Did you watch Arrested Development; the greatest sitcom ever to air and then be unjustly canceled? Pete and Pete is a lot like that show. There are many quirky and unforgettable characters, plenty of guest stars that are retrospectively pretty impressive (Steve Buscemi, Michael Stipe, J.K. Simmons, Selma Blair, etc.,) heavily original writing, an enormous array of running gags, and the boot after three seasons.
Essentially, the show is a chronicle of the childhood of two brothers both named Pete. Their adventures, though not always together or involving each other always parallel one another. Whether it be about Older Pete attempting to woo his best friend Ellen, or Younger Pete trying to take down some authoritative figurehead standing in his way, each episode flows beautifully. It's a show that is never at a loss for heart, and is always satisfying enough. More than anything, this is a show very much about fraternity. It's not always between the two brothers. Sometimes it's the weird kid they didn't know much about before, or about standing up for your best friends. Yes, there are elements of coming of age, and yes there are moments of romance, but none are as central as the idea of brotherhood.
Unlike Arrested Development, this is a show for and about kids. There is no humor from incest or being an analrapist. There are situations that are both remarkably surreal, and almost always rewarding in some way. Though this show is quite ridiculous, it is not as self aware of its silliness as AD was. Like Arrested Development, it has a uniqueness that is unmistakable and endearing.
This is a show for the nostalgic and the young at heart, or the literally young. It's simple for kids to live, and clever enough for adults to appreciate. This is what a family show should be. Though I'd like to believe that this is Nick's AD, this technically came first. So perhaps we this show to thank for other gems. Either way, it's something to behold all on its own.
Essentially, the show is a chronicle of the childhood of two brothers both named Pete. Their adventures, though not always together or involving each other always parallel one another. Whether it be about Older Pete attempting to woo his best friend Ellen, or Younger Pete trying to take down some authoritative figurehead standing in his way, each episode flows beautifully. It's a show that is never at a loss for heart, and is always satisfying enough. More than anything, this is a show very much about fraternity. It's not always between the two brothers. Sometimes it's the weird kid they didn't know much about before, or about standing up for your best friends. Yes, there are elements of coming of age, and yes there are moments of romance, but none are as central as the idea of brotherhood.
Unlike Arrested Development, this is a show for and about kids. There is no humor from incest or being an analrapist. There are situations that are both remarkably surreal, and almost always rewarding in some way. Though this show is quite ridiculous, it is not as self aware of its silliness as AD was. Like Arrested Development, it has a uniqueness that is unmistakable and endearing.
This is a show for the nostalgic and the young at heart, or the literally young. It's simple for kids to live, and clever enough for adults to appreciate. This is what a family show should be. Though I'd like to believe that this is Nick's AD, this technically came first. So perhaps we this show to thank for other gems. Either way, it's something to behold all on its own.