Summary
Vince Vaughn’s latest television seriesBad Monkeyreverses his role from season 2 ofTrue Detective. Vince Vaughn leads thecast ofBad Monkeyas a former Miami detective trying to get his job back after being demoted to a health inspector.Bad Monkeyis one of the many shows created by prolific television producer Bill Lawrence, whose other works includeTed Lasso(2020-2023),Shrinking(2023- ),Cougar Town(2009-2015), andScrubs(2001-2010).Bad Monkeyfollows Vaughn’s Andrew Yancy who comes across a severed human arm and believes it’s his way back to the police force after being demoted to a restaurant inspector in the Florida Keys.
Bad Monkeyis an adaptation of the 2013 novel of the same name written by Carl Hiaasen, who has written several other comedic crime thrillers set in Florida.Bad Monkeyhas received great reviewsupon its release, receiving a strong Rotten Tomatoes critic score of 91% as of the time of writing.Bad Monkeymarks the first television series Vaughn has starred in sinceTrue Detectiveseason 2 which was released back in 2015, although he did guest star in several episodes ofCurb Your Enthusiasmseasons 10-12.The first two episodes ofBad Monkeypremiered on June 11, 2025, exclusively on Apple TV+.
Vaughn goes from criminal to (former) cop
Vaughn played a criminal in season 2 ofTrue Detective, which is widely considered one of the worst, if not the worst, season of the acclaimed series. This was quite a huge letdown after the instant success and critical acclaim ofTrue Detectiveseason 1 starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson. Interestingly,Michelle Monaghan starred in season 1 ofTrue Detectiveand Vaughn starred in season 2, which have no overlap or connection to each other, and now play love interests in Bad Monkey. Now Vaughn plays a (former) detective on the other side of the law inBad Monkey.
Vaughn’s Andrew Yancy protagonist in Bad Monkey isn’t an overly serious cop part but is instead also a fun comedy role, which is perfect for the celebrated comedic actor. Vaughn has always been best utilized in roles that allow him to flex his comedic talents and natural wit even when his more dramatic roles require a certain level of seriousness and bravado. WhereasTrue Detectiveis known for being very self-serious and with a constantly grim undertone,Bad Monkeyis more centered on an air of comedic circumstances backdropped by a paradisiacal atmosphere of beach bars and ocean vibes.
The reviews forBad Monkeyhave been overwhelmingly positive thus far, earning a Rotten Tomatoes critic score of 91% as of the time of writing. Alison Herman ofVarietywrites in her review ofBad Monkey, “Undemanding but effective, offering all the distraction of a sunny day without the need to relinquish the AC.” Ben Travers ofIndieWirewrites, “You’ve seen better versions, you’ve seen worse versions, so the success of this version likely comes down to expectations. Set them low and be rewarded.” Rebecca Nicholson ofThe Guardianwrites, “It’s fun, it’s light, and it makes you want to go on holiday.”
On the other hand,True Detectiveseason 2 has 47% after the near-perfect score ofTrue Detectiveseason 1, which is almost half the score ofBad Monkey. Eric Deggans ofNPRwrites in his review ofTrue Detectiveseason 2, “Municipal corruption? Railway construction? This is a lot less riveting than the first season of True Detective.” Robert Bianco ofUSA Todaywrites in his 2-star review, “True Detective was a one-off, and while the name returns, the actors, the story and the director are all gone.” Robert Rorke of theNew York Postwrites, “True Detective may be remembered as one of those shows that should have stopped after one season.”
Vaughn is naturally comedic even in a drama series
Bad Monkeyis a great reminder that Vaughn is much more than just a leading funnyman and can absolutely do more dramatic roles. It also provides confirmation that the problems withTrue Detectiveseason 2 weren’t really his fault even if some at the time found his casting choice somewhat unexpected or deviant from the norm.Bad Monkeyis also a reminder of how great Vaughn is in these kinds of comedies that are grounded in dramatic themes, narratives, and genres such as crime and mystery. His collaboration with Bill Lawrence onBad Monkeyalso showcases how he can fill in plenty of empty space with his signature comedic banter and what appears to be improvised dialogue.
Bad Monkey
Cast
A former Miami detective turned health inspector, Andrew Yancy, discovers a severed arm while working in the Florida Keys. Determined to solve the mystery and reclaim his former position, he navigates through a web of quirky locals and corruption, all while dealing with a troublesome monkey.
