User reviews

Bad Monkey feels like a classic Vince Vaughn film when he was in his prime. He shines here as the lead of another great Apple TV show. Is it the best show you'll watch this year? No. But it still very good and worth your time to watch. If you like Vaughn then you'll like this and vice versa if you don't like him. He does his classic fast talking, tongue in cheek comedy that he's famous for. This show is based off Carl Hiaasen's best seller. It almost feels it was written for Vaughn, that's how good he is here. The show is also beautifully shot, making the most of the sun filled settings in the Bahamas and Florida. Besides the comedy and action there are plenty of twists and turns to hold your attention.

Apple TV+ has been in fire with all the great tv series they've put out the last few years and Bad Monkey is another home run for them. It stars Vince Vaughn as a former police detective who is now a restaurant inspector, what follows is an action comedy that is as entertaining as you'd think it'd be with Vaughn doing what he does best. It also stars Michelle Monaghan, Natalie Martinez, Meredith Hagner, John Ortiz, among others who all play oddball characters that make this show what it is. This is just a fun, light hearted comedy that's an easy watch to just turn your brain off and have good time watching it.

I am a huge fan of Carl Hiaasen's novels. This serialized version of Bad Monkey, which I reread not too long ago, is very well done. The few changes I noted in passing were logical and made the tv version better than it would have been. I would give the casting and photography high ratings. I'm not particularly a fan of Vince Vaughn, but I think he does well in this show. I like the narrator part, too.

I didn't see Natalie Martinez's name so it was great surprize to recognize her in this. I first saw her in a thing called "Under the Dome", not a very good series. Her performance in "Kingdom" was remarkable. She's good in this one, too.

I hope someone, Apple or not, takes some of Hiaasen's numerous other works for tv or cinema. "Strip Tease" was a pretty good movie as far as I recall. I'm usually not impressed with Apple's tv output, but this one hits the mark!

Man I have been saying that Bad Monkey, and hopefully Razor Girl, should be captured by a film or a movie for years. I cannot believe that there are bad reviews here, probably from those of us who cannot read. But the casting, the cynicism, the narcissistic personalities, it's all perfect. I even love that we kept a narrator to bridge some of the gaps and add extra comedic relief. Carl writes books that make fun of Floridians while still showing why we love Florida. The show makes perfect sense and if they stick to the plot of the novel, they'll have something great here. Thank you for making this come to life.

I'd thought this'd be junk and Apple has a tendency to stretch out shows double what they should be and end up being incredibly boring. That may happen here but so far there's zero indication of that. The first two episodes were incredibly well paced ( ignore the ADD Fast and Furious loving reviewers ), funny and incredibly entertaining. Vaughn is not always likable but he definitely is here. He's also aided by a good supporting cast; primarily Natalie ( the second sexiest Latina actress after Salma ). There are several good and nefarious characters to keep things interesting and the acting is top notch. The narrator ads some good subtext and humorous additions. My wife and I were chuckling throughout most of the episodes. Nice locations and since we live in Miami, several places we've been to. The two hours were over in an entertaining flash making the only drawback being we have to wait a week for the next episode. Great new show.

I like it. Hopefully Vince Vaughn will not turn out to be an alien!

First things first, the opening credits are terrific. The soundtrack is excellent. The writing and atmosphere remind me of Elmore Leonard's 'Rum Punch.' It feels like it was custom tailored for Vince Vaughn who is terrific in the lead role. My only nitpick is Vince should lose the dye job and look his age.

The supporting cast is interesting and eclectic, and other than John Ortiz, essentially unknown to me. Tom Nowicki does a nice job with the rum-soaked narration.

It will be interesting to see if the series can maintain its great start because Apple+ does not have a good track record with original series. But, I'm rooting for Vince!

I love Carl Hiaasen's writing, particularly the Andrew Yancy novels. I'm also a fan of Bill Lawrence. To an extent. Scrubs could be grating, Ted Lasso meandered once he left, Shrinking is... I don't know.

But as far as the first two episodes go, they've nailed the tone of the book and the casting is really good. I never would've picked Vince Vaughn as Yancy, but he's perfect. The world weariness, the sardonic self loathing, it's all there.

You can tell that Lawrence is a huge Hiaasen fan and he's been thinking about this for a while. It's been a few years since I read the book but I like the additions that have been made to pad the story out. Again, I'm basing this off two episodes. I really hope this series is successful and we get a Razor Girl adaptation.

And I think the narration, sort of a lackadaisical Floridian version of Sam Elliot in Big Lebowski. It keeps things wry and offbeat. The only issue I have so far, and maybe just because I know the eventual outcome, is the big reveal in the book works because there isn't a visual element involved and you've been too distracted to think that hard about it. I would be surprised if most people didn't guess what's going on right away. But boy, what a fun beautiful time.

"Bad Monkey" lures you in from the start - sun-soaked scenery, a mystery ripe with potential, and enough snappy lines to make you think Vince Vaughn's deadpan shtick might actually stick the landing. There's no shortage of characters - some you'll root for, some you won't - but in the beginning, it seems like that's part of the fun. They slowly find their places, some quicker than others. Most of the cast holds up, but the one who really grabs you? The actress playing the Dragon Queen. Every time she's on screen, she owns it.

