Tacoma FD – TV Show Review
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Release Date: March 28, 2019
Genre: Comedy, Workplace Sitcom
Platform: truTV (Available on HBO Max and other streaming platforms)
Creators: Kevin Heffernan and Steve Lemme
Main Cast:
- Kevin Heffernan as Chief Terry McConky
- Steve Lemme as Captain Eddie Penisi
- Marcus Henderson as Granfield “Granny” Smith
- Gabriel Hogan as Ike Crystal
- Hassie Harrison as Lucy McConky
Introduction
What happens when firefighters have too little to do? Tacoma FD answers this question with non-stop laughter and light-hearted misadventures. Created by the comedic duo Kevin Heffernan and Steve Lemme (of Super Troopers fame), Tacoma FD blends the classic workplace sitcom formula with the peculiar and often ridiculous day-to-day life inside one of the wettest cities in America — Tacoma, Washington. Unlike traditional firehouse dramas where emergencies drive the narrative, this show thrives on the absence of fires and the antics that follow.
Plot Overview
Set in a firehouse where actual fires are rare thanks to constant rainfall, Tacoma FD focuses on a quirky group of firefighters trying to stay entertained while dealing with increasingly bizarre challenges. From cooking contests and absurd station pranks to ridiculously complicated training exercises and petty rivalries, the firefighters must navigate their monotonous yet unpredictable days without losing their sanity — or their jobs.
At the center is Chief Terry McConky (Kevin Heffernan), the well-meaning but often frustrated leader trying to keep his team professional. His second-in-command and best friend, Captain Eddie Penisi (Steve Lemme), constantly blurs the line between fun and chaos. Add in Granny, Ike, Lucy, and other eccentric characters, and you get a show that is as much about friendship as it is about fighting fires — or rather, waiting for them.
Character Dynamics
One of the major strengths of Tacoma FD lies in its ensemble cast. Every character brings something unique to the table:
- Chief Terry McConky is the ‘dad’ of the group, balancing his dedication to the job with his affection for his team. His no-nonsense exterior often gives way to his inability to resist the group’s shenanigans.
- Captain Eddie Penisi is the mischievous heartbeat of the firehouse. His endless stream of pranks and stubborn loyalty to his friends make him both a lovable troublemaker and an essential part of the firehouse culture.
- Lucy McConky, Terry’s daughter, is the ambitious and tough newcomer determined to prove herself in a male-dominated team. Her dynamic with Eddie, Granny, and Ike adds layers of humor and camaraderie to the show.
- Granny and Ike, with their deadpan humor and absurd antics, round out the team, ensuring that even the simplest tasks spiral into hilarious disasters.
Their chemistry feels authentic, probably because Heffernan and Lemme have been working together for decades. You can tell these characters genuinely like (and annoy) each other, which makes the comedy hit harder.
Comedy Style
If you’re familiar with the humor of Super Troopers, you’ll feel right at home. The jokes are often juvenile — fart jokes, weird dares, inappropriate contests — but they’re delivered with such earnestness that they rarely feel lazy. There’s a real charm in the way Tacoma FD approaches workplace boredom, turning mundane moments into riotous escapades.
What sets the humor apart is its blend of heart and absurdity. While the firefighters might engage in ridiculous behavior, the show never mocks their profession. In fact, Tacoma FD showcases the brotherhood and sense of purpose that define first responders, even when they’re getting stuck in vending machines or fighting over beard-growing competitions.
That said, the humor won’t be for everyone. If you’re not a fan of slapstick, crass jokes, or sitcoms that prioritize laughs over realism, you might find some episodes repetitive. However, for those who can embrace the ridiculousness, the show delivers a consistent and satisfying comedic experience.
Writing and Storytelling
The writing in Tacoma FD expertly walks the line between episodic hijinks and ongoing character development. While most episodes are self-contained, there are subtle through-lines, especially with Lucy’s journey to gain respect among her peers and Eddie and Terry’s evolving leadership styles.
The dialogue is sharp, peppered with quick comebacks, absurd insults, and endearing moments of vulnerability. While the storylines can be wildly outlandish — from getting trapped during a firehouse lockdown to organizing a Miss Firefighter pageant — they’re rooted in the relatable themes of friendship, workplace frustration, and personal pride.
Later seasons deepen some of the characters and introduce more serialized elements without losing the show’s easygoing charm. Relationships are tested, rivalries intensify, and the absurdity is somehow escalated even further.
Production Value
Although Tacoma FD is not a big-budget production, the show makes excellent use of its sets and practical effects. The firehouse feels lived-in and authentic, and the occasional fire scenes are handled with convincing effects without overshadowing the comedy. Costume design, particularly the firefighting gear and casual uniforms, maintains a sense of realism that grounds the sillier moments.
The direction is straightforward, favoring classic sitcom setups and multi-camera angles that allow the actors’ chemistry and physical comedy to shine. It’s a deliberate choice that matches the show’s low-stakes, high-laughs vibe.
Reception and Impact
Since its debut in 2019, Tacoma FD has built a loyal fan base, largely thanks to word of mouth and streaming availability. Critics have praised it for being a refreshing twist on the workplace comedy genre, especially during a time when heavier dramas and dark comedies dominate television.
Its success has also reinforced the unique comedic voice of the Broken Lizard team (the creators of Super Troopers and Beerfest), proving they can adapt their humor to serialized TV while still staying true to their roots.
Though it hasn’t become a massive mainstream hit, Tacoma FD has carved out a niche for viewers looking for feel-good comedy that doesn’t take itself seriously. It’s a rare modern sitcom that emphasizes positivity, community, and silliness without being cloying or preachy.
Final Verdict
Tacoma FD is a charming, hilarious, and surprisingly heartfelt comedy that captures the camaraderie of firefighters with a heavy dose of absurd humor. It’s perfect for fans of workplace comedies like Brooklyn Nine-Nine or Parks and Recreation but want something even more irreverent. With strong performances, quick-witted writing, and an infectious sense of fun, Tacoma FD offers a much-needed comedic escape — especially for those rainy days when you just need a good laugh.
0 Comments