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Entertainment
Jun 11, 2026
Analyzed by GPT OSS 120B

Guardian Review: Alice and Steve Falters as an Outdated, Uncomfortable Comedy

AI Summary
The Guardian’s review of the Disney+ series *Alice and Steve* condemns the show as dated and tone‑deaf, criticizing its reliance on an "ick" premise that never earns audience sympathy. The critique highlights weak character work, forced chemistry, and missed opportunities for nuanced storytelling.

The Lead: A Pessimistic Take on a New Comedy

The Guardian finds the Disney+ series Alice and Steve to be an "icky" comedy that feels both dated and wrong, arguing that its central premise never translates into compelling drama or humor.

The Premise and Execution of Alice and Steve

The show follows long‑time friends Nicola Walker as Alice and Jemaine Clement as Steve, whose friendship spirals into a taboo relationship with Alice’s adult daughter Izzy (Yali Topol Margalith). Over six half‑hour episodes, the series attempts to mine the discomfort of this setup but, according to the review, repeatedly retreats from the very tension it creates.

  • Alice is on her second marriage, older than her husband by a decade.
  • Steve, a single hairstylist, is portrayed as lonely and weak rather than predatory.
  • The central “ick” moment—Steve and Izzy’s encounter—fails to generate authentic conflict or insight.

Streaming Availability and Audience Reception

While the series is readily available on Disney+, the review notes a lack of strong viewership data or critical buzz, suggesting that the show’s lukewarm reception may stem from its inability to engage modern audiences.

Why the Series Misses the Mark in Contemporary Comedy

The critique points to several structural flaws:

  • Characters are written with broad‑brush selfishness, offering little room for growth or empathy.
  • Forced dialogue and awkward chemistry undermine any potential emotional payoff.
  • Side plots, such as the son Dom’s romance, are under‑integrated, leaving the narrative fragmented.

These issues combine to make the series feel “dated” and “wrong” in its handling of power dynamics and consent.

What This Means for Future Disney+ Comedies

If Disney+ aims to produce original comedy content, the review implies that future projects will need to:

  • Prioritize nuanced character development over sensational premises.
  • Engage with contemporary social conversations rather than relying on outdated tropes.
  • Invest in authentic chemistry between leads to avoid the “embarrassed” performances noted in the series.

Otherwise, similar missteps could continue to erode audience trust in the platform’s original offerings.