Watch Mapleworth Murders

Mapleworth Murders is a spoof-comedy show on Quibi, the mobile streaming platform, that brings to life the comedy talents of Paula Pell, John Lutz, and J.B. Smoove. The series is a parody of murder mysteries and crime shows, which is evident from the very first episode, where each of the characters is introduced, breaking the fourth wall and providing a glimpse into their real selves.

The show is set in Mapleworth, a small town that is renowned for its thriving maple syrup industry, a primary source of income for the town. The series centers on the life of Abigail Mapleworth (Paula Pell), a mystery novelist, who has taken up the role of the town's resident investigator. She is tasked with investigating various murders that occur in the town. Abigail is a character that is stuck in the past, with her attire, mannerisms, and general outlook on life that seem out of place in today's world.

Abigail is assisted in her investigations by her loyal friend and editor, Greg (John Lutz), who is sophisticated in his thinking but is extremely fastidious about his work. Greg is devoted to Abigail, and he always makes it a point to support her in her endeavors, no matter how mind-boggling they may be.

Another recurring character of the show is Chief Everett (J.B. Smoove), the police chief of Mapleworth, who has given up his job of police chief, but still, dons his uniform and drives around town in his police cruiser. He is the perfect foil to Abigail, providing a skeptical and practical view on cases, often ridiculing Abigail's methods.

Each of the episodes in Mapleworth Murders is a standalone story, with each episode dedicated to solving a murder that takes place. As the plot unfolds, Abigail, Greg, and Chief Everett investigate each murder, uncovering the identity of the villain and the mystery behind the crime. The show is packed with twists and turns, which will keep the viewers hooked.

In addition to the three main characters, the series also features a slew of guest stars playing various roles in each episode. Notable guest stars in the first season include Tina Fey, Wanda Sykes, Chris Parnell, Tim Meadows, and Fred Armisen. The guest stars bring their signature comedy chops to the show, making Mapleworth Murders an ensemble comedy masterpiece.

The show's comic element rests heavily on its absurdity, which is established from the very first episode. Abigail's character alone provides enough material for hysterical comedic moments, with her idiosyncratic personality that ranges from being melodramatic, pedantic, and a little creepy. She is notorious for naming her books off of Candy brands, and this predilection for candy shows up in the series, as each episode has its own candy-centric theme.

The series also mocks the conventions of crime shows, like the over-the-top police chases, bizarre motivations for murders, and the caricatured town folk, complete with their own secrets and skeletons in their closets.

Mapleworth Murders is a refreshing take on the murder-mystery genre. The series offers plenty of laughs, without resorting to slapstick humor. Its humor comes from the caricatured characters and the absurdity in the situations they find themselves in. With only two seasons available, each with a total of twelve episodes that are around 10 minutes in length, the viewers can binge-watch this show in just a few hours.

In conclusion, Mapleworth Murders is an entertaining series that can be appreciated by people who love a good laugh. The show has a great comedic cast, well-written scripts, and engaging storylines that will keep the viewers interested until the very end. The show's absurdity is both its strength and its weakness, but it's the perfect remedy for anyone looking for a laugh.