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The Kominsky Method

The Kominsky Method

Some friendships never get old.

2018–2021Ended3 seasons22 episodes~30 min/epTV-MAMidcredits score: 94th percentile of all shows

Acting coach Sandy Kominsky and best friend Norman Newlander keep each other laughing as they navigate the ups and downs of getting older.

Your rating, lists and review

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Kominsky Method?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Kominsky Method streaming on Netflix and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Highlights

What stands out about The Kominsky Method?

The Kominsky Method earns 7 badges, led by Universally Loved and Top 10% of shows.

  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Content
  • Cast

Reception

Is The Kominsky Method worth watching?

The Kominsky Method's Midcredits score is the 94th percentile of all shows, from 48K ratings across 2 sources. 93% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

94th percentile

Better received than 94% of shows

94th percentile among Comedy93rd percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)86th
Approval (how many liked it)97th

Acclaim

Universally Loved: Rating-distribution shape vs the catalog

How much people like it

80 /100

86th percentile of all shows

87th percentile among Comedy85th percentile among 2010s

Rating distribution

Ratings pile up at 9–10 with almost no detractors — near-universal love.

Approval

How many liked it

93% liked it

97th percentile of all shows

98th percentile among Comedy97th percentile among 2010s
93% rated it 7–107% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

95th percentile

48K ratings across platforms

92nd percentile among Comedy94th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 16% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

The show's first two seasons are built on the strong rapport between Michael Douglas and Alan Arkin, with writing that mixes humor and heart.

Fans praised

  • Douglas-Arkin chemistry carries the show
  • Sharp, adult writing with no laugh track
  • Balances comedy and genuine pathos about aging

Detractors panned

  • Season 3 loses its core without Alan Arkin
  • Political references feel shoehorned and divisive
  • Juvenile bathroom humor undermines the premise

What stands out

ActingDivisive85

Douglas and Arkin's chemistry praised by fans; some detractors find lead performances stiff or overacted

DialogueDivisive80

Witty, natural banter lauded by fans; detractors cite gratuitous cursing and crude lines

Emotional impactDivisive80

Genuine tearjerker moments balanced with laughs; some critics cite manipulative sentiment

HumorDivisive75

Dry wit and one-liners land for most; detractors find humor juvenile or forced

CharactersDivisive70

Relatable aging leads and layered supporting cast; season 3 criticized for character regression

PacingDivisive70

Short episodes and binge-friendly; season 3 described as rushed and padded

Plot and storyDivisive65

Storylines about friendship, loss, and recovery resonate; season 3 called disjointed

EndingDivisive55

Finale satisfying for some; many feel season 3 disrespects prior character arcs

Preferred by

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Over-30s

Over-30s scored it 16 points higher than under-30s.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 4 points apart
  • Critics vs users 6 points apart
  • US vs non-US 2 points apart

Episodes

3 seasons

Season 3 · 2021 · 6 episodes

  • S3E1

    Chapter 17. In all the old familiar places

    May 28, 202137 min
  • S3E2

    Chapter 18. You only give me your funny paper

    May 28, 202125 min
  • S3E3

    Chapter 19. And it's getting more and more absurd

    May 28, 202125 min
  • S3E4

    Chapter 20. The round toes, of the high shoes

    May 28, 202128 min
  • S3E5

    Chapter 21. Near, far, wherever you are

    May 28, 202125 min
  • S3E6

    Chapter 22. The fundamental things apply

    May 28, 202125 minFinale

Watch experience

What is The Kominsky Method like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Earnest, light and gentle — a slow-burn watch that leaves you bittersweet.

ToneFeelDemandexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

What it feels like

Moods
BittersweetWarmMelancholic
Heaviest: middle
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Wry · 7% of shows: Amused and slightly dry about it.Warm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.Case of the week plus an arcOne continuous story
ToneThe series treats its characters and their struggles with genuine warmth and dry humor, never mocking or undercutting the emotional stakes.
The rideA gentle, steady emotional register with occasional deeper lows; the heaviest stretch comes mid-series as losses accumulate.
StructureThe series follows a conventional three-act structure across episodes, with each episode having a self-contained story while contributing to the season-long arcs of the characters.
Episode formatEach episode focuses on a specific story or challenge for the characters, but these accumulate into a gentle season-long arc of personal growth.
Season formatThe story, characters, and relationships continue and evolve across all three seasons.

