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The Kominsky Method

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The Kominsky Method
GenreComedy-drama
Created byChuck Lorre
Starring
ComposerJeff Cardoni
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes16 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers
ProducerMarlis Pujol
CinematographyAnette Haellmigk
Editors
  • Matthew Barbato
  • Gina Sansom
Camera setupSingle-camera
Running time22–33 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkNetflix
ReleaseNovember 16, 2018 (2018-11-16) –
present (present)

The Kominsky Method is an American comedy-drama web television series, created by Chuck Lorre, that premiered on November 16, 2018, on Netflix. The series stars Michael Douglas, Alan Arkin, Sarah Baker, and Nancy Travis and follows an aging acting coach who, years earlier, had a brief moment of success as an actor. In January 2019, it was announced that the series had been renewed for a second season, which premiered on October 25, 2019. In July 2020, the series was renewed for a third and final season.

Premise

The Kominsky Method follows "Sandy" Kominsky, an actor who years ago had a brief fling with success and is now a revered Hollywood acting coach."[1]

Cast and characters

Main

  • Michael Douglas as Sandy Kominsky, a once successful actor who now works as a revered acting coach in Hollywood.
  • Alan Arkin as Norman Newlander, Sandy's agent and friend.
  • Sarah Baker as Mindy, Sandy's daughter who runs his acting studio with him.
  • Nancy Travis as Lisa, a recent divorcée who decides to take acting lessons from Sandy.

Recurring

  • Melissa Tang as Margaret, a student in Kominsky's acting class
  • Jenna Lyng Adams as Darshani, a student in Kominsky's acting class
  • Graham Rogers as Jude, a student in Kominsky's acting class
  • Casey Brown as Lane, a student in Kominsky's acting class
  • Ashleigh LaThrop as Breana, a student in Kominsky's acting class
  • Emily Osment as Theresa, a student in Kominsky's acting class
  • Susan Sullivan as Eileen, Norman's wife to whom he's been married for 46 years
  • Lisa Edelstein as Phoebe, Norman's estranged daughter who struggles with pill addiction
  • Ramon Hilario as Alex the Waiter
  • Cedric Begley as Mathew, Lisa's son (season 1)
  • Danny DeVito as Dr. Wexler, a urologist whom Sandy consults regarding his frequent urination (season 1)
  • Anoush NeVart as Rosamie, Norman's housekeeper (season 1)
  • Ann-Margret as Diane, Norman's friend (season 1)
  • Jane Seymour as Madelyn, a rekindled flame from Norman's past (season 2)
  • Paul Reiser as Martin Schneider, Mindy's boyfriend (season 2)

Guest

Episodes

SeasonEpisodesOriginally released
18November 16, 2018 (2018-11-16)
28October 25, 2019 (2019-10-25)

Season 1 (2018)

