Watch Tiny Plastic Men

Tiny Plastic Men is a Canadian science fiction comedy television series that aired from 2012 to 2014. The show follows the adventures of three toy designers who work for a fictional toy company called Gottfried Brothers Toy and Train Company. In each episode, the trio of designers create a new toy and face its testing and development process, primarily conducted by the company's CEO Mr. Gottfried.

The three main characters of the show are played by Chris Craddock as John, Matthew Alden as Tom, and Mark Meer as Paul. Each character has a unique personality, which adds to the show's humour and dynamics. John is the most entrepreneurial of the three designers, often coming up with creative ideas but also prone to getting them into trouble. Tom is the nerdy and timid designer who primarily handles the technical aspects of toy design. Paul is the most relaxed and easy-going character who excels at graphics and marketing but struggles with deadlines.

While the show primarily revolves around the trio's toy design process, it also delves into the personal lives and relationships of the characters. John frequently butts heads with Mr. Gottfried, who views toys as nothing more than profit-making machines. Tom, who is in a long-term relationship, struggles to communicate with his partner about his work-life balance. Paul's easy-going nature often puts him into awkward situations, including developing a crush on Mr. Gottfried's secretary.

Aside from the main cast, the show features a range of recurring characters, including other toy designers at the company and Mr. Gottfried's secretary. The recurring characters add depth to the show's narrative and help to build a more extensive fictional universe.

One of the most engaging aspects of the show is the way in which it parodies many sci-fi and fantasy tropes. The toys created by the designers often parody popular franchises such as Star Wars, Game of Thrones, and Nightmare Before Christmas. The show also references many classic sci-fi movies and television shows, including Star Trek and The Twilight Zone.

Throughout the series, the overarching plot centers around the trio's attempts to keep their jobs while creating toys that also resonate with children. The toys are tested by child focus groups that are often unpredictable and difficult to please. The group's success or failure is primarily determined by their ability to come up with new and innovative toys, with the occasional plot twists that upend their efforts.

Despite its relatively short run, Tiny Plastic Men received critical acclaim for its originality and wit. Many critics praised the performances of its lead actors, particularly the chemistry between the trio of designers. While the show's budget and production values are modest, its charm and clever writing make it a must-watch for fans of sci-fi, comedy, and satire.

In conclusion, Tiny Plastic Men is an excellent example of how genre parody can be cleverly mixed with social commentary and personal storytelling. The show's unique premise, delightful cast, and well-crafted humour make it a standout amongst the many sci-fi comedies of the past decade. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a quirky and entertaining distraction.

Tiny Plastic Men is a series that ran for 4 seasons (32 episodes) between December 3, 2012 and on Program Partners