How it leaves you

what you carry away
BittersweetFeel-good
Why it leaves you this wayThe series leaves viewers with a balanced feeling of warmth and poignancy, bittersweet from the characters' losses but ultimately feel-good in its celebration of friendship.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all shows
Monster — 18% of shows. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of shows. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 6% of shows. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 2% of shows. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 12% of shows. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 4% of shows. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 7% of shows. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 8% of shows. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 40% of showsPredator — 7% of shows. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 3% of shows. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of shows. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 3% of shows. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of shows. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of shows. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of shows. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of shows. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of shows. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of shows. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — 1% of shows. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of shows. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of shows. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of shows. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of shows. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 2% of shows. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 4% of shows. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of shows. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — under 1% of shows. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of shows. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 1% of shows. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — under 1% of shows. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of shows. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — under 1% of shows. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 2% of shows. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of shows. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of shows. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of shows. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 2% of shows. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of shows. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — under 1% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 1% of shows. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 1% of shows. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 1% of shows. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 1% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 3% of shows. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of shows. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 1% of shows. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of shows. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 6% of shows. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 1% of shows. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 18%: Predator 7% · Tyrant 3% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 3% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 6%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 2% · Mission 4% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage under 1%
  • Voyage 2%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 1% · Survival ordeal under 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent under 1%
  • Comedy 12%: Romantic comedy 2% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 2%
  • Tragedy 4%: Hubris 1% · Obsession under 1% · Corruption arc 1% · Doomed love 1% · Crushed by fate 1%
  • Rebirth 7%: Redemption 1% · Healing 3% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 1%
  • Mystery 8%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 6% · Enigma 1%
  • No archetype 40% (this title)

No archetype fits — true of 40% of shows: ensemble pieces, satire, slice-of-life.

Why this archetypeThe series is a character-driven comedy-drama about aging and friendship, with no overarching plot archetype that drives each episode; it focuses on the daily lives and personal challenges of its two central characters.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 31% of showsSelf — 27% of showsPower — 7% of showsMorality — 11% of showsSurvival — 9% of showsSociety — 10% of showsIdeas — 5% of showsRomantic love — 10% of showsMarriage — 2% of showsFamily bonds — 22% of showsParenthood — 1% of showsFriendship — 18% of showsLoyalty — 7% of showsIdentity — 20% of showsComing of age — 9% of showsAging — under 1% of showsSelf-worth — 7% of showsAmbition — 14% of showsPurpose — 16% of showsMemory — 3% of showsObsession — 2% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 5% of showsCorruption — 3% of showsGreed — 2% of showsClass — 4% of showsOppression — 2% of showsFreedom — 4% of showsJustice — 14% of showsDuty — 2% of showsRevenge — 1% of showsGuilt — 1% of showsRedemption — 3% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — under 1% of showsSacrifice — 2% of showsBetrayal — 3% of showsDeception — 6% of showsSurvival — 12% of showsWar — 1% of showsViolence — 2% of showsMortality — 2% of showsGrief — 4% of showsTrauma — 5% of showsMental illness — under 1% of showsAddiction — under 1% of showsIllness and disability — under 1% of showsCommunity — 25% of shows. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 3% of showsPrejudice — 2% of showsDisplacement — 1% of showsFaith — 1% of showsTradition vs change — 3% of showsFame — 5% of showsLegacy — 3% of showsFate — 1% of showsFree will — under 1% of showsTruth — 6% of showsHope — 4% of showsNature — 3% of showsArt — 2% of showsTechnology — 1% of showsSelfFriendship
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 31% (this title): Romantic love 10% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 22% · Parenthood 1% · Friendship 18% (this title) · Loyalty 7%
  • Self 27%: Identity 20% · Coming of age 9% · Aging under 1% (this title) · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 14% · Purpose 16% · Memory 3% · Obsession 2%
  • Power 7%: Power 5% · Corruption 3% · Greed 2% · Class 4% · Oppression 2% · Freedom 4%
  • Morality 11%: Justice 14% · Duty 2% · Revenge 1% · Guilt 1% · Redemption 3% · Forgiveness under 1% · Sacrifice 2% · Betrayal 3% · Deception 6%
  • Survival 9%: Survival 12% · War 1% · Violence 2% · Mortality 2% · Grief 4% · Trauma 5% · Mental illness under 1% · Addiction under 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 10%: Community 25% · Isolation 3% · Prejudice 2% · Displacement 1% · Faith 1% · Tradition vs change 3% · Fame 5% · Legacy 3% (this title)
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 6% · Hope 4% · Nature 3% · Art 2% · Technology 1%

