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The Big Door Prize

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Big Door Prize
GenreComedy
Based onThe Big Door Prize
by M.O. Walsh
Developed byDavid West Read
Starring
Composers
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes20
Production
Executive producers
  • David West Read
  • Miky Lee
  • Hyun Park
  • David Ellison
  • Dana Goldberg
  • Bill Bost
Running time29–35 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkApple TV+
ReleaseMarch 29, 2023 (2023-03-29) –
June 12, 2024 (2024-06-12)

The Big Door Prize is an American comedy television series based on the book of the same name by M. O. Walsh that premiered on Apple TV+ on March 29, 2023.[2] In April 2023, it was renewed for a second season[3] which premiered on April 24, 2024.[4] In June 2024, the series was canceled after two seasons.[5]

Premise

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In the quiet, unassuming town of Deerfield, life moves at a gentle pace until a mysterious machine appears in the local general store. This enigmatic device, seemingly arriving out of nowhere, promises to reveal each individual's "Life Potential" with just a simple consultation. As word spreads, curiosity and excitement ripple through the community, drawing townsfolk from all walks of life to test their fate.

The machine's predictions, delivered through cryptic messages or vivid imagery, range from specific career paths to more general pronouncements about happiness and fulfillment. This arrival brings profound changes to Deerfield, sparking both hope and chaos. Some residents find new purpose and direction, inspired to pursue dreams they had long abandoned, while others face unsettling revelations about their futures. Relationships are tested, secrets are unveiled, and the very fabric of the town is altered as people grapple with the machine's pronouncements.

Cast

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Episodes

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SeasonEpisodesOriginally released
First releasedLast released
110March 29, 2023 (2023-03-29)May 17, 2023 (2023-05-17)
210April 24, 2024 (2024-04-24)June 12, 2024 (2024-06-12)

Season 1 (2023)

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No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
11"Dusty"Anu ValiaDavid West ReadMarch 29, 2023 (2023-03-29)
22"Cass"Anu ValiaSarah WalkerMarch 29, 2023 (2023-03-29)
33"Jacob"Molly McGlynnCraig RowinMarch 29, 2023 (2023-03-29)
44"Father Reuben"Molly McGlynnCorinne StikemanApril 5, 2023 (2023-04-05)
55"Trina"Todd BiermannAmanda RosenbergApril 12, 2023 (2023-04-12)
66"Beau"Todd BiermannDian QiApril 19, 2023 (2023-04-19)
77"Giorgio"Jenée LaMarqueCraig RowinApril 26, 2023 (2023-04-26)
88"Izzy"Jenée LaMarqueSarah WalkerMay 3, 2023 (2023-05-03)
99"Deerfest: Part One"Declan LowneyAmanda Rosenberg & Corinne StikemanMay 10, 2023 (2023-05-10)
1010"Deerfest: Part Two"Declan LowneyDavid West ReadMay 17, 2023 (2023-05-17)

Season 2 (2024)

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No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
111"The Next Stage"Steven K. TsuchidaDavid West ReadApril 24, 2024 (2024-04-24)
122"Visions"Steven K. TsuchidaAmanda RosenbergApril 24, 2024 (2024-04-24)
133"Power & Energy"Heather JackCraig RowinApril 24, 2024 (2024-04-24)
144"Storytellers"Heather JackCorinne StikemanMay 1, 2024 (2024-05-01)
155"Night Under the Stars"Jordan CanningSarah WalkerMay 8, 2024 (2024-05-08)
166"Back in the Saddle"Jordan CanningOlive Lorraine & David West ReadMay 15, 2024 (2024-05-15)
177"Rehearsals"Satya BhabhaAmanda Rosenberg & Corinne StikemanMay 22, 2024 (2024-05-22)
188"Our Town"Satya BhabhaCraig RowinMay 29, 2024 (2024-05-29)
199"Un-Selfploration"Declan LowneySarah WalkerJune 5, 2024 (2024-06-05)
2010"Deercoming"Declan LowneyDavid West ReadJune 12, 2024 (2024-06-12)

