What/If is a neo-noir thriller that, according to Deadline Hollywood's Nellie Andreeva, explores "the ripple effects of what happens when acceptable people start doing unacceptable things. Each season will tackle a different morality tale inspired by culturally consequential source material, and the power of a single fateful decision to change the trajectory of an entire life."[2][3]
Cast and characters
Main
Jane Levy as Lisa Ruiz-Donovan, the CEO and founder of a biotech startup called Emigen Molecular Sequencing
Julian Sands as Liam Strom, Anne's financial backer and mentor
Guest
Marissa Cuevas as Christine, a former high-school cheer captain
Keegan Allen as Billy, Christine's ex-boyfriend from high school and a commercial director
Production
Development
On August 17, 2018, it was announced that Netflix had given the production a series order for a first season consisting of ten episodes. The series was created by Mike Kelley who was also expected to write for the series. Executive producers were slated to include Kelley, Melissa Loy, Alex Gartner, Charles Roven, Robert Zemeckis, and Jack Rapke. Additionally, Jackie Levine was slated to serve as a co-executive producer and Phillip Noyce was expected to direct and executive produce the first two episodes. Production companies involved with the series were expected to consist of Page Fright, Atlas Entertainment, Compari Entertainment, and Warner Bros. Television.[2][6][7] On April 23, 2019, it was announced that the series would premiere on May 24, 2019.[1]
Casting
Alongside the series order announcement, it was confirmed that Renée Zellweger had been cast in the series' lead role.[2][6][7] In August 2018, it was announced that Jane Levy and Blake Jenner had joined the cast in starring roles.[8][9] In September 2018, it was reported that Samantha Ware, Juan Castano, Keith Powers, Saamer Usmani, Dave Annable, and Louis Herthum had been cast in the series with Herthum in a recurring role.[10][11]
In December 2018, it was announced that Daniella Pineda had joined the main cast in a series regular role and that Tyler Ross, Derek Smith, Nana Ghana, Monique Kim, and Marissa Cuevas would appear in a recurring capacity.[12][13]
On April 23, 2019, the official teaser for the series was released.[14] On May 13, 2019, Netflix released the official trailer for the first season.[3]
Reception
On review aggregatorRotten Tomatoes, the series holds an approval rating of 42% based on 33 reviews, with an average rating of 5.35/10. The website's critical consensus reads, "A deliriously delicious performance from Renée Zellweger can't save What/If from its own mediocrity, but boy is her juicy scene chewing fun to watch."[15] On Metacritic, it has a weighted average score of 58 out of 100, based on 12 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[16]
Haider Rifaat of The Express Tribune wrote, "The writing is pretty much the heart of the show. Immaculate dialogues, nuanced characters and relationships, both broken and unscathed, are a few exciting features that make it compelling. Not to forgo the incredible acting prowess of Zellweger, who impeccably embraces the character of Anne. Subtle gestures, symbolic interaction and character development are some commendable aspects that intensify the actors’ performances."[17] NPR's Linda Holmes concluded: "... it's not a good show, but it's entertaining in a very specific way. Zellweger has sunk her teeth so deeply into this notion of Welcome To Rich Prowling Cougartown that she's practically licking up bowls of milk. Everything in What/If is forever being revealed and unfurled and figuratively glitter-bombed, and if I were trying to distract myself from the problems of the world and had perhaps a tankard of wine and a dear friend at my disposal, I just might put my head on a fuzzy pillow and fire it up."[18]
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