But then, somewhere around the middle, the wheels start to wobble. The story sprawls in too many directions, losing the grip it had on you early on. By the time the final episode rolls in, it's like they panicked - plotlines jammed together, rushing to tie it all up, leaving you with an ending that doesn't just miss the mark - it digs the hole deeper. What could've been a satisfying finish is anything but.

Bad Monkey is a perfect summer watch with its gorgeous Florida scenery, cast of characters you just want to succeed, and others are fun to cheer against. The series is playful, fun, with animated thrills, keeping you wanting more. The dialog sharp, with each and every actor's performance and dialog as colorful as Florida itself.

Vince Vaughn plays suspended Detective Yancy, and is at his best. Mouthy, armed with quick witted one liners infuriating fellow characters, yet for me endearing + entertaining and laugh out loud funny. I'm rooting for you Yancy!

Only 2 episodes released so far. I'm obsessed and excited for more.

Great scenery. And island characters. Hoping the plot is told a little clearer. The narrator,although pleasant, isn't helping explain the plot. Like the mix of Miami vibe and laidback key west. A little monkey goes a long way. Hope there is more island and less monkey in future episodes. And hoping they'll be some stellar restaurants inspected along with the icky ones. The new house annoyance for the lead character is an enjoyable side plot. Anyone who has something added to their neighborhood that doesn't fit can relate. Hoping to see more of that in future episodes. And more of the stepdaughter character.

Bad Monkey starring Vince Vaughn delivers a perfect mix of crime, humor, and quirky characters that Elmore Leonard fans will appreciate. Vaughn shines as a complex, charismatic lead, embodying the dry wit and tension that Leonard's characters are known for. The series strikes a balance between suspense and offbeat humor, echoing Leonard's signature style while bringing Carl Hiaasen's story to life in a fresh, engaging way. With sharp dialogue, unpredictable twists, and a vivid Florida backdrop, Bad Monkey offers a thrilling and entertaining ride that feels both familiar and new to fans of crime fiction.

I've always enjoyed Vince Vaughn in everything. A sharp, witty actor & his large size and small boy features just accent his overall irony. The other actors here are very good, too, especially Meredith Hagner and Jodie Turner-Smith. John Ortiz is always first-rate, too. The settings and photography are stunning and the action moves right along. And yet...

The problem I have is that the movie feels padded. As the episodes progress, I feel like there's more and more Who Cares stuff. Like the relationship between Dragon Queen and Egg. I've read most of Carl Hiaasen's books and always love them, though I don't remember this one. Maybe on the page the stuff flies by, but on the screen it kind of ruins the overall tone.

I just finished episode 8 & am lowering my previous rate of 8 to a 6. Getting really boring & repetitive. Can't believe Hiaasen had all this mindless twaddle in the book. May not make it the rest of the way.

I can't believe I watched the whole thing. Last 2 or 3 episodes are embarrassingly bad. No plot tie-ins or tie-ups, just everyone jumping their own individual pathetic sharks. Wow, no sequel to this mess. Hopefully.

Is this truly based in a Hiaasen book?

I did not read the novels, but I will definitely! Not so common here in Germany.

I love the Humor, the anctors, the writing, stories and the dialogues a lot, the style and the music of course too.

The way the story crosses the paths of the people is also quite interesting.

It is maybe not the best series of all time, but is a really good tv show with a special kind of jokes. Reminded a bit of The white lotus, but it could be more mean and the story could be more interesTing, but maybe it will get soon!?!?

It's quite entertaining and after episode 3, I'm definitely addicted!!! Can't wait to see more of the show!!!!

The show is funny and it keeps you interested in what's going to happen next. Vince Vaughn is as charming as he has ever been and the cast has really good chemistry. The supporting characters do a good job and the types of characters in the show are relatable even though they're over the top.

If you can just sit back and enjoy a funny murder mystery then you may enjoy this one. I don't have much more to say. It's fun, it's unpredictable, it's like Fargo but in the Florida Keys. It has good energy and actors who do their best to entertain you.

Trying to think of something I don't like... the color grading I guess? It's a bit like an Instagram filter. Other than that, it's great.

I'm so confused by this show. I enjoy watching it... it's funny, silly, dry humor and Vince Vaughn is great in this role. BUT I have no idea what's going on most of the time. I find the side plots to be unnecessary and an added layer of confusion... maybe it will all tie together in the end. Honestly, it probably already does tie together, but the show hasn't made those connections clear to me. And I'm not an idiot, I am very good at picking up on subtleties. I can't explain it either because I truly watch it; I'm not on my phone doing a million other things, I'm focused on the show. But alas, I can't recap anything except for major silly events. The acting is good and overall it's very entertaining, but it's also very confusing.

