Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
Weird
When you watch an abundance of pilots, it takes a special show to make you say “whoa.” Paramount Network’s lively new dramedy 68 Whiskey did just that. Premiering tonight, the new series created by Roberto Benabib and executive produced by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard is one of the most confident, charismatic new shows of 2020. Based on Israeli series Charlie Golf One, the dark comedy follows a coterie of oddball medics stationed in Afghanistan. The comparison to TV royalty M*A*S*H is unavoidable, and while very few shows ever reach that rarified air, fans of the iconic ’70s/’80s series will enjoy this new band of rich, fully-formed characters.
Yellowstone’s path to network tentpole status was guided by the mainstream clout of star Kevin Costner. While 68 Whiskey boasts notable names behind the scenes, the ensemble cast isn’t blessed with Costner-level cachet. But what the cast lacks in box office gusto it more than makes up for with bravado. The series is anchored by Sam Keeley’s Cooper Roback, a character who embodies the mischievous insouciance of Hawkeye Pierce. Roback could have easily become a sterile archetype, but through the first three episodes, Roback’s unflinching loyalty, irreverent disposition, and borderline delusional optimism make him a magnetic guide into this captivating new world.
Roback’s best friend is Jeremy Tardy’s Mekhi Davis, a (relative) voice of reason who stabilizes some of Roback’s more impulsive tendencies. Two factors separate 68 Whiskey from lesser shows. The first is the searing authenticity of the series. Thanks to a combination of exceptional production design and irrefutable cast chemistry, 68 Whiskey not only looks but more importantly feels real. The second is the writing staff’s commitment to detail. There’s no denying that this show is made by Professionals with a capital P. Every choice is deliberate. Davis doesn’t hatch various money making schemes with Roback for the hell of it. There’s a purpose. A backstory. The difference between good and great TV is that extraordinary shows put in that extra 5% of effort needed to elevate the material.
The extra exertion is evident in the first three episodes of 68 Whiskey.
I can’t heap enough praise on the show’s ensemble. Cristina Rodlo, Gage Golightly, and Nicholas Coombe all deliver standout performances, with each actor making a strong case to earn the ever elusive moniker of “scene stealer.” If you’re still on the fence, Paramount Network released a 12-minute video introducing the characters, but personally, I’d go into the show knowing as little as possible.
68 Whiskey exudes a rare mix of grit and humor as it treats life and death situations with a wry bravado. It handles important real-life issues like deportation, religion, and moral ambiguity with realism and nuance, while at the same time delivering silly plots about spiritual goats. It’s compelling, immersive television that demands your full attention.
Yellowstone was Paramount Network’s first scripted hit. 68 Whiskey is primed to follow in the show’s footsteps.
68 Whiskey premieres Wednesday, January 15 at 10:00 p.m. ET on Paramount Network.
