User reviews

The characters in Red Oaks are incredibly endearing. The storyline is so comforting and simple and well done. disappointed it ended so soon!

I think what most people don't really get from this show is that fact regarding the thought process of the 80's kid. They wanted more than the war generation. They not only wanted dreams but wanted to go after them while their parents just sighed.

David represents the common problem kids had back then, big dreams with no wisdom or support from the disillusioned parent. The parent in effect wishes to pass on the disillusionment and almost demands that their child accept it as their dreams are simply foolish in their undertaking.

Having a dream is one thing, having an understanding of how to get there is another. David simply had no understanding of how the world worked because his parents had no idea. This is why the writers were using his boss for those moments of wisdom. Ultimately it was those scenes is what the show was really about. Understanding how you get to where you want to go, and not just be some sap like all these characters represented, destined for disillusionment.

Great acting, characters were played out well enough to understand and feel for them, but it did lack a sense of progression. Even if you have characters who suffer a static life, the story needs progression, and I think the writers ran out of gas.

David is Ferris Bueller with a job. He definitely defies society at the same time embracing it. His awareness of himself was his weakness, allowing himself and people to walk all over him.

Would have loved to see more.

Set in a country club in the 80's, Red Oaks is a story of the staff and members alike as they work their way through a summer of transition.

It's a feel-good show with likable characters and consistently engaging plot-lines that drag you in until your emotions are undoubtedly invested.

Notable mentions go to Oliver Cooper, who plays drug-dealing valet and lovable rogue 'Wheeler', and 'Nash', a tennis-pro and ace with the ladies, hilariously played by Ennis Esmer.

The cast was flawless with many names worthy of praise, however the stand-out is unquestionably Craig Roberts. Known widely for Richard Ayoade's Submarine, Roberts provides us with a neutral perspective of the chaos unfolding around him.

Ultimately, this is a show that Amazon can be thoroughly proud of, with overwhelmingly positive reviews and an equal number of cliff- hangers in the final episode of the season that I'm sure will leave many fans eagerly awaiting a season 2.

Strong first season and a definite must-watch. 8/10.

P.s - Craig Roberts bears an almost uncanny resemblance to Rob Schneider at times...or maybe it's just me.

I decided to give this show a try and I was immediately hooked! I binge watched the first 2 seasons. Sad to hear that season 3 will be the last. Wish there were more shows this well done on TV. Every character on the show keeps your attention in every scene.Give this show a chance. You will love it!

Recently discussed this show in a bar with a friend I'd recommended it too, who said he and his wife really enjoyed it and that watching it felt like receiving a warm friendly hug off the TV. With some alcohol in my system I felt I knew what he was driving at.

It's a shame Amazon doesn't appear to promote it as much as it could. It probably struggles to define what to sell it on. The first episode leads you to think rehash of Caddyshack but its not that or a gross-out comedy. Then you might think its a laugh at the 'crazy 80s' show like the Goldbergs, its not that either. My own view is its a very well-observed, well-acted, humorous (occasionally lol) coming of age tale that happens to be set in the 1980s, but I guess difficult to fit all that on promotional material.

The writing is excellent at balancing comedy, character development and the occasional emotional, heart-felt moments. The cherry on top is the soundtrack and rediscovering forgotten gems of 80s music - Talk Talk anyone? OK if you're cynical you might say the characters are cliché and could be distilled down to; the every-man, the stoner genius, the spoilt girl, nice but dim girl, the eccentric foreigner, the hard-nosed business man etc etc. But clichés persist as they tend to exist and when then they're this well portrayed all can be forgiven.

Anyway, I think demographics can help decide whether you'll agree with me or not 1) if you're late 30s or older i.e. you can recall a childhood without mobile phones 2)you're the kinda person who once in a blue moon reflects on your early relationships, your university or first job choices - did you really make the right choices? and 3) you just like well-written comedy and enjoy spending some time getting to know and give a damn about likable characters then give this show a go.

