Jann (2019– ) User Reviews

Better Than I Expected

[jonesdeannorman · 8/10 · 5 October 2021]

I didn't want to like it.

But, I did.

Jann Arden is funny.

She's really funny.

The show is quirky.

The characters remind me of Letter Kenny and Corner Gas.

That's it.

I am a fan.

First season was a joy and that's what's getting the 8 stars

[nancycreed-20647 · 8/10 · 29 September 2020]

I thoroughly enjoyed season one and was really looking forward to season two. We're only two episodes in and I'm afraid to say that the subtle, sneak-up-on-you style of humour of the first season is gone. It feels like the writers have gotten overly confident and are now going for the obvious and an in-your-face style which for me falls well short of season one's standard. I found myself warmly chuckling through each episode of season one. Season two so far is a bore. Wish it were not so. I had grown quite fond of all the characters.

Getting to know you...

[jimmy-faulkner · 8/10 · 1 March 2021]

Look. I read the comments. Didn't know what I'd think. I binged the whole thing in a day. I'd never even heard of her before. I thinks it's cute and funny. The haters (ones who obviously haven't got there yet) gonna hate. I found a funny, well developed storyline and characters. It's good fun TV. And props to her for making Calgary somewhere I'd like to visit.

Great Canadian Comedy

[rangerich · 8/10 · 24 March 2019]

Like many Canadian TV shows that have become iconic greats before, this show has potential to be another classic. Great cast with smart, funny writing and a good story line. It's a joy to see relatable stories and scenery from our Homeland. Looking forward to multiple seasons.

It's growing on me

[Top_Dawg_Critic · 8/10 · 22 October 2021]

It started off playing in the background in my home office, and I enjoyed the humor, cameos and stories. This season has become just hilarious so far, and I have to say, Jann is a natural born entertainer... she shines in this series. Her acting is spot on, and I'll admit, she does a pretty good job playing the role of Jann Arden ;p It's a sitcom we didn't know we needed, and better than most of the garbage these huge American networks are giving us. It's a well deserved 8/10 from me.

Jann, where have you been all my life?!

[aimwilliamsis · 10/10 · 2 April 2019]

Jann Arden is so likable - it's about time she had her own show! She is a natural, and I love the integration of her classic hits. It's the most amazing walk down memory lane! The writing is bang on. Quick witted and clever - this is what Canadian television needs. Yes Jann, YES!

It's surprisingly ok

[RandomTard · 6/10 · 1 October 2020]

Now I have no idea who this Jann person is, I just started watching a random comedy series and I got just that. This isn't a great show but it's goodish, much better than most new shows.

Don't miss it! Amazing!

[bwingram-405-769241 · 10/10 · 30 May 2019]

This show is the embodiment of humour and heart.

Jann is a charming over-the-top version of herself that captures all of her own frankness and self-effacing humour while poking fun at the absurdities of fame and those who chase it.

Those of you you who thought it was "a little much" have missed the point.

More miss than hit

[gdump · 6/10 · 10 May 2019]

The first (only?) season is over and I found that I watched about half of the episodes all the way through. Every sitcom seems to think that they need to have one completely over the top character and it is often possible to ignore this character and still enjoy the show. This time that character is Jann, and you can't ignore the main character. Some were entertaining and some were just too far-fetched/stupid to tolerate. I give the misses a 2 and the hits a 6 for an overall average of 4. If it gets another season, I'll watch it again to see if they've hired better writers.

2020-11-02: The first few episodes of season 2 have been a huge improvement over season 1. Rating raised from 4 to 6.

I'm a long time Fann, but this ??

[wellname · 1/10 · 22 April 2019]

Look, I've supported Jann for the last 20 odd years. I've always loved her music, live shows and her journals.

The reviews for this show have me baffled As Jann has been so open and honest in real life, it isn't possible for me to enjoy a series where she plays a loose version of herself. We know her too well.

Jann Arden is funny. Go to a show, watch her on an interview or something like Rick Mercer report. Where there is no solid script, she's quick witted, clever and hilarious. Hand her a script and I'm sorry, the comedic timing and funny is gone.

The acting is pretty bad all around. I feel 0 connection with any of the characters. The wobble and quick zoom in and out technique they're using is also nauseating. All I notice is the unsteady sway of the shot and then a zoom...

The sad thing is we come to expect this from Canadian TV. I don't know who is writing these reviews and what they're watching.. I love you Jann, you deserve all you have. This show is a waste of your talent and I wish someone close to you would be honest with you.

Jann would be so much better in a comedy skit show or a variety show. This show is not working.

Hilarious

[arlenedrummond · 10/10 · 24 March 2019]

Love this show! Jann brings her sharp wit and brilliant humour to this uniquely Canadian show. Amazing cast and I can't wait to see more of this must-see-TV. Soon to be a hit everywhere!

Stepping away?

[moov_e_c_er · 6/10 · 29 October 2020]

First season seemed tighter and better lined up stories. Second season was jumping off the rails and random. First season was funny and more laugh out loud. Second season seemed to be trying too hard.

Puzzled by many reviews here. I love the Jann we've gotten to know through her songs, blog and guest appearances, but this show isn't that Jann.

[lindamurphy-20454 · 4/10 · 1 June 2019]

I just didn't enjoy the first few episodes. Numbers 5 and 6 were marginally better as we saw some of the sensitivity we know from this warm and wonderful woman.

