How do you like Wednesday?
How do you like Wednesday? was a Japanese television variety series that aired on the HTB network in Hokkaidō, Japan, and on other regional television networks in Japan. The program debuted on HTB on October 9, 1996. The series was one of the first local variety programs to be produced on Hokkaido; prior to this series' launch, local variety programs in Hokkaidō were virtually non-existent. The program also had a significant influence on other local programs in other regions in Japan, most notably Kwangaku! in Kansai and Nobunaga in Tokai. The series achieved a record 18.6% viewing share on December 8, 1999, the highest share for a late-night program on a local TV station. Production of the weekly regular series ended in September 2002, though new limited-run series were produced on average of every 18 months; the latest series was shown on HTB in late 2005, eight episodes in length. Most of the series have been rerun under the names of Dōdeshō Returns and Suiyō Dōdeshō Classic.
Insights
Plot Summary
Wednesday Addams is reimagined as a student at Nevermore Academy, a school for outcasts with supernatural abilities. As she navigates her new life, Wednesday attempts to master her emerging psychic abilities, thwart a monstrous killing spree that has terrorized the local town, and solve the supernatural mystery that embroiled her parents 25 years ago. All the while, she contends with her new and very complicated relationships at Nevermore.
Critical Reception
Wednesday was a massive critical and commercial success, praised for its gothic aesthetic, Jenna Ortega's performance as the titular character, and its blend of dark humor and mystery. The series became one of Netflix's most-watched English-language series within its first week of release.
What Reviewers Say
- Jenna Ortega shines as a perfectly cast Wednesday Addams, bringing a captivating deadpan performance to the role.
- The series successfully blends dark humor, supernatural elements, and a compelling mystery with a distinct gothic visual style.
- While some critics found the plot occasionally predictable, the show's overall tone and performances were widely praised.
Google audience: Audience reviews overwhelmingly praise Jenna Ortega's portrayal of Wednesday, the show's dark and quirky atmosphere, and the engaging mystery elements. Many viewers enjoyed the fresh take on the iconic Addams Family character.
Awards & Accolades
Primetime Emmy Awards: Nominated for Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Period or Fantasy Program (2023), Outstanding Costume Design for a Period or Fantasy Series (2023), Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (Jenna Ortega - 2023). Golden Globe Awards: Nominated for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy (2023), Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy (Jenna Ortega - 2023).
Fun Fact
During filming, Jenna Ortega adopted a fencing stance for her dueling scenes to better embody Wednesday's character and insisted on performing her own stunts whenever possible, even learning to play the cello for a specific scene.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources