THE OTHER TWO follows Cary and Brooke Dubek, the two much older and much less successful siblings of Justin Bieber-esque viral pop sensation ChaseDreams. It’s goofy, offbeat, a bit dark, hilarious, and has ended after three seasons.
It’s worth noting that, supposedly unrelated to the cancellation, multiple HR complaints were made against the show’s creators, former SNL writers Chris Kelly and Sarah Schneider, alleging verbal abuse and overwork. It’s a real-life ending that’s ironically appropriate for a show that constantly provides scathing criticism of the entertainment industry.
Tarush Mohanti and Aaron Goldstein review all three seasons of THE OTHER TWO here.
What took us so long? Why did you start watching it?
TM: I don’t know; I hadn’t even heard of this show until the third season debuted a couple of months ago. I do have to apologize to my girlfriend, Ateken, who put the show on one day after seeing TikTok clips of it. I was initially so hesitant to watch because of my unfamiliarity, but something about it was so instantly magnetic. THE OTHER TWO is one of the best shows you’ve never heard of.
AG: I stumbled upon THE OTHER two when my son was born. I was looking for a light show during those long sleepless nights, and the 100% fresh Rotten Tomato score encouraged me to check it out. THE OTHER TWO succeeded by keeping me entertained like 30 ROCK used to. It was hit or miss, but for the most part, it was a hit. It was the perfect “Night Nurse,” providing me with an escape. When season three came out, I watched each episode weekly as they were released. What once was a show of characters misbehaving turned into a star-studded cameo series with the cringe-worthiness of DAVE, but with more wholesome laughs. I’m aligned with Tarush that THE OTHER TWO is the best show that no one is watching.
What makes THE OTHER TWO different?
TM: Sometimes, I just need a comedy that is comfortable being a comedy. As much as I love SUCCESSION and TED LASSO, there’s too much depth and emotion for a casual watch. Although THE OTHER TWO can get a bit icky, and the characters often behave terribly, it’s funny, and fills a niche similar to ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT, SCHITT’S CREEK, or BROAD CITY.
The supporting characters are also excellent. ChaseDreams, Pat Dubek, Lance, Streeter Peters, Shuli, and Curtis round out the ensemble.
AG: I wouldn’t say that THE OTHER TWO is different. We’ve seen this style of comedy in the shows that Tarush has mentioned, with the addition of DAVE, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, THE UNBREAKABLE KIMMY SCHMIDT, and 30 ROCK. I think it’s more that non-network sitcoms that air weekly have difficulty finding an audience. THE OTHER TWO was buried on Max, with the streamer marketing LOVE LIFE instead. We now know that was a mistake…
Thoughts on the series overall?
TM: Overall, the show’s pace and storyline were amazing. Throughout the three seasons, we got a glimpse at the rise of Cary and Brooke, riding on ChaseDreams coattails but learning to forge their own paths. The stakes feel right, and the characters feel realistic. I think the finale of the show was great, in isolation, but it felt like it came too soon – not just because I didn’t want the show to end, but it felt like a season-ending; I don’t feel like the Dubek story is done yet.
AG: What works so well about THE OTHER TWO is that the three seasons completed our protagonists’ journies, which made it feel like a series finale. I would gladly spend more time with Brooke and Cary, but if the show goes out the way it did, I’m equally happy to have enjoyed one of the best comedies of 2023. It’s a damn shame, as THE OTHER TWO should’ve created the same meme/gif following that 30 Rock did.
All three seasons of THE OTHER TWO are now streaming on Max.