Production

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It was announced in May 2021 that Apple TV+ had greenlit a ten-episode series based on the book, with David West Read as showrunner.[1] In December, Chris O'Dowd was cast to star,[6] with Gabrielle Dennis, Damon Gupton, Josh Segarra and Sammy Forulas co-starring .[7] In February 2022, Djouliet Amara, Ally Maki and Crystal R. Fox joined the cast.[8] In April 2023, Apple TV+ renewed the series for a second season.[3] On June 28, 2024, Apple TV+ canceled the series after two seasons.[5]

Principal photography for season one took place in December 2021 in Georgia.[9] Scenes for the show were shot in and around the Canton Theatre in Canton, Georgia.[10] Filming for season two began January 23 and wrapped on May 2, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.[11]

Reception

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For the first season, the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported a 92% approval rating with an average rating of 7.2/10, based on 37 critic reviews. The website's critics consensus reads, "Turning a high concept into a grounded good time, The Big Door Prize realizes its full potential thanks to a lovable cast of relatable characters."[12] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned a score of 71 out of 100 based on 15 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[13]

The second season has an 87% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 15 critic reviews, with an average rating of 6.4/10. The website's critics consensus reads, "Cozy as a weighted blanket and full of keen insights into its merry band of restless neighbors, The Big Door Prize is well worth creaking open for a second visit."[14]

Notes

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  1. ^ His whistling is performed by American voice actor Joe Zieja.

References

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  1. ^ a b Nellie Andreeva, Denise Petski (May 28, 2021). "Apple Orders 'The Big Door Prize' Comedy Series From 'Schitt's Creek' EP David West Read & Skydance". Deadline Hollywood. PMC. Archived from the original on July 17, 2022. Retrieved July 12, 2022.
  2. ^ "Apple TV+ Sets Premiere Date for New Comedy "The Big Door Prize" from Emmy Award-Winning Creator David West Read" (Press release). Apple. February 16, 2023. Archived from the original on March 25, 2023. Retrieved February 16, 2023 – via The Futon Critic.
  3. ^ a b White, Peter (April 5, 2023). "'The Big Door Prize' Renewed For Season 2 At Apple". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on April 6, 2023. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
  4. ^ Petski, Denise (February 5, 2024). "Apple TV+ Sets Spring & Summer Release Dates For Series Including 'Acapulco', 'The Big Door Prize', 'Loot' & More". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on February 5, 2024. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  5. ^ a b Swift, Andy (June 28, 2024). "The Big Door Prize Not Returning for Season 3 at Apple TV+". TVLine. Archived from the original on June 28, 2024. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
  6. ^ Otterson, Joe (December 7, 2021). "Chris O'Dowd to Star in Apple Comedy Series Big Door Prize From Schitt's Creek Alum David West Read". Variety. Archived from the original on February 5, 2022. Retrieved February 5, 2022.
  7. ^ Andreeva, Nellie; Petski, Denise (December 16, 2021). "The Big Door Prize: Gabrielle Dennis, Damon Gupton, Josh Segarra & Sammy Fourlas Join Apple TV+ Series". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on February 5, 2022. Retrieved February 5, 2022.
  8. ^ Petski, Denise (February 7, 2022). "The Big Door Prize: Djouliet Amara, Ally Maki & Crystal Fox Round Out Series Regular Cast For Apple TV+ Comedy". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on February 7, 2022. Retrieved February 7, 2022.
  9. ^ Ho, Rodney (January 15, 2022). "What's filming in Georgia in January 2022?". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on July 17, 2022. Retrieved February 5, 2022.
  10. ^ "The Big Door Prize". Explore Canton, GA. Archived from the original on December 3, 2023. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  11. ^ "The Big Door Prize (Season 2)". Film & Television Industry Alliance. January 9, 2023. Archived from the original on January 23, 2023. Retrieved January 23, 2023.
  12. ^ "The Big Door Prize: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
  13. ^ "The Big Door Prize: Season 1". Metacritic. Retrieved March 30, 2023.
  14. ^ "The Big Door Prize: Season 2". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
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