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EDtv

Play trailer Poster for EDtv PG-13 1999 2h 2m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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64% Tomatometer 47 Reviews 30% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
In a desperate attempt to boost ratings, a cable channel decides to document the life of someone on a daily basis and air the footage as a show. That lucky someone turns out to be Ed Pekurny (Matthew McConaughey), a laid-back video-store clerk. While the TV series makes Ed an overnight celebrity, it also begins to wreak havoc on his personal life, complicating his relationship with his new girlfriend, Shari (Jenna Elfman), and causing tension with his brother, Ray (Woody Harrelson).
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EDtv

EDtv

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Critics Consensus

If it's not as ambitious as The Truman Show in satirizing the voyeuristic nature of television, EdTV is an amiable, witty comedy with fine performances from Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson.

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Critics Reviews

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David Ansen Newsweek Mar 3, 2018
You'll have a good time watching "EDtv"-- Howard is always at his best in comic mode, and he gives the film a cleverly cluttered look that suggests the experience of watching reality on multiple monitors. Go to Full Review Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times Jan 1, 2000
2.5/4
After it's over, we've laughed some, smiled a little and cared not really very much. Go to Full Review Gary Wolcott Tri-City Herald Jul 13, 2023
C
As entertainment, EDtv is about as fulfilling as an episode of The Jerry Springer Show. Go to Full Review Renee Schonfeld Common Sense Media Feb 3, 2015
3/5
Comic satire of reality TV; lots of dysfunction, sexuality. Go to Full Review David Nusair Reel Film Reviews Nov 6, 2014
2/4
...a fine premise that's utilized to progressively underwhelming effect... Go to Full Review Mark Halverson Sacramento News & Review Aug 7, 2008
2/5
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Audience Reviews

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Eye C @ECinc May 18, 2026 It’s funny, the way it shows how it would be the reality tv in the next years it’s amazing. But I can’t stop thinking that after Apollo 13 this felt like a downer. See more Jolynn D @JLDell Mar 1, 2026 This is the most outrageously underrated movie ever. Ron Howard directing and the cast is genius - Matthew M and Woody H back at the beginning - Ellen, Jenna Elfman, Martin Landau and of course RIP Rob Reiner. Maybe it was "before its time" as one reviewer commented, but it is a superbly insightful take on the beginning of reality tv, the meaning and value of privacy, the way being watched changes our reality, and exploitation for entertainment. Privacy is not just about protecting information - it is about dignity and personhood. We cannot be who we want to be without backstage/offstage non-performative spaces that allow us to be ourselves. Shari could tell you all about it. Don’t pay attention to the numbers - watch the movie. See more Aaron B. @berrycinemaman Dec 27, 2025 Decent film solid laughs See more Joy B. @9mr_0 Dec 18, 2025 فيلم حلو وقصة جميله ومختلفه اخراج رائع و طاقم العمل ادائهم ممتاز See more Helene S @helene___ Dec 13, 2025 It was nice. Makes you think. These men are walking red flags haha, it was different back then I guess. But ultimately Matthew McConaughey plays a very easy-going, likeable guy. See more Jim P @RT08384096 Oct 27, 2025 This is a slow starter, but gets more entertaining. In the end it shows how teleland can fool us all. Anyway, The Truman Show is a much better movie. See more Read all reviews
EDtv

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Cast & Crew

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Ron Howard

Director

Matthew McConaughey

Ed 'Eddie' Pekurny

Jenna Elfman

Shari

Ellen DeGeneres

Cynthia Topping

Woody Harrelson

Ray Pekurny

Martin Landau

Al

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EDtv

EDtv (1999) EDtv (1999) EDtv (1999) EDtv (1999) EDtv (1999) EDtv (1999) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis In a desperate attempt to boost ratings, a cable channel decides to document the life of someone on a daily basis and air the footage as a show. That lucky someone turns out to be Ed Pekurny (Matthew McConaughey), a laid-back video-store clerk. While the TV series makes Ed an overnight celebrity, it also begins to wreak havoc on his personal life, complicating his relationship with his new girlfriend, Shari (Jenna Elfman), and causing tension with his brother, Ray (Woody Harrelson).
Director
Ron Howard
Producer
Jeffrey Barabe, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard
Screenwriter
Émile Gaudreault, Sylvie Bouchard, Lowell Ganz, Babaloo Mandel
Distributor
Universal Pictures
Production Co
Universal Pictures
Rating
PG-13
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Mar 26, 1999, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
May 23, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$22.4M
Runtime
2h 2m
Sound Mix
SDDS, Dolby Digital, DTS, Surround
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