Ted is now streaming on Peacock.
Comedy has undergone significant changes since the release of Ted in theaters twelve years ago. In recent times, the theatrical success of this once-dominant genre has declined, with only a few celebrity-driven projects making the cut annually. It’s no surprise that a prequel to one of the most successful comedy films of all time would land on Peacock when big names like Adam Sandler, Melissa McCarthy, and Kevin Hart are shifting to streaming platforms. However, while this marks the evolution of Ted in terms of distribution, the essence of the show remains firmly rooted in the past. This prequel, which delves into the school days of John Bennett (played by Max Burkholder, taking over the role from Mark Wahlberg) and his foul-mouthed stuffed friend (voiced by Seth MacFarlane), heavily relies on a tired concept: a cute teddy bear uttering rude remarks.
Ted Gallery
Unfortunately, not making the leap from film to series is Patrick Stewart. However, the role of the narrator-preoccupied-with-Apache-helicopters, which Stewart previously filled, has now been taken over by Ian McKellen, his friend and X-Men nemesis. Although McKellen’s character is underused, his appearances in a few episodes are filled with witty lines.
The comedic elements in Ted borrow heavily from familiar territory – outrage is the primary driver, and much of the humor is derived from the cliché of a cute, cuddly teddy bear spewing out offensive remarks. Punchlines about Jewish people, cannibalism, John Belushi, and even jokes recycled from the film Role Models are all part of the repertoire. If you’re a fan of Family Guy, then you probably know what to expect, and therein lies the show’s major shortcoming.
The show gradually improves as it progresses, hitting its stride around the halfway mark. The introduction of a new quirky character adds a fresh spin to the formula, and Ted’s pop culture references only get stronger as the series unfolds. Whether you stick around that long or even give Ted a chance in the first place will depend on your enthusiasm for the movies and MacFarlane’s other work.
There’s no overarching narrative or a reason for the seven episodes of Ted to exist together. Each episode is self-contained, presenting a traditional sitcom without a hundred episodes worth of history. It’s a missed opportunity, as Ted could have served as a comforting watch, offering a fresh slice of the Bennett family’s lives on a weekly basis. With just seven episodes, Ted barely gains enough momentum before fizzling out as it approaches the good stuff. Perhaps a second season could expand on the show’s potential – the laughs may not be groundbreaking, but it’s still a welcome addition to the MacFarlane stable.
If you’ve watched Family Guy, you know what to expect… and that’s the biggest problem.
One of the main reasons to revisit Ted is the chemistry between John and Ted – their rapport is exceptional, and Burkholder effortlessly takes over from Wahlberg. Add to that some nostalgia-driven laughs and hilarious callbacks to the movies, and you’ve got a thoroughly enjoyable comedy that captures the essence of its cinematic source material.