New Dogs, Old Tricks is a comedy TV show produced by Gemelli Films in 2018. The series follows the lives of four lifelong friends, all in their forties, as they navigate the ups and downs of their personal and professional lives. The show is set in Toronto, Canada and centers around the characters of Jack, Tony, Darrell, and Benny, who have been close friends since childhood. Jack, played by Canadian actor and comedian Tony Nappo, is the group's unofficial leader and a successful realtor who is married to his high school sweetheart. Tony, played by Adam Kenneth Wilson, is a successful businessman with a penchant for women, alcohol, and taking risks. Darrell, played by Billy MacLellan, is a construction worker and the most level-headed member of the group, while Benny, played by Michael Daniel Murphy, is the quirky and lovable underdog of the group who is always searching for a new get-rich-quick scheme.
The show revolves around the friends' adventures as they try to navigate their lives in their forties, dealing with mid-life crises, relationship troubles, job struggles, and the endless pursuit of happiness. Each episode is standalone and follows the mishaps of the gang as they try to find new ways of getting through life.
One of the key themes of the show is how the characters deal with the challenges of being in their forties, dealing with their own limitations and mortality. It also explores the idea of friendship and what it means to have true friends, with the characters relying on each other for and guidance in times of need.
The humor in New Dogs, Old Tricks is largely driven by the characters' different personalities and the various situations they find themselves in. Tony's overly confident and adventurous personality leads him into trouble, while Darrell's sensible approach provides a nice contrast to the group dynamics. Benny's eccentricity often leads to comedy gold, as he tries to come up with new ways to make a quick buck.
The show also deals with social issues in a subtle way, highlighting current topics such as racism, LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality, and politics. The characters' diverse backgrounds and life experiences lend themselves to exploring different perspectives and opinions on these topics, ensuring the show remains current and relevant.
New Dogs, Old Tricks is beautifully shot in the picturesque city of Toronto, adding to the show's charm and appeal. The cinematography captures the city's diverse neighborhoods, skyline, and landmarks, providing a stunning backdrop to the characters' adventures.
Overall, New Dogs, Old Tricks is a heartwarming and hilarious show that explores the challenges of getting older while maintaining friendships and finding happiness in life. The cast is excellent, the writing is sharp, and the show is a must-watch for anyone looking for an entertaining and relatable comedy-drama series.
New Dogs, Old Tricks is a series that ran for 1 seasons (13 episodes) between September 28, 2018 and on Gemelli Films