Big Bang Theory Star’s New Comedy Is Dividing Critics & Audiences On Rotten Tomatoes

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The newest comedy starring a familiar face from The Big Bang Theory is getting mixed reactions from both reviewers and viewers.

Before, during, and after their time on The Big Bang Theory, the cast members have starred in many comedies. For example, Johnny Galecki was on Roseanne, Kaley Cuoco appeared in 8 Simple Rules, Melissa Rauch was in Night Court, and Simon Helberg had a role in Poker Face. Cuoco has also become known for mystery thrillers, leading series like HBO’s The Flight Attendant, Peacock’s Based on a True Story, and MGM+’s Vanished.

Simon Helberg’s new dark comedy, The Audacity, is getting mixed reactions. Critics generally like it, giving it a ‘Certified Fresh’ score of 78% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 27 reviews. However, viewers aren’t as impressed, with a ‘Rotten’ score of 50%. Because the show is still new, these scores could change as more episodes are released.

This show is a darkly funny look at the world of Silicon Valley. Simon Helberg stars as Martin Phister, a shy and private tech whiz who dedicates all his energy to creating an AI friend designed to support troubled teens. The cast also includes Meagan Rath as Martin’s wife, Anushka Bhattachera-Phister, a tech ethicist; Billy Magnussen as Duncan Park, a CEO who steals data; and Rob Corddry as Tom Ruffage, a veteran trying to secure a deal to help his fellow soldiers.

I recently checked out The Audacity, and I’m giving it a solid seven out of ten. What really struck me was how the show lets its characters drive the story – it’s a hilarious and sharp critique of things that doesn’t shy away from taking risks. My biggest takeaway, though, is that it takes a little while for the ensemble cast to really find its footing. It eventually pays off, making everyone feel important, but the pacing is a bit slow to start.

Critics have drawn comparisons between The Audacity and Succession, and for good reason. Both shows share similar themes, and importantly, they have a connection behind the scenes: Jonathan Glatzer, who wrote for Succession and Better Call Saul, is the showrunner for The Audacity. Like Succession, this series focuses on flawed, often unpleasant characters who consistently make selfish and poorly considered choices.

Many viewers have compared The Audacity to Succession, but some feel it doesn’t grab you as quickly, even with a talented cast and an interesting idea. Other common complaints are that the show feels old-fashioned, is easy to guess what will happen, and doesn’t realistically portray the tech world today.

Even though critics and viewers had different opinions, the show was quickly picked up for a second season, with the news coming a month before the first season even aired. The main cast includes Simon Helberg, Espen Magnussen, Jonathan Rath, and Rory Cordrry, along with Sarah Goldberg as therapist JoAnne Felder, Paul Adelstein as her husband Dr. Gary Felder, Zach Galifianakis as the tech expert Carol Bardolph, Lucy Punch as Duncan’s wife Lili Park-Hoffsteader, and Randall Park as Gabe.

The film also playfully criticizes the younger generation in Silicon Valley, exploring how they’re impacted by the self-centeredness and materialism of their parents. Everett Blunck plays Orson Stern, Thailey Roberge is Tess Phister, and Ava Marie Telek portrays Jamison Park-Hoffsteader in the cast.

The Audacity releases new episodes on Sundays on AMC & AMC+.

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2026-04-26 22:18