Bonds

FriendshipAging · under 1% of showsLegacy · 3% of shows
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeAt its heart, the series is about the sustaining power of friendship in the face of aging, loss, and the search for meaning.
StanceThe series observes its characters' aging with affectionate candor, neither celebrating nor mourning—just showing life as it is.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalDomesticRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score
SettingLos Angeles acting world and the lives of aging Hollywood professionals

Content guide

Is The Kominsky Method okay for kids?

TV-MA

The Kominsky Method is rated TV-MA. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at minimal (7/100), sexual content at moderate (44/100), language at intense (63/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (40/100) and frightening material at minimal (6/100). Overall it is heavier than 5% of TV-MA shows.

Ratings in 32 other countries
  • UK15
  • Canada18+
  • AustraliaMA 15+
  • Germany12
  • Ireland15
  • New Zealand16
  • South Korea19
  • Brazil16
  • ArgentinaSAM 16
  • Austria14
  • Belgium16
  • BG16
  • Czechia18+
  • Greece16
  • Hungary16
  • IDD
  • IndiaA
  • LU16
  • MexicoC
  • MY18
  • Netherlands16
  • Poland16
  • PRTV-MA
  • ROAP
  • Russia12+
  • SingaporeM18
  • South Africa16
  • Spain16
  • Switzerland16
  • Türkiye18+
  • UA16+
  • VITV-MA
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 32% of all showsHeavier than 5% of TV-MA shows
Violence & Gore
None / Minimal
light for a TV-MA show
heavier than 1%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a TV-MA show
heavier than 34%
Profanity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a TV-MA show
heavier than 41%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for a TV-MA show
heavier than 29%
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
light for a TV-MA show
heavier than 1%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is language. Everything else sits at or below what TV-MA shows usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other shows that have them.

What content warnings does The Kominsky Method have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Kominsky Method?

Cast

2 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor; Michael Douglas won the Globe for this show.

Michael Douglas
as Sandy Kominsky
Globe win: Golden Globe — Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy
Sarah Baker
as Mindy Kominsky
Career best: Their highest-reaching show role by billing, audience size and rating.
Graham Rogers
as Jude
Rising: A short career with a standing when this show came out above the median working actor today.
Melissa Tang
as Margaret
SAG nominee: Screen Actors Guild Award nomination — Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
Casey Thomas Brown
as Lane
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Jenna Lyng Adams
as Darshani
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Alan Arkin
as Norman Newlander
Emmy nominee: Primetime Emmy nomination — Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Nancy Travis
as Lisa
SAG nominee: Screen Actors Guild Award nomination — Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
Emily Osment
as Theresa
SAG nominee: Screen Actors Guild Award nomination — Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
Ashleigh LaThrop
as Breana
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

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What are shows like The Kominsky Method?

TMDB's suggestions for shows like The Kominsky Method include Shrinking (2023), It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005) and Platonic (2023).

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What other shows share a tag with The Kominsky Method?

87 other shows share the rarest tag below, follows: aging hero. Each tag opens Browse with the shows that share it.