of Blockbuster was released on Netflix. The trailer provides a couple-minute sample of the laughs that audiences will experience in season one. It's hard not to root for a workplace comedy, especially one that Gen X and Millennials can get nostalgic about considering all the old throwbacks. Brick-and-mortar video stores have more or less become ancient artifacts, so it's difficult for the younger generations to understand how popular establishments like Blockbuster were back in the day.
Blockbuster certainly has an element of Brooklyn 9-9 which makes sense considering the writers were originally on that production. Initially, Blockbuster had been pitched to NBC yet after the network passed; the series fell into the hands of Netflix. It's a little ironic Netflix's latest comedy is about something the streaming service replaced yet we are excited for the debut nevertheless.
The show's co-executive producer, Vanessa Ramos, previously worked on Brooklyn 9-9 and Superstore. As a result, she brings a wealth of experience to a writing team ready to poke fun at DVDs and VHS tapes. It definitely has the potential to transform into the Brooklyn 9-9 of Netflix.
Furthermore, audiences are excited to see Randall Park get thrust into a lead role as "an analog dreamer living in a 5G world". He was the first actor Netflix secured for the show and brings the most experience to the cast. Park has tackled everything from controversial comedic roles like being Kim Jong-Un in 'The Interview' to his recurring role as Louis Huang on Fresh Off the Boat. Additionally, his one-episode appearance in The Office as "Asian Jim" (S9, E3) ranks among the top guest star appearances on the series.
Now that the trailer for Blockbuster has been released we cannot wait for the premiere. The pilot episode is available on Netflix, beginning November 3, 2022.