Primo (2023) – Season 1 Review (with Spoilers)
“Primo” will ruffle your hair and give you a big bear hug in this warm and rewarding comedy.
| Network | Amazon FreeVee |
| Created or Developed By | Shea Serrano |
| Based On | N/A |
| Executive Produced By | Shea Serrano, Mike Schur, David Miner, Morgan Sackett, Peter Murrieta, Lisa Muse Bryant |
| Genre(s) | Comedy |
| Noted Characters | |
| Rafa | Ignacio Diaz-Silverio |
| Drea | Christina Vidal |
| Jay | Jonathan Medina |
| Mondo | Efraín Villa |
| Rollie | Johnny Rey Diaz |
| Mike | Henri Esteve |
| Ryan | Carlos Santos |
| Mya | Stakiah Washington |
This content contains pertinent spoilers.
Summary
“Primo” is a terrific coming-of-age series and family sitcom that can be far-fetched and relatable all in one joke. All eight episodes of “Primo” are now streaming on FreeVee, Amazon’s free streaming service and while many might not know about the show or streaming service, the search for the streamer to watch this show is worth your time.
“Primo” focuses primarily on Rafa (played by Ignacio Diaz-Silverio), a high school junior who loves the San Antonio Spurs, “Fast and Furious” movies, and his friends and family. He knows who he is and what he values as he tries to woo his new friend Mya (Stakiah Washington) and get into college. While Rafa and his determined and resourceful mom (Christina Vidal) support one another, an uncle is always eager to give Rafa his advice.
Rafa’s uncles may not live with him but are always around. There’s his self-sufficient and stoic uncle Jay, his trippy and hippy uncle Mondo, his trouble-making uncle Rollie, his military-obsessed uncle Mike, and his needy and ambitious uncle Ryan. Each gets a chance to help Rafa or contend with each other in their own subplot in most episodes. While the uncles are initially reminiscent of cartoon troublemakers who need to be scolded, the show takes its time to develop their personalities, and you quickly root for this unconventional family of seven.
Why? Because “Primo” is feel-good entertainment. It’s comfortable and sharp, and its 25-minute structure is traditional and concise. The show greatly represents Mexican culture but doesn’t let race or ethnicity define the characters’ struggles. Every character has a chance to screw up, to make us laugh, and to learn. By the end, you’ll wish you were also part of the Primo family.
Review
Our Rating: Positive (Watch This)
Who Is This For?
Fans of family comedies or coming-of-age stories will enjoy “Primo.” Those who wish to see more Latin representation on television should also give the show a chance.
Notable Performances, Moments, or Episodes
- Ignacio Diaz-Silverio and Christina Vidal each provide a solid guide to the family and are able to smoothly take part in the family mischief too. They represent a healthy and loving relationship for one another as mother and son without ever feeling toxic or cloying.
- Episodes to Anticipate: Some episodes that really demonstrate the chemistry of the cast and fun storylines are 1.2 “The Cookout,” 1.5 “The Carnival,” and 1.8 “What?”
Highlights
Clear Writing and Great Performances Provide Empathy for All Characters
Shea Serrano and the rest of the writing team demonstrate a deep understanding and care for all the characters with joke callbacks and references to past family riffs, but the cast immediately feels comfortable with one another. We’re introduced to Rafa, his friends, his uncles, and his mom in the middle of another problem, and we recognize they’ve had many in the past but are always able to solve them. They support each other, fight with each other, and love each other. We’re the new ones in this family.
Relatable Storylines within a Traditional Structure
“Primo” doesn’t try to reinvent or mock the sitcom structure; instead, the show embraces it. We know that whatever struggle is presented in an episode will be solved in the next 20 minutes, but what’s impressive is the number of jokes packed in, how that struggle escalates, and how the solution feels earned each time. From Drea’s bad cooking to family jealousy explored in a game, the storylines are relatable yet continue to be fun.
On The Fence
Slow Pace of Jokes and Lack of Musical Score Can Feel Sluggish
There’s plenty of wit and obscure references in “Primo,” yet the jokes could feel tighter with reaction shots or background music to amp up the energy. Perhaps our instant gratification culture makes me want a quicker-paced comedy, but comedy can die with a slow delivery and since there’s no laugh track or music, the editing needs to pick up the pace.
What I Hope to See
“Primo” should get renewed because this family is worth visiting. A second season could have tighter comedic timing and a potential music score (if the budget allows it). I also hope to spend more time with Rafa’s friends and the uncles’ lives.