No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
11"Chapter 1. An Actor Avoids"Chuck LorreChuck LorreNovember 16, 2018 (2018-11-16)
Sandy Kominsky and his daughter Mindy run a small actor's studio in Hollywood, where his latest group of students includes Lisa, a middle-aged divorcee whom Sandy later asks out on a date. Sandy meets up with his good friend and agent Norman, who gives Sandy the bad news that CBS has passed him over for Ludacris for a role in a new sitcom. At the urging of Mindy, Sandy pays Norman a visit at his home to see his wife Eileen, who is battling cancer. Sandy and Lisa's date is interrupted by a distressing phone call from Mindy.
22"Chapter 2. An Agent Grieves"Andy TennantChuck LorreNovember 16, 2018 (2018-11-16)
Sandy brings a grieving Norman home from the hospital. The next morning, Norman sets out to honor Eileen's instructions for her funeral, enlisting Sandy to help. As Sandy tries to arrange to get items such as a driftwood coffin, Lady Marmalade, Jay Leno, and Barbra Streisand, he asks Lisa to be his date at Eileen's funeral, who accepts. The service sees a late, unexpected guest arriving: Norman & Eileen's prescription drug-addicted daughter, Phoebe.
33"Chapter 3. A Prostate Enlarges"Donald PetrieChuck Lorre & Al HigginsNovember 16, 2018 (2018-11-16)
At Eileen's wake, daughter Phoebe continues to embarrass herself, Norman gets an offer of consolation from widow Dianne, and Sandy is noticed to be taking many trips to the bathroom. Sandy addresses the bathroom issue by seeing a urologist, diagnosing it to be a prostate issue. Phoebe offers to stay with her father for an extended period, but almost immediately does Norman realize the seriousness his daughter's drug dependency problem. Sandy catches Norman talking to himself, who believes that he is speaking with Eileen.
44"Chapter 4. A Kegel Squeaks"Beth McCarthy-MillerChuck Lorre & Al Higgins & David JaverbaumNovember 16, 2018 (2018-11-16)
Students Lisa and Lane act out a scene from Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, with Sandy giving a glowing review of Lane's performance. Sandy is anxious to know about his biopsy results. Phoebe's shenanigans drive Norman to take drastic measures. Lane finds out about Sandy seeing a urologist, offering his support. After offending Lisa, Sandy finds himself alone in a bar on a Saturday night. Sandy and Norman try Kegel exercises.
55"Chapter 5. An Agent Crowns"Beth McCarthy-MillerChuck LorreNovember 16, 2018 (2018-11-16)
Sandy is relieved to finally find out about his biopsy results. Norman contemplates returning to work at his talent agency, with one of his priorities being to find Sandy some acting work. With Sandy unavailable, Mindy teaches a class to the actor's studio students. Sandy asks Lisa about taking their relationship to the next level. Elliott Gould pitches a new script to Norman. Sandy and Norman find themselves in a hospital waiting room anxious to hear news about Phoebe.
66"Chapter 6. A Daughter Detoxes"Andy TennantChuck Lorre & Al Higgins & David JaverbaumNovember 16, 2018 (2018-11-16)
Sandy and Norman take a road trip in order to drop off Phoebe at a drug rehabilitation facility. On the way there and back, the two guys deal with the subjects of back taxes, suicide, the Pechanga Indian Casino, Eddie Money, Thelma & Louise, churros, bonsai plants, and Lisa breaking up with Sandy.
77"Chapter 7. A String Is Attached"Donald PetrieChuck Lorre & Al Higgins & David JaverbaumNovember 16, 2018 (2018-11-16)
Sandy's desperation about owing over $300,000 in back taxes to the IRS sees him straining his relationships with Norman, Mindy, and Lisa.
88"Chapter 8. A Widow Approaches"Andy TennantChuck Lorre & Al Higgins & David JaverbaumNovember 16, 2018 (2018-11-16)
Norman reveals to Sandy about Dianne wanting to meet for a lunch date. Norman and Dianne then attend a fund-raising event for Eileen's Parkinson's Disease charity, inviting Sandy (who then invites Lisa as they are back on as a couple). Norman starts to fall apart at the event, whose state of mind progressively worsens afterwards. Sandy forces Lisa to make a choice, which stuns him by how easily she made her decision. After Sandy gets a strange collect call from Norman, he seeks out and supports his longtime friend, which includes divulging the secret of the "Kominsky Method" of acting to Norman.

Season 2 (2019)

