The 1990s stand as a pivotal era for adult animation on television, marked by groundbreaking shows that redefined the landscape of animated sitcoms. At the forefront of this movement was Fox's iconic series, The Simpsons, which not only shattered numerous records but also transformed viewer expectations for family-oriented sitcoms. It was during this time that audiences were introduced to a plethora of vibrant and memorable characters, forever imprinted in the annals of television history.

The phenomenal success of The Simpsons opened the floodgates for additional animated sitcoms aimed at a more mature demographic. This led to the creation of several notable series, including Beavis and Butt-Head, Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist, King of the Hill, Daria, South Park, Family Guy, and Futurama. Many of these series not only became cultural touchstones but also continue to air new episodes today, maintaining their relevance in contemporary pop culture, much like their predecessor, The Simpsons.

Among the noteworthy shows from this vibrant decade is Fox's The Critic, an animated sitcom that has developed a devoted cult following over the years. Created by the talented team of Mike Reiss and Al Jean, who were previously writers and showrunners for the acclaimed third and fourth seasons of The Simpsons, The Critic centers around Jay Sherman, a 36-year-old film critic portrayed by the comedic actor Jon Lovitz.

Jay Sherman hosts a review show titled Coming Attractions, which bears a striking resemblance to ABC's critically acclaimed program At the Movies, hosted by film critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert. The influence of Ebert, among others, has been profound, instilling a sense of importance in film criticism and lending immense power to platforms like Rotten Tomatoes in the film industry today.

Throughout the series, Jay embodies the quintessential film critic, characterized by an elitist approach to cinema and a penchant for sharp, often mean-spirited commentary. Yet, this contrasts sharply with his more vulnerable and self-doubting personality outside the confines of his television career.

The Critic initially premiered on ABC in 1994, but the network abruptly canceled the show after just half of its first season, which comprised only 13 episodes. In an attempt to breathe new life into the series, it transitioned to Fox in 1995, where it aired an additional 10 episodes. In a bid to increase its popularity, Fox even orchestrated a crossover with The Simpsons in the episode A Star is Burns, where Jay Sherman participates as a judge at the fictional Springfield Film Festival. Interestingly, the creator of The Simpsons, Matt Groening, later expressed regret over this crossover episode, indicating that it may have diluted the brand's essence.

Despite being strategically placed in a timeslot right after The Simpsons to leverage its viewership, The Critic struggled to capture a larger audience. After the first five episodes, the shows timeslot was shuffled, which ultimately did not help its cause. In May 1995, after only one season on Fox, the series was canceled, leaving behind a legacy that resonates with fans to this day. Even three decades later, calls for a revival of Jay Sherman's character are gaining traction, suggesting a significant nostalgia and demand for this beloved show.