After School Special: There is a subtle genius to Graduates, the debut effort from Here’s To Productions.
The plot formula—three grad school friends and their shenanigans—is familiar; the physical comedy—obligatory vomit scene, check—is borrowed; yet the result is far from contrived. Graduates’ ability to constantly stay one step ahead of being a tired rehash of an Animal House spin-off is all in the chemistry.
The success of most shows lies not necessarily in the originality of their concepts, but far more often in the authenticity we attribute to the interactions among their characters. In Graduates, buddies John, Cameron, and Gus share a camaraderie that is instantly recognizable and relatable. Their dialogs might as well have been adapted from real conversations that took place in the lives of the scriptwriters. Ultimately you’re rooting for them because you are them.
That’s textbook staying power.
(Also: It doesn’t hurt to cast CHTV’s Josh Ruben and David Futernick in lead roles. Just saying.)
