Watch Carter

Carter is a Canadian television series that was later acquired by WGN America. It follows the story of Harley Carter (played by Jerry O'Connell), a popular American actor who played a detective on a TV series for years. After a public meltdown, he returns to his small hometown of Bishop, Ontario, in Canada. There, he becomes involved in solving real-life crimes with the help of his childhood friends, Sam Shaw (Sydney Tamiia Poitier) and Dave Leigh (Kristian Bruun).

The show is a mix of drama and comedy, taking a light-hearted approach to the genre with its witty dialogue and occasional self-referential humor. The episodes generally revolve around a single case that the trio of amateur detectives take on, each with their own final solution. However, it's not just the cases that are intriguing; the chemistry between the main characters and their relationships with other townspeople is what keeps viewers hooked.

The series' main protagonist, Harley Carter, is a charming and funny character who isn't afraid to poke fun at himself, his celebrity status, or his past mistakes. He's also an astute observer of human behavior, using his experience as an actor to notice details that others might miss. But, as the show progresses, we discover more of his layers, including a traumatic past that he's been running away from.

His friends and accomplices, Sam and Dave, are equally entertaining characters, who provide a good contrast to Harley's flamboyant personality. Sam Shaw is a no-nonsense police officer who's happily married with a child. She's the voice of reason in the trio, often serving as a foil to Harley's more impulsive nature. Dave Leigh is a former high school athlete who's now a local bar owner. He has a great sense of humor and is always willing to go along with Harley's crazy schemes.

Apart from the main trio, the show has a host of interesting characters, including the town's sheriff, the mayor, and various other locals who often get dragged into the trio's adventures. The supporting cast is used well, and each character has their own distinct personalities and quirks.

One of the show's strengths is its use of location. Bishop, Ontario, is portrayed as a typical Canadian small town, complete with snow-covered streets, local diners, and high school football games. The location is used to great effect, providing a sense of charm and nostalgia, as well as a backdrop for the show's many hijinks.

Carter is a show that doesn't take itself too seriously, and it's all the better for it. It's a refreshing change of pace from the more grim and dark crime shows that have become the norm. Despite the lighthearted approach, the show doesn't shy away from tackling serious issues, such as mental health, addiction, and family problems. It's a testament to the writing that the show can balance these issues without becoming too heavy.

The show does have some flaws, however. Some of the episodes feel like filler, and there's a lack of a larger overall narrative that could have helped tie everything together. Also, the humor won't be for everyone, and some viewers may find themselves cringing at the more slapstick moments.

Overall, Carter is a fun and enjoyable show that's perfect for a lazy weekend binge. The chemistry between the characters and the charming setting make it worth watching, even if the cases themselves aren't always the most engrossing. It's a shame that the show was canceled after just two seasons. The series ends on a cliffhanger, leaving viewers wanting more. However, it's still a worthwhile watch for fans of crime dramas with a comedic twist.

Carter is a series that ran for 2 seasons (12 episodes) between May 15, 2018 and on WGN