The long-discussed return of “The Critic” has taken a significant step forward, with co-creator Al Jean revealing to Polygon that the project is closer than ever to becoming a reality.
The animated satire, which ran for just 23 episodes between 1994 and 1995 before developing a devoted following through reruns and webisodes, has remained a frequent subject of revival speculation for years. Now, the people behind the series say the pieces are beginning to fall into place.
After Years of Rumors, ‘The Critic’ Could Finally Be Making a Comeback
Jean offered the strongest indication yet that a revival is moving forward, revealing that one of the project’s biggest obstacles has already been cleared. “The hurdles are passed with me making my deal,” he said, before explaining that the remaining negotiations involve Jon Lovitz, the voice behind Jay Sherman. While nothing has been officially finalized, Jean noted that Lovitz “definitely wants to do it” and expressed confidence that an agreement will ultimately be reached.
Even with the final paperwork still pending, Jean sounded optimistic about the show’s prospects. Calling his update “the honest, very up-to-the-minute fact,” he acknowledged that he could not guarantee the outcome but added that he is confident the deal will close. His most revealing assessment came when discussing the overall state of the project, saying, “It’s never been closer to actually happening.”
The possibility of a reboot has already sparked creative thinking behind the scenes. Jean revealed that he has been developing potential storylines for a modern version of the series, including one idea that would send Jay to a Mets game where he unexpectedly “falls in love with Mrs. Met, who’s hitting on him.” The pitch suggests the revival would retain the surreal, pop culture-driven humor that made the original title a cult favorite.
Fellow co-creator Mike Reiss, who developed “The Critic” alongside Jean after the pair’s acclaimed run as writers and showrunners on “The Simpsons,” indicated that his role would likely be more limited if the project moves ahead. “I’m sort of on the sidelines,” he said, adding that while he would not be running the show, he expects to remain involved. “I’ll be a little part of the thing. I’ll keep a hand in it.”
Despite not being at the center of the reboot’s development, Reiss shares Jean’s confidence that the series will return. Pointing to television’s ongoing fascination with revivals, he said, “I can’t imagine it not selling because every reboot seems to sell. So why not that?” For fans who have spent decades hoping to hear Jay Sherman deliver another “It stinks!,” the creators’ latest comments offer the most promising update in years.
