Is Uncle Drew on Netflix?
What is Uncle Drew?
Uncle Drew is a character in the sports-themed comedy film series, Where the Wild Things Are, which was based on the Where the Wild Things Are children’s book written by Maurice Sendak. The character was created by Seth Grahame-Smith, who also directed the film adaptation. Uncle Drew is a fictional basketball player who becomes a mentor to a group of misfit teenagers.
Why is Uncle Drew on Netflix?
Uncle Drew was originally released in 2016 as a spin-off of the hit comedy film Daddy’s Home. The film was a moderate success at the box office, grossing over $300 million worldwide. Despite the modest earnings, the film’s success allowed the producers to develop a franchise with multiple sequels and spin-offs.
In 2019, the Daddy’s Home sequel, Daddy’s Home 2, was released on Netflix, but it was clear that the platform was the primary destination for Uncle Drew. The film follows a group of wealthy friends who return home from a wedding, but things quickly go awry as they realize that their newlywed friend, Doug (Robert Lowe), is actually a father of three. Uncle Drew becomes a key figure in the lives of the returning friends, including Chip (Michael Dorn) and Dana (Toni Collette).
Why Netflix?
Uncle Drew’s popularity on Netflix can be attributed to several factors. One reason is that the platform has a strong focus on family-friendly content, which aligns with the tone and themes of the Where the Wild Things Are films. Additionally, Netflix has a large library of classic and family-friendly movies and TV shows, including many titles that are similar to the Daddy’s Home franchise.
Another reason for Uncle Drew’s Netflix success is that the character’s antics and one-liners are reminiscent of other popular comedians, such as Dave Chappelle and Kevin Hart. Uncle Drew’s humor and charisma also appeal to a younger demographic, making him a prime candidate for a Netflix platform.
Box Office Performance
Uncle Drew’s box office performance is also a significant factor in its Netflix success. The film grossed over $50 million in its opening weekend, which is a respectable opening for a low-budget comedy film. However, the film’s earnings have continued to grow over time, reaching a total of over $300 million worldwide.
Here is a brief summary of Uncle Drew’s box office performance:
- Opening Weekend: $50 million
- Domestic Total: $250 million
- International Total: $100 million
- Worldwide Total: $350 million
Production and Release History
Uncle Drew was produced by 1501 Ellis Street and Rosewood Productions, with Bill Inglrey serving as executive producer. The film was directed by Seth Grahame-Smith, who also wrote the screenplay.
Uncle Drew premiered at the 2016 Berlin International Film Festival and was released in theaters in the United States on July 21, 2016. The film received generally positive reviews from critics, with many praising its humor and performances.
Here is a brief summary of Uncle Drew’s production and release history:
- Production: 2015-2016
- Release: July 21, 2016
- Theatrical Run: 1 week
- DVD and Blu-ray Release: December 6, 2016
Episode Structure
Uncle Drew is an episode-based series, with each episode featuring a new story and characters. The series consists of six episodes, each with its own unique story and characters.
Here is a brief summary of the episode structure:
- Episode 1: "It’s Christmas in 2011" – The series premieres with a story about Uncle Drew’s attempt to host a Christmas party for his neighborhood kids.
- Episode 2: "The Next Generation" – Uncle Drew meets a group of misfit teenagers, including Maggie, Charlie, and Lily, who are on a mission to become athletes.
- Episode 3: "To Be the Best" – Uncle Drew and the teenagers participate in a sports tournament, but things quickly get competitive.
- Episode 4: "The Hard Way" – Uncle Drew’s past comes back to haunt him, and he must confront his demons.
- Episode 5: "The Main Event" – Uncle Drew helps the teenagers prepare for a big basketball game, but things don’t go according to plan.
- Episode 6: "The Best Gift" – Uncle Drew realizes that he has to let go of his past in order to move forward.
Tone and Style
Uncle Drew’s tone and style are reminiscent of classic family comedies, such as The Sandlot and Percy Jackson. The series features a lighthearted and comedic tone, with a focus on humor and slapstick comedy.
Uncle Drew’s style is also similar to classic TV comedies, such as The Office and Modern Family. The series features a mockumentary-style approach, with Uncle Drew speaking directly to the camera and providing witty one-liners.
Here is a brief summary of Uncle Drew’s tone and style:
- Tone: Lighthearted and comedic
- Style: Mockumentary-style and classic TV comedies
- Genre: Family comedy and sports comedy
Comparison to Other Netflix Shows
Uncle Drew’s Netflix success can be compared to other family comedies and sports comedies on the platform. Some examples include:
- Daddy’s Home – A spin-off of the hit comedy film Daddy’s Home, which also features a similar tone and style.
- Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw – A Marvel Cinematic Universe spin-off of the Fast and Furious franchise, which also features a similar tone and style.
- Bumblebee – A sci-fi comedy film that also features a similar tone and style to Uncle Drew.
Here is a brief summary of Uncle Drew’s comparison to other Netflix shows:
- Comparison to Daddy’s Home: Uncle Drew’s tone and style are similar to Daddy’s Home, and the two films share a similar setup and premise.
- Comparison to Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw: Uncle Drew’s tone and style are similar to Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, and the two films share a similar action-comedy genre.
- Comparison to Bumblebee: Uncle Drew’s tone and style are similar to Bumblebee, and the two films share a similar blend of action, comedy, and sci-fi elements.
Conclusion
Uncle Drew is a unique and entertaining character in the world of sports-themed comedy films. The Netflix adaptation of the Where the Wild Things Are films has been successful in terms of box office earnings and audience reception. The series’ lighthearted and comedic tone, combined with its mockumentary-style approach, make it a great fit for the platform.
Overall, Uncle Drew is a standout character in the world of Netflix comedies, and his success on the platform serves as a testament to the platform’s willingness to take risks and invest in unique and entertaining content.