Someone decided to remake Fletch, and they actually did a pretty good job. It's a fun ride with a quirky mix of crime, comedy, and the bizarre that keeps you entertained from start to finish. Vince Vaughn nails the laid-back, wisecracking lead, and the Florida setting adds a nice touch of sun-soaked weirdness. It's not something I'd rush to rewatch, but it definitely makes for a solid night in front of the TV. And let's just say the voodoo lady might haunt your dreams in ways you didn't expect. Overall, it's a decent watch if you're in the mood for something offbeat and just a little twisted...

Slow? Yes.

Clunky writing? The quip interactions quite often feel AI generated.

Characters that couldn't exist in the real world? Neville, oh come on, that's just silly.

West Indian accents truly abysmal? Check.

BUT, it does capture the amiable (aimless?) charm of the novels and has beautiful cinematography of a Florida landscape rarely seen on TV shows.

Vaughn is good, the rest of the cast in Florida are fine (the West Indian scenes are pretty awful, as another reviewer says; casting a good looking young guy as Neville skews that whole narrative with a completely unbelievable premise), the narrator/narrative voice over echoing Sam Elliott in The Big Lebowski didn't grate for me but seems to have irritated a lot of people.

It's a pleasant 50 or so minutes. Is it great TV? It could end up being so but it's early days... it feels like a show that's going to either get a cult following and sink or sadly, just sink.

I've read Hiaasan and I felt it was kind of out of its time, Bad Monkey feels like it should be set in the 70s (it reminds me of Thomas McGuane's Ninety-Two in the Shade), it has the vibe of one of those shows that you tune in to for comfort rather than thrills or true surprises. Think Quincy done as a slacker P. I. show...though it's not slacker enough for me to truly love (like say, Lodge 49).

I enjoyed it and I'll continue with it. Will I be wowed like I was with Severance, Shogun, Ripley, Fauda or something? No. It's a simple pleasure. I'm a simple man who likes a good drink and a chair looking out at a pleasant view.

I've just finished the third episode, decided to check out the written reviews and found them to either be to focused on Florida or too trapped in a hand out murder mystery American audiences are used to.

This show is pure art, every aspect of the first episode is done to leave you in a cloudy haze of confusion. Episode two adds to the confusion, and builds upon small red herrings used to lure your attention away from any clues. While the third episode puts the audience in a position where they think they've figured it out just to rip the rug out from your feet and leave you gobsmacked.

This is the first real Murder Mystery i've seen made in America but using the European style. They don't care about making you feel smart, they want you to feel stupid, and by doing that they make Yancy the detective and not you the viewer and in doing that they have truly made a worthwhile show.

I do not give out 10s, I do not believe they exist, but I would say this is a high 9, maybe I'll be proven wrong by the end of the season. But if you can stomach it till the end of episode 3, you will believe in magic.

I've never watched a show that can be equally so damn good and equally so bad.

Vince Vaughn is perfectly cast and hits all his notes thru show

Most of the cast follows suit as well.

A few too many storylines and plots and the brakes are slammed on anytime the Dragon Lady nonsense appears. I'm half expecting the narrator to just punk us and say this plot line really has nothing to do with the story other than a time waster. Which it is.

Maybe it would be better if I read the book before, it usually is, but sometimes the show just wanders aimlessly.

Still better than most things on nowadays. Which may not be saying much.

I'm still not over the fact that there's no new season of the Florida show Panhandle with Luke Kirby (yet). I wanted to experience some of that Florida charm with Bad Monkey. Panhandle was from beginning to end what Bad Monkey will never be. Charming, thoughtful, funny. Bad Monkey started out interesting and then ended up going nowhere in a frustrating way. The supporting cast and their actions felt far removed from reality. If you enjoy watching the unrestrained workings of two psychopaths and confused actors around them, all seemingly incompetent and helpless, trying to use magic to freshen things up, which ultimately leads nowhere, this is the show for you. Also for those who like to see the nature of Florida and enjoy watching Vince Vaughn crack jokes like a cannon. For everyone else, it's a rather frustrating waste of time.

Straight up, Bad Monkey is worth a watch. I thought that Vince Vaughn was kind of washed up and didn't have it anymore, but he is on fire with this one. This show has some mystery to it, some action, but the best part is the humor and Vince Vaughn brings it. Unlike others on here that watch part of the first episode and then want to rant and rave like they are experts, I watch something and then let you know how I felt about it, in case you were wondering (ha) If you liked Vince Vaughn in his past stuff from years ago, you will enjoy this show. It has enough mystery to keep you guessing what might be next. I just finished Episode 6 and figured I had enough information to write my review, so none of what I wrote has anything to do with how it ends. Let's just see!

This was really a terrific show. Watched the last Ep of the season tonight, and was sorry to see it end. Hopefully they will come back for more, this project and ensemble is most deserving on continued exposure.

Cast here is all terrific, the writing crisp, and the humor very well done. The laughs come at a time they're particularly needed in our world, a fact which could not go unnoticed. Vaughn is still as sharp, funny, and intelligent as he ever was. Where the heck has he been? He's a gem!

Fingers crossed Apple finds merit in an S02. It would be a shame to see this much fun draw to a close too soon.

Congrats to the cast, crew, and showrunners on a job very well done!