Even in its most absurd moments — and perhaps especially in them — The Studio proves it understands Hollywood’s dirty game better than any recent series. In the season one finale, creators Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg deliver a razor-sharp satire of the entertainment industry, culminating in a sequence that blends corporate desperation, disposable morality, and pure physical comedy, anchored by a hilarious and brilliant performance from Bryan Cranston.

The show’s plot, as we know, revolves around Matt Remick (Seth Rogen), the new head of Continental Studios, who struggles to balance artistic prestige and commercial success. In the final episode, the team faces the challenge of preventing the studio from being acquired by Amazon and preparing a chaotic presentation for CinemaCon. The situation spirals after a party the night before, drenched in illicit substances, leaves Griffin Mill (Bryan Cranston) completely incapacitated.

Yes, other celebrities play themselves in outrageous states, but Bryan’s performance stands out because it is 100% physical and completely unexpected.

While The Studio criticizes the superficiality and desperation of the film industry, exposing how the appearance of success is prioritized over artistic integrity, the disastrous CinemaCon presentation is met with applause, highlighting the hypocrisy and lack of authenticity in the business.

It’s also hilarious that, taking advantage of being on Apple, Seth Rogen takes a jab at Netflix (including a cameo by Ted Sarandos) and, in the final two episodes, reframes the central conflict: it’s no longer about choosing between Art Films and Blockbusters — the new goal is to save the studio from being sold to Amazon Prime Video. For those who follow the industry, it’s brilliant satire aimed at Amazon’s acquisition of MGM and their mishandling of its legacy library. Yes, Apple is mocking Amazon. But let’s get back to Bryan.

Reference to Weekend at Bernie’s

Griffin Mill’s drugged and incoherent state is a clear reference to the 1989 film Weekend at Bernie’s, in which two employees pretend their dead boss is still alive to avoid suspicion. It features one of actor Terry Kiser’s most spectacular performances as “Dead Bernie,” who, after dying, continues to be physically manipulated to appear alive. Sounds confusing? Sorry — if you haven’t seen it, go watch it. The original movie became a symbol of 1980s dark comedy — widely criticized for its bad taste, but eventually earning cult status precisely because of its boldness in laughing at death as spectacle.

In The Studio, it’s quite similar. When Griffin acts “dead,” or worse, completely unhinged, the team puppeteers him through the presentation to maintain appearances. The parody underscores the absurdity of preserving a façade of normalcy at any cost, directly referencing the now-iconic comedy while skewering Hollywood’s corporate culture.

Spotlight on Bryan Cranston

Bryan Cranston delivers an outstanding comedic performance as Griffin Mill. Even with a few lines, his physical acting — facial expressions, erratic movements, exaggerated reactions — contributes enormously to the humor of the episode. Critics praised his ability to balance the absurd with subtlety, making his turn one of the show’s most memorable.

Honestly? I can already see an Emmy nomination. It’s a tour de force that recalls his Malcolm in the Middle days, with one of his most physically daring performances — a stark contrast to his recent dramatic roles in Your Honor and Breaking Bad.

The Studio was widely acclaimed by critics, earning a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 81/100 on Metacritic. It was hailed as one of the smartest and funniest comedies of 2025, standing out for its sharp satire and stellar performances. Best of all, we’ll get to find out if Kool-Aid becomes a hit and whether the team can save Continental, because season two is already slated for 2026.