Watch Happy!
- TV-MA
- 2017
- 2 Seasons
-
8.1 (43,705)
Happy! is a dark comedy series that premiered on Syfy in December 2017. The show is based on a graphic novel with the same name created by Grant Morrison and Darick Robertson. It has been praised for its unique mix of humor and horror, as well as the standout performances of its cast members.
The series stars Christopher Meloni as Nick Sax, a corrupt ex-cop turned hitman who finds himself on the run from the mob after stealing a mysterious, magical blue unicorn named Happy. Ritchie Coster plays Francisco Scaramucci, a powerful crime boss and Nick's former employer who is desperate to get his hands on the unicorn. Lili Mirojnick rounds out the main cast as Meredith "Merry" McCarthy, a determined detective who is investigating a series of brutal murders that lead her down a dangerous path.
The show takes place in an alternate version of New York City where the world is a lot darker and grittier. Nick is a drunken, cynical, and ruthless antihero who has lost his way in life. He spends his days drinking, doing drugs, and killing people for money. However, everything changes when he crosses paths with Happy, a cheerful and overly positive imaginary friend who has been sent to find him. Happy is worried about a little girl named Hailey who has been kidnapped by a deranged Santa Claus, and he needs Nick's help to rescue her. Nick is initially dismissive of Happy's claims, but he soon realizes that the little girl's life is in danger and he's the only one who can save her.
The show's humor comes from the stark contrast between Nick's nihilistic worldview and Happy's innocent and whimsical outlook on life. Despite their differences, the two develop an unlikely bond as they team up to take on Santa and his army of deranged elves. Along the way, they encounter a colorful cast of characters including a drug-addicted Easter Bunny, a group of Satanic nuns, and an imaginary elephant who runs a strip club.
The show's horror elements are not for the faint-hearted. The graphic violence and gore are juxtaposed with the show's bright color palette and cartoony visuals. The villains are often bizarre and grotesque, with Santa Claus being a particularly terrifying presence. The show is not afraid to go to dark places, and the stakes are always high for the characters involved.
One of the standout performances of the show is Christopher Meloni as Nick Sax. He brings a sense of charisma and energy to the character, despite Nick being a deeply flawed individual. Meloni's comedic timing is also on point, and he shows a surprising amount of range as Nick goes through various emotional states throughout the series.
Ritchie Coster is also excellent as Francisco Scaramucci. He brings a sense of menace and sophistication to the character, and he's a formidable presence whenever he's on screen. Lili Mirojnick's Merry is a strong and capable character who is not afraid to go toe-to-toe with the men in her life. She's determined to solve the case of the missing girl, even if it means breaking the law to do so.
The show's visual style is also worth mentioning. The bright and colorful cinematography is a stark contrast to the show's dark subject matter. The various imaginary creatures and settings are rendered with a sense of whimsy that is both charming and unsettling. The show's use of music is also notable, with a mix of classic rock and pop songs used to great effect.
Overall, Happy! is a unique and entertaining show that defies expectations. It's a dark and twisted comedy that manages to blend humor and horror in a way that is both satisfying and surprising. The standout performances, visual style, and memorable characters make it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Happy! is a series that ran for 2 seasons (18 episodes) between December 6, 2017 and on Syfy