Seth Rogen & Rose Byrne Unleash Unforgettable Chemistry in Surprising New Show

Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne have found a better outlet for their on-screen chemistry in their new Apple TV series Platonic, rather than pursuing a third installment of the Neighbors franchise. The duo previously teamed up for Neighbors in 2014 and its sequel Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising in 2016. In both films, Rogen and Byrne portrayed Mac and Kelly Radner, a married couple dealing with rowdy fraternity and sorority parties next door. However, instead of continuing the film series, they have now embarked on a new show on Apple TV Plus with a completely different storyline. In Platonic, Rogen and Byrne play old friends who have lost touch, rather than a married couple.

The comedy series Platonic debuted on Apple TV Plus in May 2023 and has received rave reviews from critics, particularly for the performances of its well-known lead actors. Rogen and Byrne take on the roles of Will and Sylvia, former friends who drifted apart due to Sylvia's disapproval of Will's marriage to his wife, Audrey. However, after Will goes through a divorce, he and Sylvia reconnect. The pair brings the same chemistry and humor that made the Neighbors films successful, but the plot of Platonic, set in Los Angeles, is more mature and relatable. While Rogen and Byrne were fantastic together in the previous Nicholas Stoller films, their new endeavor on Apple TV Plus surpasses expectations.

Seth Rogen & Rose Byrne's Neighbors Chemistry Is Used In A New & Brilliant Way In Platonic

Platonic, on the other hand, offers a refreshing change by focusing on the mature lives of Rogen and Byrne's characters, rather than rehashing the same college vs. family plot. This new series takes a different direction, allowing their chemistry to shine in a completely different story. Unlike the previous Neighbors films, which were known for their raunchy humor and similarity to films like Knocked Up and The Hangover, Platonic offers a more mature and diverse comedy experience.

After experiencing a decline in popularity during the mid-2010s, R-rated comedies like Neighbors now pose a considerable risk in terms of achieving success, particularly when they evolve into repetitive franchises with numerous sequels. Conversely, comedy streaming series starring adored comedic actors have been thriving in recent years, making Platonic a more favorable platform for Rogen and Byrne's undeniable on-screen chemistry. Despite their characters being portrayed as friends, and the show's title indicating that they will remain in such a dynamic, their exceptional connection adds an enjoyable and revitalizing element to the series.

Neighbors 2 Was Already Worse Than The Original Movie

The possibility of Byrne and Rogen reuniting for another Neighbors sequel was considered, but it would have been a highly risky venture. One of the factors that could have contributed to the potential disaster of Neighbors 3 is the underperformance of the second movie in both critical and commercial aspects. While Neighbors grossed an impressive $150.2 million at the US Box Office, Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising only managed to bring in $55.4 million (via Box Office Mojo). It would have been illogical to proceed with a third movie when the sequel had already shown a decline in the series' success.

Additionally, the original Neighbors film has a 63% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and a Certified Fresh 73% score from critics. As for the sequel, the audience score is significantly lower at 44%, and the critics score stands at only 64% on the review aggregator site. Meanwhile, Rogen and Byrne's latest venture Platonic has garnered an impressive critic score of 92% and a score of 79% from audiences. While the comedy series still delves into situations where adults find themselves in a bit of a mess, it is much more relatable and relevant than Neighbors, which already showcased humor that has become outdated.

Platonic Still Keeps Neighbors' Charm With A Similar Cast & Crew

Fortunately, Platonic stays true to the Neighbors universe while offering a different tone and premise. With Rogen and Byrne's delightful chemistry, the presence of Stoller as a producer, and the inclusion of Carla Gallo in the cast, Platonic maintains a connection to the previous films. Gallo, who played Paula in both Neighbors movies, brings her comedic talent to the role of Sylvia's friend Katie. Together, Gallo and Byrne create a friendship dynamic that is just as enjoyable as their previous collaborations in Neighbors and Neighbors 2. This familiarity among the cast and crew creates a comforting atmosphere that resonates with the audience, adding to the success of Platonic as a series.