Apple TV+ is often regarded as a lesser-known streaming service, which is surprising given the platform’s impressive roster of high-budget productions and A-list stars. Unlike its more prominent competitors, Apple TV+ remains somewhat under the radar, despite featuring award-winning shows like Ted Lasso, The Morning Show and Severance. The service consistently attracts top-tier talent, both behind and in front of the camera, with many of its original series and films boasting cinematic quality.
Yet, the streamer hasn’t captured the same level of mainstream attention, possibly due to its smaller library, its focus on original content over quantity and Apple’s tech-focused brand identity, which may not immediately resonate with entertainment consumers.
Bad Monkey is one of the latest episodic releases on Apple TV+ adapted from a novel and brought to the screen by Bill Lawrence, the creator behind Scrubs and Ted Lasso. The show features Vince Vaughn as Andrew Yancy, a disgraced detective living in the Florida Keys. Yancy finds himself drawn into an unofficial investigation when his former partner, Rogelio (John Ortiz), presents him with a severed arm found in the ocean. Although the police dismiss it as a mere shark attack, Yancy suspects there’s more to the story and begins digging deeper.
Meanwhile, in the Bahamas, Neville (Ronald Peet), a carefree fisherman, discovers his half-sister sold his shack to a real-estate developer. Desperate, Neville turns to a witch doctor (Jodie Turner-Smith) for help. How these seemingly unrelated stories connect is a mystery only the narrator, voiced by Tom Nowicki, can unravel.
With just two episodes available at the time of this review, Bad Monkey is quickly becoming a new favorite. The series strikes a nostalgic chord, evoking memories of the classic crime investigation shows I grew up watching. There’s a particular charm in its blend of mystery, humor and character-driven storytelling that feels reminiscent of beloved old-school series like Matlock, Jake and the Fatman and Magnum, P.I. The constant presence of a narrator chiming in adds another layer, giving the show a vibe that’s also reminiscent of The Dukes of Hazzard.
The series captures that same sense of adventure and intrigue, with quirky characters, clever twists and a sun-soaked setting that makes every scene feel both vibrant and engaging. Bad Monkey skillfully balances a modern narrative with the comforting familiarity of these classic detective shows, creating something that feels both fresh and timeless.
A significant part of what makes the show so enjoyable is Vince Vaughn’s performance. He brings his signature wit and charm to the role of Andrew Yancy, infusing the character with a biting sarcasm that elevates the humor. Vaughn’s comedic timing and natural charisma make Yancy a compelling lead, effortlessly carrying the show through its blend of suspense and light-hearted moments. His portrayal adds depth and personality to the series, making Bad Monkey not just a fun watch but a standout in the crime genre.
Bad Monkey launches with a strong 5-out-of-5 rating, setting the stage for a promising run. New episodes are released weekly on Apple TV+ through October 9th, which also adds a nostalgic touch. This weekly release schedule recalls a time when audiences eagerly anticipated new episodes, rather than binge-watching entire seasons in one sitting. While other shows have attempted this traditional approach, few have had a storyline compelling enough to keep fans both satisfied and eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Bad Monkey seems poised to break that pattern, offering an engaging Whodunit narrative laced with moments of intrigue and humor. What sets Bad Monkey apart is its ability to blend classic crime storytelling with modern sensibilities. The weekly format enhances the suspense, allowing the story to breathe and giving viewers time to speculate and savor each episode.
With its strong start, Bad Monkey should be a game-changer for Apple TV+, demonstrating that the service is not just a contender, but a serious player in the streaming landscape.