The dysfunctional gaming family of Mythic Quest makes a triumphant return to the small screen after a long hiatus, as the fourth season arrives on Apple TV + this week. Delivering with a sense of reinvention, tackling bold new ideas, while still delivering the sharp, comedic edge fans of the show have come to love.
Ever wondered what the creative minds behind Mythic Quest think about advancements in artificial intelligence? Or about the infiltration of sovereign wealth? Or child labour laws? Or maybe you've just wanted to see Charlie Day threaten to roundhouse kick someone in the face? If you're even partially curious, you're on the right track. All these cultural touchpoints (minus one, arguably) serve as comedic cornerstones in the new season of AppleTV+'s hit workplace comedy, brought back to us by the team behind It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
The story picks up with Ian (Rob McElhenney) and Poppy (Charlotte Nicdao) trying to foster a “healthy” professional relationship, in their new roles as co-creative directors of MQ. Predictably, their fragile truce crumbles within minutes, making way for a whirlwind of disasters and some (somewhat shocking) twists. Their quest to create a new game expansion drives much of the season, as they aim to revive the company's golden era — likened to the “glory days of COVID” by an ever-awkward David (David Hornsby), to the sound of nothing but crickets (one for the Sunny fans out there).
While the heart of the show continues to be Ian and Poppy's dynamic, Mythic Quest remains an ensemble triumph. The talented cast is given plenty of room to shine, with Dana (Imani Hakim), Brad (Danny Pudi), and Jo (Jessie Ennis) bringing energy and wit as they rebel against what they perceive as artistic oppression. Yet, some of the season's best scenes come from the hilarious partnership of David and Rachel (Ashly Burch), who weave through the corporate side of game development with all the grace of the monsters that appear during the cut scenes of the show. Their congressional hearing over child labour violations offers a standout sequence that evokes memories of the great hearing from Succession, all be it through a slightly bigger comedic lens.
Although the series has always excelled at delivering rapid-fire jokes, this season also takes a deeper dive into the personal lives and motivations of its characters. It thoughtfully explores the theme of being a workaholic and the elusive “work-work-life balance,” as Poppy herself states, reflecting on how relentless ambition has shaped her identity. These moments of introspection add emotional weight, offering something for you to take to your desk as you log on for another day.
The already-converted fans of Mythic Quest's inventive storytelling will be pleased to see fresh episode concepts that maintain the show's engaging rhythm. A standout is a murder mystery episode with a Traitors-inspired intrigue, which ripples through the entire ensemble. The obligatory “side quest” episode this season takes a coming-of-age spin through a Gen Z lens. While it doesn't quite reach the heights of past standalone gems like Season 1's Dark Quiet Death, it's still an entertaining addition to the catalogue. Those yearning for more will be thrilled to know the upcoming Mythic Quest: Side Quest spin-off drops alongside the finale on March 26.
With its blend of humour, heart, and boundary-pushing creativity, Season 4 proves that Mythic Quest hasn't lost its edge. Whether you're here for the laughs, the clever commentary, the dynamic characters, or to see Charlie Day debut a quite astounding moustache, this is a season worth logging in for.
Mythic Quest Season 4 premieres on Wednesday 29th January with the first two episodes. Only on Apple TV +.