Your Friends and Neighbours

Apple TV

Starring Jon Hamm and Amanda Peet, I was looking forward to delving into this new comedy series on Apple TV. And honestly, it started off good as we see Hamm’s character Andrew Cooper (aka “Coop”) lose his job and all of his wealth along with it. Having recently divorced from his wife Mel (Amanda Peet) who he caught cheating with his best friend Nick (Mark Tallman), he suddenly realises that his life is in shambles. So what does he do? Steal from his rich friends and neighbours to make money, of course! 

I was gripped after watching the first three episodes, and then I’m not entirely sure when the series lost me. I think when he partners with one of his neighbour’s housekeepers Elena (Aimee Carrero) to rob houses and her family get involved, it becomes too confusing to keep up. When they steal an art piece for a dealer who doesn't pay them (long story) and subsequently Coop gets beaten up by the said art dealer, I find myself wondering where is this story going?

Following all that, when Coop is framed for the murder of his lover's (Oliva Munn) ex-husband, the audience is led to believe that this may be the main story line. 

To me, there is too much going on and it’s hard to care about the consequences of anything. Saying that, there are some funny moments and Jon Hamm is as convincing as always in the role of Coop with great chemistry between himself and his ex-wife Mel. 

With an episode released every Friday, Your Friends and Neighbours is an easy weekend watch. And with slim-pickings streaming at the moment, we’ll take any decent new show we can get.