Parents' Guide to Blockbuster

Just like Blockbuster stores themselves, this Netflix series chronicling the last of the big-time video rental stores is a throwback, in ways both pleasant and otherwise. On the plus side, cast members like Randall Park and Melissa Fumero are pros at putting over a line, and the coworkers have great chemistry in a way that will remind many viewers of modern classic workplace comedies like The Office and Parks and Recreation. Like these shows, too, Blockbuster's characters are lovable in an entirely predictable way: You know you can expect clueless-but-adorable pep from Timmy, Kayla (Kamaia Fairburn) will always throw in some shade, Eliza is brainy but self-sabotaging, and so on. For these reasons, Blockbuster can feel like a warm and comforting bath that's nice to soak in.

However, the writing and jokes aren't as sharp as either of those classics, and though it has the comic rhythms and setups honed to perfection on sitcoms like Friends (line, joke, joke, big topper), the jokes generally provide smiles instead of laughs. There are additionally logic traps: Why does a failing store in a falling-down part of town have six employees on the floor at all times? What's the meta meaning behind Netflix hosting a show about the video store most think it killed? Of course, other beloved shows are just as illogical (a documentary crew filmed an office for 9 YEARS?), but if we were more swept away by the comedy we wouldn't notice the unevenness. As it is, Blockbuster feels like a series that can grow on you, but viewers might not be entertained enough to want to put in the time to let that happen.