Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel are legends in film criticism, famous for their "Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down" system on At the Movies. But did you know they only ever reviewed one television series? That show was The Critic, a short-lived animated comedy about a movie critic named Jay Sherman (voiced by Jon Lovitz). It's a hidden gem that deserves a second look.
A Show About a Critic, Reviewed by Critics
Created by Simpsons veterans Al Jean and Mike Reiss, The Critic followed Jay Sherman, a New York film critic who hosted his own TV show. His catchphrase? "It stinks!" The series parodied popular movies and offered sharp commentary on Hollywood. When Siskel and Ebert reviewed the first three episodes, their reactions were mixed. Siskel found it lacked memorable characters compared to The Simpsons, while Ebert wished it focused more on Jay's job than his personal life. But the blend of work and family—Jay is a single dad—gave the show heart and humor.
Ebert's Change of Heart
As Season 1 progressed, The Critic found its groove. Ebert later wrote a glowing review on his website, calling Jay "impossible not to like" and praising executive producer James L. Brooks for balancing laughs with character development. He even noted the pilot's opening scene, where a beautiful actress turns on Jay after a bad review, quipping that in real life, critics rarely get bribes or end up in bed with movie stars. It's a witty observation that captures the show's charm.
The Ultimate Cameo: Siskel & Ebert as Themselves
The duo didn't just review The Critic—they guest-starred in it. In the Season 2 episode "Siskel & Ebert & Jay & Alice," Jay joins a group of critics at the Academy Awards, including Siskel and Ebert. The pair get into a fight and split up, and Jay tries to partner with each before realizing they miss each other. He reunites them by ripping off the climax of Sleepless in Seattle. The episode is a fan favorite, with Jean and Reiss calling it one of their best. It's a meta moment that only The Critic could pull off.
A Legacy That Endures
The Critic faced challenges: it moved from ABC to Fox, and a Simpsons crossover was denounced by Matt Groening. It was canceled after two seasons, but it's since been reappraised as a classic. Maurice LaMarche, who voiced multiple characters, called it one of his favorite projects alongside Pinky and the Brain. Lovitz, reflecting on the show's 30th anniversary, expressed frustration that it ended too soon, saying, "It was a hit show, and they just canceled it." He's tried to revive it, but rights issues remain complicated.
Today, The Critic stands as a unique artifact—a show about film criticism that earned the rare honor of being reviewed and guest-starred in by the most famous critics in history. For fans of Siskel and Ebert, or anyone who loves sharp satire, it's a must-watch. And if you're looking for more hidden gems, check out our list of forgotten detective movies that aged like fine wine or underrated movie trilogies. For a deeper dive into Ebert's reviews, read about his rave for Patrick Swayze's only western.
