Sylvia and Will are longtime college friends who’ve reconnected in their 40s. They share a close, purely platonic bond—no romantic sparks—though Sylvia can’t resist interfering in Will’s love life.
We’re so used to seeing explosive onscreen chemistry between men and women that when we see two opposite-sex friends getting along, we instinctively wait for romantic fireworks. But Platonic (returning for season 2 on Apple TV+) defies that expectation. Married Sylvia and engaged Will don’t pine for each other, yet they share a deep, sometimes irritating understanding—a refreshing take on the age-old question of whether straight men and women can truly be friends. While When Harry Met Sally famously said no, Platonic offers a different (and arguably more accurate) answer—but why does this question still fascinate us?
The show explores familiar modern dilemmas, like Sylvia’s dismay that Will’s male friendships are raunchier than theirs, or Will’s struggle when his fiancée and best friend clash. Can their friendship survive if his partner dislikes her? These tensions feel particularly sharp because of the gendered dynamics at play.
Don’t let the title fool you—this is no dry philosophical debate but a sharp comedy, often hilarious. Seth Rogen, known for his stoner-bro roles, shines here with his signature goofy charm (picture a Muppet crossed with a straight man). His butchering of “Veuve Clicquot” as “Voove” is classic Rogen—especially when he’s frantically replacing champagne at his engagement party after a friend accidentally serves LSD-laced glasses. (“So this is a champagne problem?” deadpans the store clerk.)
Rose Byrne matches him perfectly, balancing her elegant presence with razor-sharp wit. She excels at awkward moments, like when Will confesses a crush on a sandwich shop employee, forcing Sylvia into reluctant wingwoman duty. “Just remember,” she advises, “she has a terrible Deadpool tattoo.”
The show thrives on low-stakes but keenly observed humor, with standout cameos like Beck Bennett as their wildcard friend. Even Sylvia’s Jeopardy!-obsessed husband and snarky kids add warmth, alongside Carla Gallo as her blunt mom-friend Katie.
At its core, Platonic is a love story—just not the kind we’re used to. It expands our understanding of relationships, proving friendship can be just as rich and complex as romance. While the show stumbles slightly with a more conventional romantic subplot, its real strength lies in the beautifully messy details of platonic intimacy. If only it had fully leaned into that, it might have been flawless. Still, it’s a welcome reminder that friendship deserves the spotlight too.However, it’s something we could watch endlessly, with its sharp dialogue, relatable struggles, and ridiculous situations. It also serves as a good reminder that chemistry isn’t always explosive—more often, it’s about bubbling along happily.