Love it

[jodicaplan · 10/10 · 23 March 2019]

Love Jann Arden the musician ( real life)and Jann the character ( on tv). Love that it shows Calgary Alberta. Love hearing Jann sing. Also, very funny.

Love it

Hilarious!

[espadafora · 10/10 · 2 April 2019]

Jann is awesome and hilarious!! 6 episodes isn't enough!

Lovin It

[blackhcb · 10/10 · 19 April 2019]

I have always loved your music and how hilarious you were at your shows. I don't do it justice but I have tried to retell the "alarm/bathroom /popcorn" story. I kept telling my boyfriend you should have your own show and then the commercials started. This is the one show we can both enjoy watching. He said it's the best thing on tv right now; and he doesn't like much. So from one Albertan to another keep being wonderful self.

Great first season, but then....

[HazyWave · 7/10 · 20 November 2022]

I was pleasantly surprised by the first season. I'm only vaguely familiar with Jann Arden's music but decided to give this a shot. The pilot was a bit iffy, but it quickly got better and grew on me. Loved Jann and especially the supporting cast. Whole thing was a lot of fun.

But as others have noted, the second season takes a radically different approach with Jann's character, and ramps up all the worst parts to 11. It's especially noticeable and jarring if you're binge-watching. At the end of season one she's a normal person with good and bad attributes, and at the beginning of the second season she's an obnoxious, self-absorbed jacka$$ who never exhibits any of the charm or warmth she originally had. I'm not sure what happened in the writer's room or why anyone felt this was funny or engaging, but it's neither. Hopefully season three rectifies this since the first season was so enjoyable. But it's not yet on Hulu and the title is expiring soon so not sure I'll ever find out.

Jann Arden Show

[laurieisabel · 10/10 · 11 April 2019]

I find this show so funny. It makes me laugh. Jann is a very witty ,funny lady. Love her and her show. Hope it continues.

Good start, bad end

[nancyldraper · 5/10 · 16 October 2020]

I like Jann Arden. I've never met her. I know little about her music even though she is an awarded and cherished Canadian 🇨🇦 artist, but she allows herself to be victimized by Rick Mercer's sense of humour, as a close friend, and I find that endearing. She also seems to be a pretty feet-on-the-ground, roll with the punches, everyday person, and that's relatable. So, I watched her first season. The humour was a little slapstick, but overall, I thought the show was good. Now, in the midst of a pandemic, desperate for new TV shows, I was glad when the second season was announced, until I watched it. The writers took her self-depreciating character and made her hateful, callus, self absorbed and despicable. I finally abandoned the series after the first few episodes, regretfully. (I am a big fan of Zoie Palmer). I give the first season a 7 (good) and the second season a 4 (disappointing) out of 10. {Broad Comedy}

Stand-out, Knock-down success

[foulke99 · 9/10 · 14 April 2019]

A long-time fan of Jann's from south of the border, I was pleased to see this show "on offer" the other day, so I went ahead and took the bait.

One of my very better choices. The writing is first-class, the performances top-drawer, and this show deserves to be long-run success. The worst thing about it is that there are only 2 eps. left to go on this first series. (6 eps.: way, way too few!!) That is, that's the worst thing unless the unthinkable (literally unthinkable) were to happen and it is not renewed. This is one damn funny show -- perhaps especially if you happen to be a little further on in life to appreciate more viscerally some of the writing, etc. ( I'm 65 (67?) myself, and while I haven't done "fame" (or the backside of fame), I've garnered enough experiences to appreciate some of the major arcs -- and their treatment - in this show. )

9 stars from me - and I'm no pushover. Long may she live!

Poor acting and even worse writing

[dsznow · 1/10 · 29 March 2019]

There are absolutely no well-defined characters in this show. The storylines are as lame and boring as the characters. "Lame and boring" is a Canadian stereotype that Canada needs to get away from and this show doesn't help. The whole show is just Jann Arden flashing oblivious looks at all the other characters.

Please cancel this. Don't be fooled by the family and friends of the people involved with this show, giving it positive reviews. It's an embarrassment to Canada's already embarrassing entertainment industry.

Jann Arden has never pursued comedy in her life. There are many more deserving people who are pursuing comedy in Canada (both performers and writers) who aren't millionaires like Arden, but CTV chooses to give their only original sitcom to her.

Only saw one episode, but...

[scootershooter · 9/10 · 19 April 2019]

I laughed quite a bit and felt emotional too. The first episode of this series I watched was episode five, "You've Been Soft Served."

Jann is hilarious. Her demeanour and self-deprecating humour is fantastic and appropriate.

This episode, which I stumbled across after leaving an episode of Bob's Burgers run too long, opened my eyes. Jann's performance is superb. I want to watch more.

Love love love

[brigitechampagne · 10/10 · 16 April 2019]

So proud that it's Canandian! Funny, clever, witty, I just love it. Long life to this show! Brigite

Keep the episodes coming!

[apcooper-20-404247 · 10/10 · 20 April 2019]

Perfect mix of humour and emotion! Loving this show

Great!

[ClaraBiento · 9/10 · 9 December 2020]

When I started watching this, I figured I knew what I was getting myself into. Happily it surprised me!! Its a very Canadian show. The writing exceded my expectations and there are lots of quick and witty remarks throughout the episodes. It's not that often you get to see some of your favorite Canadian singers play their evil alter ego's (or maybe it is just them?) on the screen. I actually recommend this for anyone who likes some nostalgia and Canadian comedy!