There is something quite ironic about Netflix producing a sitcom series about the very rental service that it (almost) single-handedly destroyed with its handy and efficient streaming model. Nonetheless, BLOCKBUSTER is a ten-episode series that centres around the last Blockbuster store on earth and their hapless attempts at staying relevant in a world of instant entertainment.

Created by Vanessa Ramos, whose other credits include producing and writing Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Superstore, and led by the acting talent of Randall Park and Melissa Fumero, the show heavily leans on the nostalgia factor with the target audience being that sweet spot of late Gen X/early Millenial that remembers the great times spent at the blue-and-gold store of wall-to-wall movie goodness, with plenty of movie and obscure references. Although this is great to see as members of that slightly older demographic, where the show really falls is the inclusion of the type of alienating comedy, both dialogue and physical, that a much younger viewer can relate to.

The easiest peer to compare Blockbuster to is, of course, the aforementioned B99 and Superstore – however, although there are hints of those great shows, the blend with this subject material just doesn’t gel as well as it could and should have. The overarching story beats and character relationship developments are just too predictable.

However, that’s not a jive at the cast at all as the chemistry between the ensemble is at least solid, with Park and Fumero gelling well as the leads, and it is plain to see that they were having a good time which makes the roughly five-hour runtime of the 10-episode run watchable.

Whilst it never reaches the iconic status and heights of its peers, Netflix’s Blockbuster is passable at best and is at least an easy watch – but don’t expect people to remember this show, much like the store, in years to come.

Season 1 of BLOCKBUSTER is available to watch on Netflix