Sometimes, you see a new piece of fiction emerge, and you know it’s going to be exactly right for a whole generation of people. And we’re not saying that other people won’t love it to pieces, but a cat that breaks up with its owners and ends up in an Astoria pet shelter where a bunch of misfit animals help him find his way in the world, created by Aubrey Plaza, is so perfectly millennial, it takes my breath away. Are we not all just Kevin, trying to find our path in a big universe? If you’re not convinced, I could not more earnestly suggest you watch Kevin‘s title sequence below. The perfectly early aughts beats of its theme song will definitely sway you, and get that nostalgic flutter working in your chest.
You’ve never heard Kevin‘s theme song before, I guarantee it. And that’s because it’s an original song performed by series lead Jason Schwartzman and co-written by Schwartzman and series composer Dan Romer. But doesn’t “I’m Coming Home” feel like an old, familiar favorite? Schwartzman and co really capture that essential oughts bop in a way that takes us back to the halycon days of yore. Also, is “Nine Lives. No Plan.” not just the most quintessentially millennial thing you’ve ever heard?
If that weren’t enough. We’re absolutely obsessed with the animation and lead feline friend, Kevin. The style is unique but so compelling. And who could resist a band of misfit animals that we have no doubt Aubrey Plaza has filled with a droll sense of snark and humor. But we’d put money on this series making us cry, too.
Also, being a resident New Yorker, we feel very seen by all the NYC Easter eggs in this Kevin title sequence. The Empire State building, the R/W trains, THE PUMPKIN BOXES, and the shoe repair man. (Even the protesting lobsters, we get those all the time. Plus the Hookah lounge!) We ARE coming home.
Honestly, we can’t wait to see more from this love letter to pets, NYC, and Astoria, Queens. Especially since Kevin has an purrific cast which “stars Jason Schwartzman (Isle of Dogs, The French Dispatch) as KEVIN, a housecat who decides to try life without people, and Aubrey Plaza as DANA (The White Lotus, Emily the Criminal), one half of the human couple he leaves behind.” And also includes series regulars “Whoopi Goldberg (The Lion King, Sister Act) as CUPCAKE, John Waters (Hairspray, Liar Mouth) as ARMANDO, and Aparna Nancherla (The Great North, Bob’s Burgers) as JUDY – Kevin’s new cat roommates at a local pet rescue run by human SETH, played by Gil Ozeri (Big Mouth, Monsters) and his dog BRANDI, played by Amy Sedaris (BoJack Horseman, At Home with Amy Sedaris).” Kevin could not have a more iconic line-up.
Kevin‘s synopsis shares, “After his human ‘ owners’ unexpectedly break up, Kevin decides to break up with them too. He leaves home and moves into a local pet rescue in Astoria, Queens, where a band of misfit animals helps him discover what he truly wants out of life.” We’ve heard the show is funny, eccentric, and provocative, mixed with heartfelt emotions and substance. And we can see that all shine through, even with just snippets.
Kevin is coming to Prime Video on 20 April. All eight episodes will debut at once.