No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date [2]
91"Chapter 9. An Actor Forgets"Andy TennantChuck LorreOctober 25, 2019 (2019-10-25)
Sandy visits Norman, only to witness his next phase of grieving over Eileen. As the guys pay their respects at a funeral, Norman meets a woman from his past, Madelyn. At the studio, Mindy tells Sandy a disturbing fact about her latest serious boyfriend while Sandy decides to tell his class the bitter truth about acting as a profession. Norman continues to see Eileen as he starts to date Madelyn. Sandy has an awkward moment with Lisa.
102"Chapter 10. An Old Flame, an Old Wick"Beth McCarthy-MillerChuck LorreOctober 25, 2019 (2019-10-25)
Sandy reaches out to his ex-wife (Kathleen Turner) to discuss Mindy's controversial new boyfriend, Martin. Norman goes horseback riding with Madelyn, which later turns into a stay over at her house. Mindy invites Sandy to dinner so that he can finally meet Martin, but Mindy is irritated by their camaraderie. Norman phones Sandy in the middle of dinner with the jitters of taking the next step with Madelyn.
113"Chapter 11. An Odd Couple Occurs"Andy TennantChuck LorreOctober 25, 2019 (2019-10-25)
Sandy finally makes a breakthrough with one of his students, Darshani. Mindy is mad at Sandy for getting high with Martin. Norman is overjoyed by how his relationship is progressing with Madelyn, only to find out that Phoebe is coming home. Martin and Sandy deepen their friendship through their common interest. Norman is skeptical about Phoebe being rehabilitated, angering Madelyn. Sandy phones Lisa in a most happy mood.
124"Chapter 12. A Libido Sits in the Fridge"Beth McCarthy-MillerChuck LorreOctober 25, 2019 (2019-10-25)
Sandy and Lisa go out for drinks, where Lisa suggests them having a friendship with no sex. Sandy praises Darshani for her acting breakthrough, but can see through her gratitude. Norman apologises to both Phoebe and Madelyn separately for his recent outburst: Phoebe is receptive while Madelyn becomes distant. Sandy joins Lisa for an evening of movie watching at her place, complete with free-flowing wine and popcorn. As Lisa's inhibitions wear down, Sandy's night features Cialis, the police, and being a supportive friend.
135"Chapter 13. A Shenckman Equivocates"Andy TennantChuck LorreOctober 25, 2019 (2019-10-25)
Waiter Alex gives Norman his screenplay, wondering if he would be interested in producing it. Sandy brings Martin along for lunch to meet Norman, only to have to deal with a medical emergency. Sandy visits Martin in the hospital to try to cheer him up. After hearing about Martin, Lisa urges Sandy to get a checkup. Sandy goes through a whole barrage of tests, only to have Dr. Shenckman (Bob Odenkirk) give him both good news and bad news. Sandy confides to Norman about his health, and decides that it should be a secret to be kept amongst themselves.
146"Chapter 14. A Secret Leaks, a Teacher Speaks"Beth McCarthy-MillerChuck LorreOctober 25, 2019 (2019-10-25)
Norman accompanies Sandy to start his treatments, only to be seen by one of his acting students. Driving home, Norman urges Sandy to tell Mindy about his condition and then receives a call from Madelyn. Madelyn tells more about her life to Norman over dinner, who then decides to come to a compromise with her. About to teach a class, Sandy gets a new student, Martin. Norman takes Madelyn to see Phoebe at work. After seeing a scene from Two and a Half Men acted out by two of his students, Sandy explains comedy to the class, before wrapping it up by having Martin tell his story on stage.
157"Chapter 15. A Hand Job Is Forgiven"Andy TennantChuck Lorre & Al HigginsOctober 25, 2019 (2019-10-25)
Sandy starts his new treatment regimen but something goes terribly wrong. Norman and Phoebe visit Eileen's grave so that Phoebe can make amends. She later extends those amends to her father. A concerned Mindy and Martin visit Sandy to a frightening sight. Sandy helps Margaret act out a scene from Doubt in front of the class. Lisa comes over to Sandy's for dinner but later confronts him for lying.
168"Chapter 16. A Thetan Arrives"Beth McCarthy-MillerChuck Lorre & Al HigginsOctober 25, 2019 (2019-10-25)
Norman offers Sandy to stay with him to recuperate. Phoebe surprises Norman with the arrival of his Scientologist grandson, Robby. Mindy informs Sandy of her plans to change how the acting classes are given. Sandy confronts guest teacher Allison Janney about her approach to teaching acting. Robby introduces the concepts of Scientology to Norman. Sandy gets upsetting news from Lisa. With no support from anyone, Sandy turns up at Norman's, only to find that Robby is in trouble.

