Watch Running Wilde

Running Wilde was a short-lived comedy series that aired on FOX from 2010 to 2011. Created by Mitchell Hurwitz (who also created Arrested Development), the show starred Will Arnett as Steve Wilde, a wealthy, irresponsible playboy who has spent most of his life partying and avoiding any kind of responsibility. Keri Russell played Emmy Kadubic, Steve's former crush and now the head of a rainforest conservation group. The two are brought together when Steve's father, an oil tycoon played by Jeffrey Tambor, offers Emmy a large sum of money to stop her rainforest project.

The rest of the ensemble includes Jayne Houdyshell as Steve's loyal and overbearing assistant, Robert Michael Morris as Steve's (closeted) neighbor, Peter Serafinowicz as Steve's eccentric best friend, Mel Rodriguez as Emmy's dependable and down-to-earth colleague, Stefania Owen as Puddle, Steve's neglected and overlooked daughter, and Drea de Matteo as Steve's ex-girlfriend who still carries a torch for him.

The show was a zany and irreverent take on traditional sitcoms, with rapid-fire jokes and physical comedy. It often incorporated absurdist humor and running gags, which were a hallmark of Hurwitz's other work. Despite its strong cast and creative team, Running Wilde struggled to gain a following and was cancelled after just one season.

One of the show's strongest elements was its unique and colorful setting. The Wilde family mansion was a sprawling and opulent estate filled with bizarre artwork, exotic animals, and endless supplies of alcohol. The rainforest project, which Emmy was trying to save, was also vividly depicted, with lush greenery and vibrant wildlife. The show made great use of its location in capturing the eccentricity and excess of the characters' lifestyles.

The central romantic relationship between Steve and Emmy was a driving force of the show, though it was far from traditional. Steve was hopelessly in love with Emmy from afar, but when they finally reconnected, Emmy was both repulsed and intrigued by his boorish behavior. Their chemistry was often explosive, with Arnett and Russell displaying excellent comedic timing and sharp banter.

Running Wilde was also notable for its commentary on environmentalism and corporate greed. Emmy's rainforest project was a pointed critique of capitalist exploitation, with Steve and his father serving as the villains. The show tackled serious issues with a light touch, but it did not shy away from making its point.

One of the weak points of the show was its reliance on repetitive gags and one-note characters. Steve's immature behavior and Emmy's uptightness were entertaining at first, but over time they became predictable and stale. The supporting characters often felt underutilized, and some of their quirks bordered on caricature. While the show was undoubtedly funny, it lacked the depth and nuance of Hurwitz's previous work.

Overall, Running Wilde was a fun and offbeat sitcom that showcased a talented cast and creative team. Its cancellation was disappointing, but it remains a cult favorite among fans of Hurwitz and Arnett. While the show's humor may not be for everyone, those who appreciate absurdity and irreverence will find plenty to enjoy.

Running Wilde is a series that ran for 1 seasons (14 episodes) between September 21, 2010 and on FOX