On paper, Amazon Prime Video’s new series, Good Sports, looks like an undeniable slam dunk. It unites two of the most recognizable comedic voices of the last few years—Kevin Hart and Kenan Thompson—and sits them behind a desk to riff on the chaotic world of sports clips.
It’s a simple premise that should be comedy gold, given the pedigree of the talent involved. According to Hart in the third episode which dropped Dec. 9, the show is currently the top-streamed show on the platform.
The show leans heavily on the duo’s shared history with the institution of Saturday Night Live. Thompson, widely known as the longest-tenured cast member in SNL history, brings his reliable sketch-comedy chops. Hart, meanwhile, offers the perspective of the superstar outsider. Famously, Hart auditioned for SNL years before achieving movie stardom and was rejected, a fact he often jokes about. He eventually got the last laugh, returning to host the show multiple times, his first stint coming on March 2, 2013.
Good Sports follows a well-trodden clip-show format. Hart and Thompson watch everything from mascot fails to athletic miracles, offering commentary meant to be hilarious. To break up the clip segments, the show features interviews with top-tier athletes, including tennis legend Serena Williams. Furthermore, in an attempt to capture some 30 Rock magic, former SNL cast member Bobby Moynihan appears in recurring segments featuring bizarre, fake commercials.
Given the ingredients, the final product is surprisingly mediocre. One expects crackling energy when Hart and Thompson are in a room together, but Good Sports feels strangely low-stakes and sedate. The chemistry that should be effortless instead feels strained.
The primary issue lies in the execution of the commentary. Instead of sharp, quick jabs, the riffs are frequently drawn-out and awkward. The hosts often seem to be reaching for a punchline that isn’t there, stretching thin material past its breaking point. The laughter feels forced.
Unfortunately, this series seems destined to be another footnote in Thompson’s struggle to find a successful vehicle outside of late-night TV. While he’s set records for chasing checks from SNL, his efforts at leading primetime shows, such as his recent short-lived NBC sitcom Kenan, haven’t connected with wider audiences.
Good Sports should be a victory lap for these two comedians. Instead, so far it’s a reminder that throwing big names at funny videos doesn’t automatically equal a hit show. Viewers hoping for belly laughs will likely be disappointed.
