What The Hell Is ‘The Kominsky Method’?
Michael Douglas, Al Higgins, Alan Arkin, and Chuck Lorre took home a Golden Globe for ‘The Kominsky Method’ Image by Getty Images
By PJ Grisar January 7, 2019
The biggest winner at last night’s Golden Globes is a show you might have missed. Netting a Best Actor award for Michael Douglas and a Best Musical or Comedy Series statuette for creator Chuck Lorre, “The Kominsky Method” is leaving many people asking, “What the hell is that?”
Well, it’s a new Netflix series starring Alan Arkin and Michael Douglas. It’s a comic look at aging. It’s Jewish. You’d like it.
Not enough? We bring you “An Explanation Of ‘The Kominsky Method’ Your Grandparents Could Understand.”
“We don’t have The Netflix.”
Yes you do, Bubbe, I set it up on your TV, remember?
“Oh, right.”
Anyway, Michael Douglas is the main character. He plays a has-been actor who’s made a career as an acting coach.
“I remember his father, Kirk! Did you know he is Jewish?”
Yes, Zayde. And the Michael Douglas character is very Jewish on the show. So is Alan Arkin.
“Serpentine!”
Yes, Alan Arkin was in “The In-Laws.” In this he plays Michael Douglas’ agent, a widower.
“That sounds sad.”
It is, Bubbe, but it’s also pretty funny most of the time. Danny DeVito is even in it as a urologist who Michael Douglas goes to when he has prostate problems.
“Well that sounds like it could be vulgar.”
It kinda is… But Arkin and Douglas share some really poignant moments. And there’s even some Yiddish in it when Arkin sees the ghost of his dear departed grandmother.
“I’ll watch it.”
Great.
“Why haven’t I heard of this before?”
I don’t know, I wrote a whole review of it! But also, it was released less than two months ago. And it’s called “The Kominsky Method,” so…
“How long is it?”
Eight episodes. They’re all about 30 minutes.
“The Komanche Syndrome, is it? I can’t find the clicker.”
No, “The Kominsky Method.” You should watch it. It’s good.
“Okay.”
Go forth, Jews! “The Kominsky Method,” winner of the Golden Globe for Best Comedy Series as well as an acting win for Michael Douglas, is on Netflix.
PJ Grisar is the Forward’s culture intern. He can be reached at [email protected].
This is a moment of great uncertainty. Here’s what you can do about it.
We hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, we’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s independent Jewish news this Passover. All donations are being matched by the Forward Board - up to $100,000.
This is a moment of great uncertainty for the news media, for the Jewish people, and for our sacred democracy. It is a time of confusion and declining trust in public institutions. An era in which we need humans to report facts, conduct investigations that hold power to account, tell stories that matter and share honest discourse on all that divides us.
With no paywall or subscriptions, the Forward is entirely supported by readers like you. Every dollar you give this Passover is invested in the future of the Forward — and telling the American Jewish story fully and fairly.
The Forward doesn’t rely on funding from institutions like governments or your local Jewish federation. There are thousands of readers like you who give us $18 or $36 or $100 each month or year.
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
