Watch What Just Happened??!
- TV-14
- 2019
- 1 Season
-
4.6 (222)
What Just Happened??! is a brand new experimental TV show that premiered in June 2019 on FOX network in the US. The show is hosted by Fred Savage, who is best known for playing Kevin Arnold in the classic TV series 'The Wonder Years.' The format of What Just Happened is a bizarre mash-up of a panel show, a talk show, and a recap show, all rolled into one.
The premise of the show is that it's a fictional talk show about a fictional sci-fi series called 'The Flare,' which doesn't actually exist. However, it's presented so convincingly that most viewers could believe that 'The Flare' is a real show. Each episode of What Just Happened??! features an opening monologue from Savage, who talks about 'The Flare' and previews what is coming up on the fictional show within the show. Then, a panel of celebrity guests comes on board to discuss the previous week's episode of 'The Flare' and give their opinions on what happened.
The guests on What Just Happened??! come from a variety of backgrounds, including comedians, actors, writers, and sci-fi enthusiasts. The guests usually riff on the most ridiculous aspects of 'The Flare,' such as the recurring character of a giant white tiger or the bizarre dialogue that the actors deliver with utter sincerity. The show does a great job of parodying the pitfalls of genre television, and the guests seem to have a lot of fun poking fun at themselves and the genre.
In addition to the guests, the other anchor of the show is Taylor Tomlinson, who serves as a 'social media correspondent' for the fictional show. Tomlinson reads comments from viewers in real-time, as if 'The Flare' was airing live. She also takes questions from the guests and viewers, most of which are usually too ridiculous to answer seriously. Tomlinson's role on the show is to bring a modern twist to a very old-fashioned format, and she does that extremely well.
Another recurring element of What Just Happened??! is the 'Flare Fan of the Week' segment, which is exactly what it sounds like. A supposed viewer of 'The Flare,' who wears a robe and has his face obscured, is introduced and given the opportunity to ask questions of the panel. This is a pretty unique segment for a panel show, and it's somewhat disorienting, but also kind of hilarious.
The show also includes some surreal and tongue-in-cheek sketches in between the discussion segments to give the show some of its humor. For instance, in one segment, Savage was shown trying to install a toilet in a bathroom while a giant white tiger watches him. In another, Tomlinson played the role of a psychic who channels the advice of 'The Flare' characters.
One of the most interesting things about What Just Happened??! is its ability to blur the lines between reality and fiction. Although 'The Flare' is entirely fictional, the show within the show is presented as if it is real. It's similar to the approach that Andy Daly took on the 'Review' sketch show, and it adds a layer of mystery and subversiveness to the already funny premise.
In terms of aesthetic, What Just Happened??! is an impeccably produced show, with top-notch sound and lighting design. The set is a sleek and futuristic looking stage, with cool blue lighting that creates a relaxed ambiance. The production design is highly stylized, with posters and props from 'The Flare' placed around the panel.
In conclusion, What Just Happened??! is a highly original and amusing genre-crossing show that shouldnât be missed by anyone who loves sci-fi, comedy, or weird television in general. Although 'The Flare' is not real, Savage, Tomlinson, and the guests do an amazing job at selling the premise so convincingly that it sometimes feels like the real deal. Despite its absurdity, it is clear that the creators of the show are also fans of the genre, making it a show that should be enjoyable to all sci-fi fans.
What Just Happened??! is a series that ran for 1 seasons (9 episodes) between June 30, 2019 and on FOX (US)