Prime Video’s ‘Jury Duty’ Returns With the Joyously Delightful ‘Company Retreat’: TV Review

Prime Video’s breakout reality hoax sitcom, “Jury Duty,” is back with an even more hilarious concept and a thoroughly endearing straight man. Created by Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky, “Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat” follows a fictional family-owned hot sauce brand (“Rockin’ Grandma’s”) and its temporary assistant, Anthony Norman, who is brought in to help with the annual company retreat.

Here’s where things get spicy: Anthony has agreed to be a part of a documentary about Rockin’ Grandma’s — but he has no idea that everything about his experience is staged. Hilarious, preposterous and absolutely joyous, “Company Retreat” takes the “Jury Duty” concept (which focused on a mark unknowingly cast among comedians posing as jurors inside a fake courtroom in Season 1) to the next level.
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“Company Retreat” opens in Los Angeles, where 25-year-old Anthony, a transplant from Nashville, introduces himself to the documentary crew. He thinks he’s been hired by Rockin Grandma’s Head of HR, Kevin (Ryan Perez), to assist at the upcoming retreat. Kevin explains that this year’s retreat is extra-special because the founder/CEO, Doug (Jerry Hauck), is retiring, and his son Dougie (Alex Bonifer) will be taking over the role. When Anthony is introduced to the young successor, it’s immediately clear that Dougie doesn’t have the chops to lead himself, let alone a business. Still, wanting to be a team player, Anthony is warm, friendly, and offers an encouraging word to the future CEO — despite Dougie’s obvious nerves and his random outbursts in Jamaican Patois. (As part of the made-up character’s made-up backstory, Dougie lived on the island for several years and was in the rock band called “The JA Prophets.”)
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In addition to Dougie, Rockin’ Grandma’s employees all have their eccentricities. Amy (Emily Pendergast) is a customer relations specialist and die-hard Swiftie who is celebrating her 40th birthday on Anthony’s first day. Receptionist PJ (Marc-Sully Saint-Fleur) has dreams of becoming a snack influencer. Kate (Erica Hernandez), the type-A sales and marketing rep, wears a posture-monitoring device that zaps her with an electric shock if she slouches. Warehouse manager Jimmy (Jim Woods) is basically Creed from “The Office” after addiction recovery. Jackie (LaNisa Frederick), who works in distribution and logistics, is just happy to be away from her kids. Accountant Helen (Stephanie Hodge) is known to say exactly what’s on her mind while slipping a shot or two into her Stanley Cup. Other Anthony (Rob Lathan) is the sourcing manager who’s sleeping on Helen’s love seat because his condo is covered in mold. Finally, there is salesman Steve (Warren Burke), who’s the most even-keeled of the bunch.
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The opening episode, “Onboarding,” hits the ground running with the first day of the retreat. Enthusiastic and boasting a can-do attitude, Anthony is happy to assist Kevin, who has labelled himself “Captain Fun.” Viewers are also introduced to Marjorie (Blair Beeken), the activities lead at Oak Canyon Ranch, as well as Rockin’ Grandma’s sole remote worker, web designer Claire (Rachel Kaly), who appears to be terrified by the sun and wholly unnerved by other human beings.

Though the first day at Oak Canyon starts off promisingly, it ends with a bit of a curffluffle. After a cringeworthy but amusing incident forces Kevin to return home, Anthony is left in charge of the retreat’s logistics and must take on the role (and hat) of “Captain Fun.”
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“Company Retreat’s” ultra-talented cast, along with writer Anthony King and director Jake Szymanski provide the structure, hijinks and fun of the show. However, as the one person on set who truly has no idea that this is completely a lark, Anthony is truly the heart of the season. A hard-working young father, he is optimistic and warm, allowing all his new co-workers to be themselves.

Over the course of the eight-episode season, Anthony is seen offering tidbits of advice to Dougie and Claire, doing TikTok snack videos with PJ, and as a genuine, amazing team player and friend. Though he’s only contracted to be at Rockin’ Grandma’s for a week, Anthony quickly endears himself to his newfound colleagues and the audience. This is heightened after he learns that Doug is considering selling the business to the high-powered, quarter-zip-wearing private equity investors Triukas and its sinister director Elizabeth (Wendy Braun).
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From the case of the stolen Doritos to the revelation of a secret romantic relationship, as well as countless nonsensical seminars, the “Dougathalon,” and some chaotic dinner theatre, “Company Retreat” is absolutely hysterical. Though Anthony is completely oblivious about this being a farce, he’s never the butt of the joke. Instead, he goes out of his way to ensure that each person he encounters (except Elizabeth) feels welcome and seen. His intelligence, care and curiosity are something rarely seen on unscripted television, and it’s the reason why this truly distinct franchise continues to flourish even in Season 2.
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Like its predecessor, 2023’s “Jury Duty” (which originally streamed on the now-defunct Amazon Freevee), “Company Retreat” soars because of its wholesome depiction of humanity. Despite his co-workers’ quirks, Anthony is kind and accepting, even when he has to chuckle about the insanity around him. Despite any of the hijinks of the retreat, it’s clear that he and everyone around him are having a fantastic time. Like Season 1’s Ronald Gladden, Anthony Norman proves there really are a few lovely gems still sprinkled among our ever-eroding society.

The first three episodes of “Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat” debut March 20 on Prime Video, with the remaining episodes airing weekly on Fridays.