‘Central Park’ Review

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Josh Gad as 'Birdie' in 'Central Park'

It really is quite the time to be alive if you’re a fan of television. For this era of peak T.V., has provided Telephiles everywhere with a massive database of shows to binge and sift through. But while that alone is truly amazing, what’s equally as incredible is that new shows continue to pop up left and right, courtesy of a mountain of streaming services. Which provides anyone with a few minutes to spare with what seems to be an endless supply of entertainment, one that may never be exhausted. 
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But there is a slight downside in regard to this revolution in that, in order to capture an audience, networks and streaming services are assembling shows that are designed to suck you in and keep your attention because they want you to see the wondrous world they’ve created. Which doesn’t sound like a bad thing necessarily and in many ways, it isn’t. Because you really cannot go wrong with investing yourself in a well-crafted tale. Instead, the only drawback to this style of storytelling is the sheer fact that sometimes you’re not in the mood to bury yourself in a juicy plot, you simply want to be entertained by something fun and lighthearted.

Enter Apple TV+. For as they continue to diversify their already impressive lineup, they’re adding shows that fit that particular mold, and next Friday will see the premiere of Central Park, a series that definitely allows for the viewer to kick back and smile. Now this particular show, one forged from the mind of Loren Bouchard (Bob’s Burgers), is an animated series that introduces us to the Tillerman family. Who live inside the park itself since the patriarch of the family, Owen, is the park manager for this iconic place and we get to join them on their adventures as they try to keep a hotel magnate named Bitsy Brandenham, from transforming the park into a money-making nightmare. 

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(Left to Right) Stanley Tucci as 'Bitsy Brandenham' and Daveed Diggs as 'Helen' in 'Central Park'

But that’s all we are going to discuss in regard to the plot today. Because it’s better that we talk about what exactly makes this series such a delightful treat, such as the fact that the setting and the story of this series are quite unique and original. For there really aren’t any shows out there, animated or live action, that are set in this part of Manhattan. If anything, this park is often used solely as a set piece or a plot device in storytelling, so to see Central Park become a focal point is something that definitely piques your interest. As for the story, well you’ll find that it offers up some new ideas and unique challenges for our characters to face, but again, we need to keep the details of that under wraps, so that you can experience the wonder of the narrative on your own.
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Yet while those two elements make this show worth your while, there are other components in this series that add to its charming nature. For example, Central Park is also a musical. The kind where the characters sing from the heart as they process their thoughts and that oddly enough, keeps your attention because you’re curious to see how the writers created a song out of the mundane. But while that is a treat in its own right, it is the humor that truly allows for this series to shine. Because the jokes simply work, to the point where you’re consistently laughing out loud and you’ll also find yourself pausing the show to catch your breath, when the comedy starts to arrive in rapid-fire fashion.

In the end, this really is quite the magnificent series, one that is definitely worth a watch. Simply because it really is a wonderful way to escape the world for half an hour since it offers up a fun experience, one filled with relatable stories and moments and this is a show that that also features a stellar cast. Since Leslie Odom Jr., Stanley Tucci, Josh Gad and Kristen Bell lend their vocal talents to this world and hopefully, you’ll give this delightful story a look when it premieres on Apple TV+, on Friday, May 29, 2020.

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