Like any good hug, you'll want it to go on, so all fingers crossed for a 3rd series.

I had cancelled Netflix and took on Prime because I got tired of Netflix cancelling everything I watch. Found this gem and binged it within a week and sad I did. I feel so empty now that the show ended even though I came late to the party. I loved every main character and their story progression. Even though I wish it had one more season or even two I'm glad it ended on a high note. Reminded me of the show Love but set in the 80s. The first episode might not reel you in but it gets better every episode that passes.

Every moment of this excellent series makes me grin from ear to ear. All the characters are perfect and the writing is an awesome mixture of sweetness and hilarity. I discovered this purely by chance in the IMDb recommendations and I'm so glad I did. I can't help that feel that Red Oaks deserves more recognition and praise then it has already received. For me this is up there as one of the greats in the sitcom genre. If your on here looking for a new series to get into than I couldn't recommend Red Oaks enough!

1st season - 10/10 Really cool. Loved everything about this season.

2nd season - 6/10 Randomly starts giving screen time to the parents. Why? You'll figure it out, PC police. Ends up feeling extremely forced.

3rd season - 5/10 sprinkle a little bit more boring on the 2nd season with a dash more PC and you have season 3.

The end.

The pilot was good but not great. It was a light-hearted reminder of the 80s coming of age movie comedies that I grew up with. I wasn't really compelled to watch the next episode but ultimately I did anyways just out of curiosity. As the episodes rolled by I enjoyed them more and more. Yes some of the characters are formulaic but the entire show works. I started actually caring what happens to them in future years. After finishing the 10th episode I actually am anxiously awaiting next season. There are quite a few ways the show could go and I can't wait to find out. Yes I have seen better shows but for this genre I think it was well above average and certainly worth watching.

Great show, especially if you were in your teens and early 20's inTe 70's and early 80's. Spot on with the mood, the culture and the setting as well. A nice walk back in time. Raegardless of which side of the court your from its very good... and the characters are as well.. from the dreamy rich artsy girl to the beautiful girl to your nerdy friends.. it just hits home. Everybody is represented... as shallow as we, I mean they all were, it's fun.

Since a lot of good shows get canceled all the time without any valid reason I decided to only watch series when they're completely finished so that I wouldn't waste my time anymore with stories that get didn't get a proper ending. So I binge watched the three seasons of Red Oaks. It took me lesser than a week, that says enough about the quality I would say. It's not the greatest show though, but it surely was entertaining enough to keep my attention. It's all very lighthearted, with some good acting, with likeable and non so likeable characters but they all add to the story. It's not constantly funny, it wouldn't survive the annoying mandatory laughing tape we normally get with comedies, but every episodes has some good moments. Red Oaks is perfect to kill some time, easy to follow and never annoying.

Really enjoyed seasons one and two, but did not care at all for the s#*tshow that was season three.

The pilot was a rarity in that I actually cared about the characters and their storylines by the time it ended. And each episode keeps getting better. The pilot comes off a bit raunch-commy with boobs and f-bombs galore, but it simmers down after that, and the bit of mature content that remains serves the storylines. And I find myself, at odd times, getting choked up. The humor and silliness slows down and there are these wonderful moments of empathy and vulnerability-something most half-hour comedies can't pull off.

I started this with no expectations, actually all other Amazon Prime Video series did not get into me that much... OK, we are in the '80, so if you are born exactly in 1980 like me you are going to have a lot of revival moments, this is not sweating '80 like some other piece of TV streaming show (cough... stranger, cough... things, cough...), but there is a lot of quotes and reference everywhere. Then the whole plot is pivoting around niceness, and this is heart- warming, too many series are around just bad and evil characters, here you will find comfort after a hard work day. But the most important thing is: Time Travel. When I watch this show, time goes faster than ever! It is unbelievable how an episode slides smoothly to the end, while you think you are actually in the middle of it. This is actually the most sophisticated magic entertainment can do, and it must mean something if this happens.

