Looking for a twisty dark comedy to sink your teeth into this week? Apple TV has just released the new ten-part thriller, Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed.
As a huge New Girl fan, I'll watch anything starring Jake Johnson – but the cast isn't the only reason why I'll be tuning into the show this week. This tense, darkly comic thriller sounds seriously binge-worthy.
© Apple TVCreated by David J. Rosen (Sugar), the story follows a newly divorced woman (Tatiana Maslany) who, in the midst of a custody battle, connects with a camboy online and becomes embroiled in a dangerous web of blackmail and murder.
The series kicked off with a two-episode premiere on 20 May, with new episodes dropping weekly after that. If you're like me and prefer to binge the whole thing in one sitting, you might want to wait until the finale drops on 15 July.
Keep reading to find out more.
What is Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed about?
The story follows Paula, a newly divorced fact-checker, as she falls down a "dangerous rabbit hole of blackmail, murder and youth football".
© Apple TVThe synopsis continues: "Convinced she witnessed a crime – while simultaneously struggling through a custody battle and an identity crisis – Paula begins her own investigation, one that could unravel a greater conspiracy while also holding the keys to rebuilding her family and sense of self."
What have viewers and critics said about the show?
Viewers have hailed the series as "super addictive" following the release of episodes one and two.
Taking to social media, one person penned: "I definitely recommend #MaximumPleasureGuaranteed. It's chaotic, darkly funny and super addictive from the start," while another added: "Just watched the first two episodes of Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed and wow I'm already hooked."
© Apple TVThe series was also met with positive reviews from TV critics. The Guardian awarded four stars, hailing the show as "twisty, moreish and inventive," while the Financial Times handed out three stars, describing the drama as "charming if overloaded".
Meanwhile, The Hollywood Reporter praised the thriller as "deliciously twisty".
Who stars in Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed?
Emmy Award winner Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black) stars as Paula, while Jake Johnson (New Girl) plays her husband, Karl, and Brandon Flynn (13 Reasons Why) portrays camboy Trevor.
Other cast members include Murray Bartlett (The White Lotus), Jessy Hodges (Barry), Jon Michael Hill (Elementary), Charlie Hall (The Sex Lives of College Girls), Kiarra Hamagami Goldberg (Charmed), Nola Wallace (The Strangers: Chapter 2) and Dolly De Leon (Nine Perfect Strangers).
How to watch Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed
The series comprises ten, half-hour episodes. The show debuted with its first two episodes on Wednesday 20 May, with new episodes released weekly until 15 July.
© Apple TVMore dark comedy thrillers to stream now
- Bad Sisters – This Dublin-set dark comedy centres around the tight-knit Garvey sisters. When the cruel brother-in-law that they all wanted dead actually dies, the sisters find themselves at the centre of a life insurance investigation. Watch on Apple TV.
- The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window – Kristen Bell plays Anna, a heartbroken widow who has her sights set on her hunky new neighbour across the street. That is, until she witnesses a murder. Watch on Netflix.
- Am I Being Unreasonable? – This darkly twisted comedy follows stay-at-home mum Nic, who is stuck in a rut and feeling deeply unfulfilled by her life. Everything changes when she meets kindred spirit Jen. But as their bond deepens, it becomes clear that both have a secret to hide. Watch on BBC iPlayer.
