Superior Donuts

Superior Donuts

Superior Donuts is an American television sitcom that aired on CBS from February 2, 2017, to May 14, 2018. The series is based on the play of the same name by Tracy Letts. It was developed for television by Bob Daily, Neil Goldman, and Garrett Donovan.

Promotional poster for Superior Donuts

The show is set in a small donut shop in Chicago, Illinois, and explores the interactions between the shop's owner, his new employee, and the diverse group of customers who frequent the establishment. The series addresses various social issues, including gentrification, race, and the American Dream, through the lens of humor and character-driven storytelling.

Plot

The series follows Arthur Przybyszewski, an old-school donut shop owner who has been running his business in the same location for decades. Arthur is resistant to change and prefers to keep things as they have always been. However, his world is turned upside down when he hires Franco Wicks, a young, ambitious African-American artist who brings new ideas and energy to the shop.

Franco's presence challenges Arthur's traditional views and forces him to confront the changing dynamics of the neighborhood. The show highlights the generational and cultural differences between Arthur and Franco, as well as their growing friendship and mutual respect.

Characters

• Arthur Przybyszewski - The gruff but lovable owner of Superior Donuts. He is set in his ways and initially resistant to change.
• Franco Wicks - A young, energetic artist who becomes Arthur's employee. He is full of ideas and eager to make a difference in the community.
• Randy DeLuca - A police officer and regular customer at the donut shop. She is a friend of Arthur and has a complicated relationship with Franco.
• Tush - A loyal customer who spends much of his time at the donut shop. He provides comic relief with his quirky personality.
• Fawz - A wealthy real estate developer who is interested in buying Arthur's shop. He represents the gentrification pressures facing the neighborhood.

Themes

Superior Donuts tackles several important themes, including:

• Gentrification - The show explores the impact of urban development on small businesses and long-time residents.
• Cultural Diversity - The series highlights the diverse backgrounds of its characters and the importance of understanding and respecting different perspectives.
• Generational Differences - The interactions between Arthur and Franco illustrate the challenges and opportunities that arise from bridging generational gaps.

Production

The series was produced by CBS Television Studios and Tracy Letts, who wrote the original play, served as an executive producer. The show was filmed in front of a live studio audience, capturing the energy and immediacy of a theatrical performance.

Reception

Superior Donuts received mixed reviews from critics but was praised for its strong cast and timely social commentary. The chemistry between the lead actors, Judd Hirsch as Arthur and Jermaine Fowler as Franco, was particularly noted as a highlight of the series.

Related pages

• CBS
• Tracy Letts
• Sitcom
• Chicago