Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Review: A Bold, Heartfelt Remix of a Classic Hero

Alright, Spidey fans, buckle up—or should I say, web up? —

because Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man has swung onto Disney+ with all the energy of Peter Parker chugging an espresso before a late-night patrol. This animated series, which dropped its first two episodes on January 29, 2025, and wrapped up its 10-episode run by February 19, is a total treat for Marvel lovers, casual viewers, and anyone who’s ever wanted to see a teenage superhero juggle school, work, and saving the day—all while mentored by the sketchiest billionaire this side of Oscorp. Spoiler alert: it’s Norman Osborn, and he’s serving up more drama than a soap opera villain. Let’s break down why this show is the friendly neighborhood gem we didn’t know we needed.

First off, let’s talk about the premise because it’s wild in the best way. This isn’t your typical “Uncle Ben dies, Peter cries, with great power comes great responsibility” origin story—though, don’t worry, that heartstring-tugging core is still there. Instead, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man remixes the MCU-adjacent timeline and gives us a Peter Parker (voiced by the pitch-perfect Hudson Thames) who’s bitten by a radioactive spider during a chaotic Doctor Strange brawl at Midtown High. Yep, the Sorcerer Supreme is chasing some freaky creature, portals are popping, and Peter’s just trying to survive orientation day. Three months later, he’s already swinging around Queens in a homemade hockey-sweater-and-mask combo, fighting petty crooks and figuring out life. But here’s the kicker: instead of Tony Stark playing mentor, it’s Norman Osborn (Colman Domingo, chewing the scenery like a pro) taking Peter under his wing. Green Goblin as life coach? That’s a plot twist juicier than a New York street pretzel.

The animation style is where this show really hooks you. It’s like someone took Steve Ditko’s classic ‘60s Spider-Man comics, tossed them in a blender with a dash of modern CGI, and hit puree. The result? A retro-modern mashup that feels like a moving comic book—complete with cel-shaded vibes and those little corner-box suit updates on the title cards. Is it perfect? Nah, sometimes it’s a little clunky like Peter’s webs misfiring mid-swing, but it’s got so much charm you’ll forgive it. The action pops off the screen—whether Spidey’s flipping over Scorpion’s tail or dodging Daredevil’s billy clubs in a cameo that’ll make you cheer. It’s not Into the Spider-Verse levels of groundbreaking, but it’s got its own scrappy, scruffy appeal, like Peter’s first DIY costume.

Speaking of Peter, Hudson Thames (despite what he says in the media) brings the awkward-teen energy we all crave. This isn’t the slick, confident Tom Holland Spidey from the MCU movies—this Peter’s a total dork who’s late to everything, tripping over his words around his crush Pearl Pangan (Cathy Ang), and still figuring out how to balance his double life. He’s got that classic Parker luck: just when things are looking up—like scoring a paid internship at Oscorp—he’s gotta dodge Norman’s shady schemes or fight a gang leader named Big Don (Ettore “Big E” Ewen) who’s terrorizing Harlem. Thames nails the quips, too. Lines like “Hey, maybe try therapy instead of robbery next time!” hit that sweet spot of goofy and heroic. You can practically hear Peter grinning under the mask, even when he’s webbed to a wall.

The supporting cast? Oh, they’re a riot. Nico Minoru (Grace Song) is Peter’s whip-smart bestie who’s got his back—and occasionally busts his chops about his terrible time management. She’s a Runaways nod for the comic nerds, but here she’s just a regular teen (for now—season 2, let’s get some magic going!). Then there’s Lonnie Lincoln (Eugene Byrd), the quarterback with a brain who surprises Peter by being a genuinely cool lab partner. Pearl, meanwhile, is the babysitter-turned-crush who’s way too chill for Peter’s nerdy flailing. And Harry Osborn (Zeno Robinson)? He’s the rich kid with a heart, stuck in his dad Norman’s shadow. Together, they’re the kind of crew you’d want at your high school lunch table—except, y’know, they’re also dodging gamma-enhanced baddies.

Now, let’s get to Norman Osborn, because Colman Domingo is the MVP here. This guy’s not twirling a mustache and cackling (yet), but he’s got that smooth, sinister edge that keeps you guessing. Is he a legit mentor trying to mold Peter into a hero for a chaotic world? Or is he just grooming Spidey for something darker? Every scene with him drips with tension—like when he’s giving Peter motivational pep talks about responsibility, you’re waiting for the other shoe to drop. Domingo’s voice is all velvet and steel, making Norman feel like a chess master playing a game Peter doesn’t even know he’s in. It’s a bold swap from Tony Stark, and it works because it flips the script: instead of a snarky genius dad figure, Peter’s got a wildcard who might just be his biggest threat.

The villains are a mixed bag, but they keep things spicy. Early on, it’s mostly street-level punks—think goons with baseball bats or a dude named Butane who’s… honestly, not that memorable. But then Scorpion (yep, Mac Gargan himself) rolls in, and suddenly Peter’s got a real fight on his hands. The season builds to some heavy hitters, like Otto Octavius (Hugh Dancy), whose gamma-fusion tech starts causing chaos. There’s a “villain of the week” vibe for a chunk of it, which keeps the pace snappy—Peter’s always got some new jerk to web up—but Scorpion’s the one who sticks around, pushing Peter to his limits. Plus, those MCU cameos? Doctor Strange kicking things off, Charlie Cox’s Daredevil popping in for a rooftop tussle, and even a Vincent D’Onofrio Kingpin tease—it’s like a Marvel Easter egg hunt, and I’m here for it.

What really makes this show sing, though, is its heart. Peter’s not just punching bad guys; he’s helping shop owners, saving random citizens, and wrestling with what it means to be a hero. The “neighborhood” part isn’t just a cute title—it’s the soul of the story. When he’s not at Oscorp or school, he’s out there being the little guy’s champ, whether it’s stopping a mugging or facing down Norman’s murky motives. The finale, “If This Be My Destiny,” riffs on that iconic comic moment where Peter’s pinned under rubble, and it’s a gut-punch of emotion. He digs deep, not just for himself, but for everyone counting on him. It’s classic Spidey, remixed with a fresh twist.

Is it flawless? Nope. The animation can feel stiff at times, and some of the early villains are forgettable—like, did we need a guy named Unicorn? Really? Hardcore fans might gripe about the changes to the lore (no Tony, new supporting cast), but if you roll with it, it’s a blast. The writing’s sharp, the pacing’s lively, and the surprises—like Peter quitting Oscorp to join Harry’s startup W.E.B.—keep you hooked. Plus, that hip-hop remix of the ‘60s Spider-Man theme? It slaps harder than a web to the face.

So, grab your Disney+ remote and dive in. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man is a love letter to the wall-crawler’s roots, with enough new tricks to keep it fresh. It’s got humor, heart, and a Peter Parker you can’t help but root for—even when he’s swinging into trouble headfirst. Five stars—or five webs—for a show that’s equal parts nostalgic and bold. Season 2’s already greenlit, and I’m counting the days ‘til Spidey swings back. Excelsior, true believers!

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spiderman: Final Grade A-