FRAMINGHAM, MASSACHUSETTS – Seth MacFarlane’s foul-mouthed teddy bear makes a comeback in the Peacock prequel series “Ted.” The show, which serves as an answer to the question of “Why no Mark Wahlberg?,” features MacFarlane’s character as a teenager, with the talking teddy bear as his only friend. Similar to “ALF” but with more explicit language, the series is proudly offensive and often hilarious.
For those who are unfamiliar with the original 2012 movie and its sequel, “Ted” takes place in 1993, where John Bennett, now a 16-year-old high-school student, lives with his parents in Framingham, Massachusetts. Ted, the talking teddy bear, is still by John’s side, and their adventures involve smoking pot, watching pornography, and trying to lose their virginity.
Although MacFarlane is best known for his animated comedies, “Ted” allows him to explore his more outlandish sensibilities in a live-action setting. The first season of the series is packed with humorous references to the ’90s, including nods to “Jurassic Park,” “Alive,” and the dad’s obsession with “Rocky IV.”
“Ted” embraces the playful spirit of its concept, offering a mix of fun and occasional clunkiness in its seven-episode season. It strikes a balance between nostalgia and appealing to the inner teenager within its audience, without the pressure of justifying another movie.
Streaming platforms like Peacock provide the perfect outlet for “Ted,” as it capitalizes on its irreverence and resonates with those who still hold onto their teenage spirit. While it may not be considered high art, the unpretentious silliness of this Peacock comedy makes it worth watching.
“Ted” is set to premiere on Peacock on January 11, where viewers can once again enjoy the adventures of the talking teddy bear and his teenage companion in a scaled-down yet amusing setting.
In summary, “Ted” is a prequel series on Peacock that follows the adventures of a foul-mouthed teddy bear and his teenage companion, set in 1993 Framingham, Massachusetts. Spearheaded by Seth MacFarlane, the show injects humor and nostalgia into its seven-episode season, providing viewers with a hilariously entertaining experience.