No reviews
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Jenna Bowler-Cooke, David Lucas Chang, Kendon Chase, Shivan Chopra
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Shows Most Like The Crew (2021)
The Crew (2021)
6.5 / 10 (based on 5959 reviews)
Life in the garage swerves off track for a NASCAR crew chief and his tight-knit racing team when a new boss steps in and shakes things up.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Kevin James, Jillian Mueller, Freddie Stroma, Gary Anthony Williams
Creators: Jeff Lowell
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1 season, 10 episodes
The Crew (2020)
No reviews
None
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Manny Zaldivar, George Duryea, Larsen Deane, Havon Baraka
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1 season, 2 episodes
Braqueurs: La série (2021)
7.1 / 10 (based on 3706 reviews)
Mehdi, a qualified robber, and Liana, an apprentice thief, get involved in a turf war between drug dealers, and have to collaborate in order to save their loved ones.
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller
Main Cast: Sami Bouajila, Nabiha Akkari, Salim Kechiouche, Geert Van Rampelberg
Creators: Hamid Hlioua, Julien Leclercq
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1 season, 6 episodes, 44.0-minute runtime
“The Crew” is a sitcom that premiered on Netflix in February 2021. It’s set in the fast-paced world of NASCAR, focusing on the crew team of the fictional Bobby Spencer Racing. Kevin James stars as Kevin Gibson, the crew chief who finds himself in a tug-of-war between the old school methods of racing and the modern, tech-driven approaches pushed by the new owner, Catherine Spencer, played by Jillian Mueller. The show blends humor, workplace dynamics, and the thrill of racing into its narrative, aiming to entertain both NASCAR fans and those unfamiliar with the sport.
Cast and Characters
Kevin James, known for his role in “The King of Queens,” brings his everyman charm to the role of Kevin Gibson. Gibson is portrayed as a dedicated and somewhat stubborn leader, loyal to his team and the traditional ways of racing. The dynamic between Gibson and Catherine Spencer introduces a clash of cultures, as she aims to modernize the team with analytics and new strategies, often leading to comedic situations.
The supporting cast includes Gary Anthony Williams as Chuck Stubbs, the car chief who’s been with the team for years, and Dan Ahdoot as Amir Lajani, the eager-to-please engineer who represents the new, tech-savvy generation. Sarah Stiles plays Beth Paige, the office manager who’s not only the glue that keeps the team together but also provides a voice of reason amidst the chaos. Freddie Stroma rounds out the core team as Jake Martin, the charming but inexperienced driver.
Plot and Themes
At its core, “The Crew” is about the clash between tradition and innovation. The show explores this through the lens of a NASCAR team undergoing a transition. It delves into how change is often met with resistance, but it also highlights the importance of adaptation for survival. The series doesn’t shy away from depicting the challenges faced by teams behind the scenes, from budget constraints to sponsorship deals, giving viewers a glimpse into the less glamorous aspects of the sport.
Humor is a key element of “The Crew,” with much of it arising from the characters’ interactions and the situations they find themselves in. Whether it’s Kevin’s attempts to outmaneuver Catherine’s new policies or the team’s efforts to bond with their young, social media-savvy driver, the show finds comedy in the workplace dynamics and the generational gap between characters.
Reception
“The Crew” received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. Fans of Kevin James appreciated his return to the sitcom format, and NASCAR enthusiasts enjoyed the spotlight on the sport. However, some viewers felt that the show relied too heavily on predictable jokes and stereotypes, failing to fully develop its characters or explore its themes in depth.
Despite these criticisms, “The Crew” found its audience, particularly among those looking for light-hearted, easy-to-watch entertainment. Its blend of workplace comedy and sports drama, along with the charisma of its cast, helped it carve out a niche on Netflix’s vast content roster.
Behind the Scenes
The making of “The Crew” was a notable endeavor, especially given its NASCAR setting. The show worked closely with NASCAR, allowing it to use real-life racing footage and logos, adding an authentic feel to the series. This partnership also meant that the series could accurately represent the sport, from the technical aspects of the cars to the culture surrounding the races.
Kevin James, a known racing fan, was actively involved in the production, contributing not only as the lead actor but also as an executive producer. His passion for NASCAR is evident throughout the show, as it pays homage to the sport while also poking fun at some of its eccentricities.
Conclusion
“The Crew” is a sitcom that attempts to merge the world of NASCAR with the dynamics of a workplace comedy. While it may not reinvent the wheel, it offers a unique setting and premise that sets it apart from other shows in the genre. Its exploration of change, tradition, and the challenges of working in a high-pressure environment resonates with a broad audience, making it a worthwhile watch for those who enjoy a mix of humor and heart.
Whether you’re a die-hard NASCAR fan or someone looking for a light series to binge-watch over the weekend, “The Crew” provides entertainment with its relatable characters, humorous scenarios, and behind-the-scenes look at the world of racing. Despite its mixed reviews, the show’s charm lies in its simplicity and the chemistry among its cast, making it a cozy addition to Netflix’s comedy lineup.