Critic Reviews

"Chad" has something no other show possibly could, and that's Pedrad's unique comic style. ... Easy winner.

Pedrad captures the many contradictions of early adolescence. Chad moves stiffly through the world, swinging from bouts of loud hyperactivity to a muttery, almost physical self-effacement. The actress is so natural in the role that it's not long before the device is overshadowed by the character, a kid coming to terms with his identity.

Because Pedrad is playing this character, with such affection and physical dedication, the show works. She nails the antsy tugging of a backpack strap while talking to a new classmate, or the brittle posture walking through the halls, or the brief stolen moments in a bathroom, wiping away tears before throwing yourself back out there.

Chad works mainly because Pedrad doesn’t treat her role as a gimmick, and has built a world around Chad that will be fodder for stories this season and (hopefully) however many other seasons the show gets.

Chad is often hilarious, bracing and sweet.

The show offsets the absurdity with heart.

Every episode made me laugh out loud more than once. Every episode also made me want to look away out of horror for what Chad had wrought upon himself.

“Chad” is sure to gain a cult following but it’s too niche to steal the thunder of the grand poobah of uncomfortable comedy, “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”

While the show features some sporadic moments of genuine growth and connection, Chad himself mostly operates in extremes. That his most defining characteristic throughout the first season’s eight episodes is “insecure” can make him hard to watch. ... Should “Chad” get a second season, it would be more interesting to see what he does with even an ounce more confidence, even if it doesn’t make for as many obvious punchlines.

The squirm factor often becomes too much. [12 - 25 Apr, p.11]