Production

Development

On August 14, 2017, it was announced that Netflix was finalizing a series order for the production for a first season consisting of ten episodes. The series was set to be written by Chuck Lorre, Al Higgins, and David Javerbaum. Lorre was also set to direct the first episode and executive produce alongside Michael Douglas. Production companies involved with the series were slated to consist of Warner Bros. Television and Chuck Lorre Productions.[3] On July 29, 2018, it was announced during the Television Critics Association's annual summer press tour that the series was to premiere on November 16, 2018.[4] On January 17, 2019, it was announced that the series had been renewed for a second season consisting of eight episodes.[5] The second season was released on October 25, 2019.[6] On July 2, 2020, Netflix renewed the series for a third and final season.[7]

Casting

Alongside the series order announcement, it was confirmed that Michael Douglas and Alan Arkin had been cast in the lead roles of Sandy Kominsky and Norman, respectively.[3] In January 2018, it was announced that Nancy Travis and Sarah Baker had been cast in main roles and that Susan Sullivan, Emily Osment, Graham Rogers, Ashleigh LaThrop, Jenna Lyng Adams, Melissa Tang, Casey Brown, and Lisa Edelstein would appear in a recurring capacity.[8][9][10]

On February 7, 2019, it was announced that Jane Seymour, Jacqueline Bisset and Paul Reiser had been cast in recurring roles for season two.[11]

Reception

Critical response

The series has been met with a positive critical response upon its premiere. On the review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds an approval rating of 90%. The website's critical consensus reads, "Full of humor and heart, The Kominsky Method paints a surprisingly poignant – if a little paint-by-numbers – portrait of life and aging, elevated by two top-notch performances by acting legends Alan Arkin and Michael Douglas."[12] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the series a score of 68 out of 100 based on 19 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews."[13]

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Nominee(s) Result Ref.
2018 American Film Institute Awards Top 10 TV Programs of the Year The Kominsky Method Won [14]
2019 Critics' Choice Television Awards Best Comedy Series Nominated [15]
Best Actor in a Comedy Series Michael Douglas Nominated
Gold Derby Awards Best Comedy Actor Nominated [16]
Golden Globe Awards Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy The Kominsky Method Won [17]
Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy Michael Douglas Won
Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film Alan Arkin Nominated
Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Michael Douglas (for "Chapter One: An Actor Avoids") Nominated [18]
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series Alan Arkin (for "Chapter Two: An Agent Grieves") Nominated
Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (Half-Hour) and Animation Yuri Reese, Bill Smith and Michael Hoffman (for "Chapter 1: An Actor Avoids") Nominated
Satellite Awards Best Musical or Comedy Series The Kominsky Method Nominated [19]
Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy Series Michael Douglas Nominated
Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries or TV Film Alan Arkin Nominated
Screen Actors Guild Awards Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series Jenna Lyng Adams, Alan Arkin, Sarah Baker, Casey Thomas Brown, Michael Douglas, Ashleigh LaThrop, Emily Osment, Graham Rogers, Susan Sullivan, Melissa Tang & Nancy Travis Nominated [20]
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series Alan Arkin Nominated
Michael Douglas Nominated
2020 Golden Globe Awards Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy The Kominsky Method Nominated [21]
Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy Michael Douglas Nominated
Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film Alan Arkin Nominated
Screen Actors Guild Awards Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series Jenna Lyng Adams, Alan Arkin, Sarah Baker, Casey Thomas Brown, Michael Douglas, Lisa Edelstein, Paul Reiser, Graham Rogers, Jane Seymour, Melissa Tang & Nancy Travis Nominated [22]
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series Alan Arkin Nominated
Michael Douglas Nominated
Casting Society of America Television Pilot & First Season – Comedy Nikki Valko, Ken Miller & Tara Treacy Nominated [23]
Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Comedy Series Chuck Lorre, Al Higgins, Michael Douglas, Andy Tennant, Beth McCarthy-Miller & Marlis Pujol Pending [24]
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Michael Douglas (for "Chapter 12: A Libido Sits in the Fridge") Pending
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series Alan Arkin (for "Chapter 14: A Secret Leaks, a Teacher Speaks") Pending

