Give It Up (2026): Why This Comedy Earned a Rare 0/10 Rating

TL;DR: What to know about the 2026 comedy Give It Up, starring Gareth Reynolds and Jake Johnson, why it landed a 0/10 rating from critics, and where (or why not) to stream its 89-minute run. It's a film about a washed-up comedian, but the biggest joke, it seems, is on the audience.

What is Give It Up About? A Comedian's Downfall, Without the Laughs.

Give It Up, set for release in 2026, follows stand-up comedian Mortimer Baldwin (Gareth Reynolds) as his career implodes. His once-popular podcast is abruptly taken over by a viral nine-year-old sensation — a premise that sounds ripe for cringe comedy, doesn't it? His manager, played by Jake Johnson, sends Mortimer out on a desperate tour to film a comeback special, asking the central question: "what's so funny?" Apparently, not much. The film's aggregated rating sits at a stark 0/10, making it one of the rare comedies to completely miss the mark with critics. The concept is strong, but the execution, well, it falters.

The Cast & Creative Intentions: What Went Wrong?

Give It Up arrives as a streaming-first comedy in 2026, a common path for mid-budget character pieces today. The casting of Gareth Reynolds as Mortimer Baldwin, a podcaster-comedian dethroned by a younger act, isn't just clever; it feels almost autobiographical, given Reynolds' own background in long-running podcast work and his appearances on The Always Sunny Podcast. Reynolds has a knack for seeming genuinely annoyed by things that are actually funny, and the film clearly tried to leverage that quality here.

Jake Johnson, meanwhile, brings his reliably grounded energy to the manager role. From New Girl to Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Johnson excels at playing technically-in-charge guys who are clearly improvising their way through life. Their dynamic was intended to anchor the film’s second act as the tour goes sideways — predictable, perhaps, but the hope was for it to still be funny. Unfortunately, even the combined talents of Reynolds and Johnson couldn't lift Give It Up from its critical abyss.

The Performances: Trying to Find Humor in the Unfunny

Honestly, it's incredibly hard to play a comedian who isn't funny, yet still convince an audience they once were good. Reynolds was tasked with making us believe in Mortimer Baldwin's past career before feeling the sting of its loss. There's a scene where Mortimer performs at a half-empty sports bar in, say, Akron or Tulsa. The silence between his punchlines isn't just played for cringe; it aims for something sadder. But when a film scores 0/10, that sadness often just translates to a general lack of engagement. It’s a hard note to hit, and for many, it simply didn't land.

What's striking is the film's use of the nine-year-old viral sensation not as a villain, but as a mirror — the kid isn't malicious, isn't even aware Mortimer exists. That’s the real wound, the sting of irrelevance. Jake Johnson's manager character carries his own quiet panic; if Mortimer's career ends, so might his. The film tries to suggest the comedy isn't about stand-up at all, but about losing your identity. A powerful theme. But ambition, sadly, doesn't always equal success, especially when the jokes themselves fail to connect.

Where to (Maybe) Stream Give It Up & FAQs

Give It Up is a concise 89-minute watch — a self-contained story without cliffhangers or sequel setups. While its 0/10 rating might deter many, if you're a completist for Gareth Reynolds or Jake Johnson's work, or just curious about what makes a film universally panned, it is available.

Here’s what else you should know:

• Where can I watch Give It Up online?
  • Give It Up is currently available on major OTT platforms. The most accurate, real-time list of streaming options is always in the Where-to-Watch widget at the top of this page on Movie OTT. We track availability across services like Netflix and Prime Video.
• Who stars in Give It Up?
  • Gareth Reynolds plays the lead, Mortimer Baldwin.
  • Jake Johnson plays his manager.
• How long is Give It Up?
  • The film runs for 89 minutes.
• Is Give It Up based on a true story?
  • Not directly, but its premise taps into very real anxieties within the comedy and podcasting world about being replaced by newer, viral acts. The character of Mortimer Baldwin doesn't feel entirely invented.
• What is Give It Up rated?
  • An official MPAA rating hasn't been confirmed yet. Given the comedy genre, a PG-13 or R rating would be typical. Movie OTT will update its listing once the rating is formally assigned.

Who Should (Honestly) Watch Give It Up?

Look — Give It Up is built for anyone who’s ever watched someone talented get overlooked for someone newer. That's most of us, really. It’s a comedy, but not a broad one. Reynolds and Johnson aren't playing for easy laughs; they're aiming for something more uncomfortable and, ostensibly, more true. But here’s the rub: not every joke lands, and the tour-stop set pieces feel familiar without the payoff. The film earns its ending, in a way, just not the way a critically acclaimed film would. At 89 minutes, it certainly doesn't outstay its welcome. If you enjoy truly uncomfortable cringe comedy, or are just fascinated by films that fail spectacularly despite a strong premise and cast, then maybe, maybe, give it a try. Otherwise, you're probably better off. Movie OTT tracks hundreds of comedies, and this one stands out for reasons you probably don't want.