Given the continuing fragmentation of entertainment and fame, it makes sense that a handful of TV shows – the vehicles for so many “what happened to them?” stars – have explored the tragicomedy of obsolescence. HBO Max’s excellent Hacks depicts a Joan Rivers-esque comic stranded in Vegas and enlivened by a zillennial writer’s assistant. Peacock’s Girls5eva follows a Y2K girl group gifted new cachet when a sample of their one hit goes viral. ABC’s Queens applied a similar formula to a 90s girl hip-hop group, while Fox’s dramedy The Big Leap pitted embittered dreamers against each other in a fictional dance competition show.
For the cast of Step Right Up, a fictional 00s network sitcom in the new Hulu comedy Reboot, a reprieve from irrelevance comes in the form of a surprise revival. This is a boon for actor Clay Barber (Johnny Knoxville), a caustic former addict who struggled without the structure of a network job. It’s a desperately needed opportunity for Bree Marie Jensen (Judy Greer), whose hopes for stardom faded at age 30. It’s a chance for redemption for Reed Sterling (Keegan-Michael Key), the would-be breakout star who tanked the show for a shot at the movies and now finds himself bringing up his Yale drama school degree in auditions for bit parts. Hapless former child star Zack Johnson (Calum Worthy), a Peter Pan figure coasting on derivative kids movies and direct-to-fan schemes, is just happy to be included.