Home media

The first season was released to general retailers on November 19, 2019 in Region 1, with a Blu-ray version made available exclusively through the Warner Archive Collection.[25]

References

  1. ^ Goldberg, Lesley (August 14, 2017). "Michael Douglas, Alan Arkin to Star in Chuck Lorre Comedy Series for Netflix". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 19, 2018.
  2. ^ "The Kominsky Method – Listings". The Futon Critic. Retrieved October 24, 2018.
  3. ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie (August 14, 2017). "Chuck Lorre Hollywood Comedy Starring Michael Douglas & Alan Arkin Nears Netflix Series Order". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 14, 2017.
  4. ^ Ramos, Dino-Ray (July 29, 2018). "Chuck Lorre Comedy 'The Kominsky Method' Starring Michael Douglas Gets Premiere Date On Netflix – TCA". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 2, 2018.
  5. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (January 17, 2019). "'The Kominsky Method' Renewed For Season 2 By Netflix". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 17, 2019.
  6. ^ Haring, Bruce (August 15, 2019). "'The Kominsky Method': Season 2 Premiere Date & First-Look Photos For Netflix Comedy". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 2, 2020.
  7. ^ White, Peter (July 2, 2020). "'The Kominsky Method' Renewed For Third & Final Season At Netflix". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 2, 2020.
  8. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (January 11, 2018). "'The Kominsky Method': Nancy Travis To Co-Star In Netflix Comedy Series". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 11, 2018.
  9. ^ Petski, Denise (January 19, 2018). "'The Kominsky Method': Sarah Baker Joins Netflix Comedy As Series Regular, Seven More Cast". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 19, 2018.
  10. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (January 19, 2018). "Lisa Edelstein To Topline 'Confessions of a Sociopath' Dramedy In Works At UCP, Recur On Netflix's 'The Kominsky Method'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 19, 2018.
  11. ^ Ramos, Dino-Ray (February 7, 2019). "'The Kominsky Method' Season 2 Adds Jane Seymour, Jacqueline Bisset And Paul Reiser – TCA". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 8, 2019.
  12. ^ "The Kominsky Method: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango. Retrieved December 31, 2018.
  13. ^ "The Kominsky Method: Season 1". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved December 31, 2018.
  14. ^ Pedersen, Erik (December 4, 2018). "AFI Awards 2018 TV: 'This Is Us' Is Lone Broadcast Show As FX Nabs Four Of 10 Slots". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 4, 2018.
  15. ^ Crist, Allison (January 13, 2019). "Critics' Choice Awards: 'Roma,' 'Americans,' 'Mrs. Maisel' Top Winners". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 13, 2019.
  16. ^ "Gold Derby TV Awards 2019 nominations: 'Game of Thrones' and 'Veep' lead, while 'Pose' is the top new show of the year". Goldderby.com. Chris Beachum. Retrieved July 24, 2019.
  17. ^ Snierson, Dan (January 6, 2019). "Golden Globes 2019: See the full winners list". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved January 6, 2019.
  18. ^ "The Kominsky Method". Emmys.com. Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Retrieved July 16, 2019.
  19. ^ 24th Satellite Awards Announce Nominations, ‘Ford v Ferrari’ Leads the Way
  20. ^ Nordyke, Kimberly (January 27, 2019). "SAG Awards: 'Black Panther' Nabs Top Film Prize; Rami Malek, Glenn Close Among Winners". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  21. ^ "Golden Globes 2020: The Complete Nominations List". Variety. December 9, 2019. Retrieved December 9, 2019.
  22. ^ "NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED FOR THE 26TH ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS". December 11, 2019. Retrieved December 11, 2019.
  23. ^ Lewis, Hillary (September 24, 2019). "Artios Awards: 'Succession,' 'Pose,' 'Dead to Me' Among Casting Society TV, Theater Nominees". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 2, 2020.
  24. ^ "The Kominsky Method". Emmys.com. Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Retrieved July 16, 2019.
  25. ^ "'Kominsky Method' Season 1 on Disc Nov. 19 – Media Play News".
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