Synopsis
As a writer named Mike struggles to shepherd his semi-autobiographical sitcom into development, his vision is slowly eroded by a domineering network executive named Lenny who favors trashy reality programming. The irony, of course, is that every crass suggestion Lenny makes improves the show's response from test audiences and brings the show a step closer to getting on the air.
Your Movie Library
Cast
- David DuchovnyMike Klein
- Sigourney WeaverLenny
- Ioan GruffuddRichard McCallister
- Judy GreerAlice
- Fran KranzZach Harper
- Lindsay SloaneLaurel Simon
- Justine BatemanNatalie Klein
- Lucy DavisChloe McCallister
- Willie GarsonBrian
- M.C. GaineyHutch
Recommendations
- 91
Entertainment Weekly
If only for the comedy glory of Sigourney Weaver as a TV network president who confuses acid reflux with gut instinct, this very smart, very funny movie about the making of a network sitcom is a cut-glass gem of a showbiz conceit. - 75
New York Daily News
Sigourney Weaver is a riot in the cynical Faye Dunaway network boss role. - 70
New York Magazine (Vulture)
It's deftly calibrated and acted with relish: Kasdan is really good! - 70
Village Voice
The TV Set is wry and true about the messy tangle of art, commerce, and family, as talented creative types try to stay true to themselves and put food on the table. The movie is also a treasure trove of inspired comic personalities. - 70
Los Angeles Times
In general, the movie doesn't necessarily reveal anything we don't already know but delivers it in a personable, entertaining manner. - 63
USA Today
The TV Set skewers the television industry in a manner that occasionally feels familiar and at other times is humorously incisive. - 60
Salon
This is a tepidly amusing film that will offend no one, including those it claims to skewer. - 50
The Hollywood Reporter
Whether outsiders will find much to appreciate in The TV Set is another question because the film fails to provide the thematic resonance of similarly themed predecessors like the brilliant "Network."
