In a streaming landscape flooded with new series that debut and disappear like shooting stars, one program has defied the odds by clinging to a flawless reputation—and we're only midway through its maiden season. It's a feat that's got critics raving and viewers hooked, but here's where it gets intriguing: can it really stay perfect forever? Let's dive into why The Chair Company on HBO is turning heads and sparking endless debates.
New shows pop up on platforms like HBO Max almost daily, and as they roll out episode after episode, their critical reception often ebbs and flows. Yet, amidst this sea of content, there's a standout that boasts an unmatched blend of buzz and acclaim, maintaining its spotless Rotten Tomatoes rating even as it progresses through half of its first season. For those new to this, Rotten Tomatoes is a popular website that aggregates professional critic reviews, giving shows a percentage score based on positive feedback—100% means every single critic loved it, which is rarer than you might think.
The show in question is The Chair Company (available at https://play.hbomax.com/show/eada90f0-b5b6-4fc4-aeeb-a350a9ceb46c), a surrealist comedy crafted by Tim Robinson, premiering with a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes (check it out at https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/thechaircompany/s01). With 40 reviews under its belt and halfway through season 1, it looks poised for a second run if Robinson decides to go that route. HBO clearly has a affection for eccentric comedians and their ambitious, offbeat concepts—think Nathan Fielder's style—and The Chair Company elevates that to a whole new stratosphere. But this is the part most people miss: it's not just a critical darling; it's actually drawing massive audiences too.
Far from being a niche gem ignored by the masses, The Chair Company ranks as the second most-streamed series on HBO Max at the moment, trailing only IT: Welcome to Derry, which HBO has hailed as their third-largest launch ever, behind heavyweights like House of the Dragon and The Last of Us. This popularity is a strong indicator for Robinson's vision, suggesting fans are as captivated as the experts. And this is where the controversy bubbles up: in an industry where viral hits often fade, is this show's success a genuine phenomenon, or just a fleeting trend riding the wave of surreal humor?
As best as I can ascertain, no other high-profile series currently airing matches The Chair Company's pristine 100% mark. Sure, Dark Winds' third season on Netflix also hits that perfect score, but it lags in the top 10 rankings with fewer reviews than The Chair Company—still, it's worth watching for its gripping mystery. Nothing else comes close in prominence. Among the runners-up, Netflix's Boots earns a solid 90%, while the latest instalment of Slow Horses clocks in at 92% (which feels surprisingly modest for such a beloved spy thriller). HBO's recently concluded Task managed a 96%. All in all, HBO Max seems to be on a hot streak lately.
I wholeheartedly encourage you to check out The Chair Company, but beware—spoilers are incoming, tailored for those who've already tuned in.
This week's episodes introduced a pivotal shift that has us questioning whether the entire premise is mere "magical thinking" inside Ron's mind, much like his past fixation on Jeep Tours, that bizarre entrepreneurial flop. Now, he's spinning theories about Tecca concealing narcotics within the furniture's hidden compartments during importation. Your thoughts might race to the possibility that his investigative ally—the very person who assaulted him initially—could be a figment of his imagination. But here's where it gets controversial: I doubt the narrative is veering into full-on hallucination territory. The story's intricate layers suggest there's far too much substance for it to all be fabricated. Granted, the drug-smuggling hypothesis might not hold water (it seems a tad too neat), yet it's evident something shady is unfolding at the company. Of course, Ron himself is undeniably entangled in some personal turmoil.
What do you think—will The Chair Company shatter its perfect score as the season unfolds, or is this just the beginning of its cult status? Is the plot twist a genius subversion, or does it risk alienating fans by blurring reality and delusion? Share your takes in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have your own theories about where this surreal ride is headed. Do you believe Ron's world is crumbling, or is there a deeper conspiracy at play? Let's discuss!
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