This pilot sets up the characters at ROCC for multiple plot twists around hook-ups, rivalries and achievements as David hits a crucial period of his life. Left with the classic parental pressure to get a 'good job' and 'succeed' the opening scene with his father illustrates nicely the conflict with the realistic view of life that Nash shows him. He is the hilarious, paunchy quasi tennis-pro running the program while fending off hot Jersey 'cougars,' the golf pro and fellow staff.

As David's mom, the hardly recognizable Jennifer Grey character has the potential to be absolutely hilarious! Also, Wheeler the valet is reason enough to watch and vote for this series on Amazon to keep going. As the stoner with a brain, set amongst the 'doofus' parking lot crowd, he will surely be front and center in this comedy going forward.

Not all pilots are tight, and some classic comedies started out with downright horrible ones (i.e. Seinfeld), but this one sets the stage for innumerable plot twists to support this season and beyond!

Check it out and vote for it to continue on Amazon Originals!

I knew this would happen, I find a show I really like and BAM!!!!! They end it!!!! Why? They could have done a few more seasons of it. I loved all the characters in it. I am so disappointed and heart broken. I think I am swearing off shows and just stick to movies!!!

I really enjoyed the first season, a funny and easy 80's show. Second and third season slightly change, anyway, overall a good show, I enjoyed it.

What a great show! 80's nostalgia show that hits the perfect spot. Please consider bringing this show back for another season. I know it's done, but damn, it's a good show.

It's definitely a show to watch in the mean time while you're waiting for new episodes of your other favorite shows. It's not very funny, I like the characters but it seems that they didn't really know what type of show they were trying to be. The acting is just fine and the dialogue is ok but it's mainly the story. I didn't have too high of hopes for this show but I did expect it to be a bit better but again it's not the worst show out there.

This show quickly became one of my favorite shows - maybe even number one. It has such a good feeling throughout. It's sad that it had such a short run, but it was a perfect one.

Definitely recommend watching it!

As an angry gen x'r that was THERE in the 80s, I won't waste your time with prose, so here goes:

1) There were no fat sidekicks in the 1980s. That formulaic curly haired fro wearing Jonah Hill type genius did not exist - a fat sidekick would be more John Candy. That is a millennial invention. A more believable Wheeler would be skinny, small, and with giant glasses and wear suits - and probably wouldn't bath. I recall there was this guy named Bill Gates...

2) It's obvious the budget went to High Castle, as the producers didn't really try to make the sets look or feel genuine 80s. Kudos to wardrobe, but come on guys. Everything, including door fixtures to lights weren't legit. Geez, at least paint the walls the right color. So many times I watched this, thinking it was taking place modern day, and the actors were just driving crappy old cars and wearing thrift store clothes. I kept forgetting it was in the 80s... maybe that was the point?

3) No video arcades? That's were you bought/traded your drugs. These teenage club working guys were so cool, idealistic, and confident, they didn't need to bother with the hottest technology of the time! Like I said, the 80s was applied to Red Oaks like cheap washable veneer.

4) Painfully obvious the worn out stories were meant to appeal to Millennials and their cry baby problems. Folks were hustling in the 80s and not being whiny about their dreams. It was eat, or be eaten. Russians and Nuclear war were around the corner. Status was king. No school = No future. You believed if you worked hard at anything, you would get there. That theme was touched upon - sort of. Regardless, I hope all the Boomers enjoyed watching this with their (still living at home) kids and felt some sort of connection.

5) Thank goodness the actors saved the day! I was surprised many of them did not phone it in, but instead gave it their best to make it work. Watch Red Oaks for the performances, and don't expect to find yourself immersed in the 80s. Go rent Dirty Dancing, Flashdance, or Footloose for the real experience.

Yeahh, that's right I gave it only a 6. Now you know why it ended at season 3.