Review: ‘Dear…’ On Apple TV+

Review by James Lindorf

“Your legacy is every life you’ve touched” was a bit of wisdom from Mya Angelou to Oprah one day while the two were making biscuits. Most of us will only touch our family and friends’ lives, but some will reach thousands, if not millions. Ten such people are highlighted in the new Apple TV+ show “Dear….” From Oprah and Spike Lee to Jane Goodall and Big Bird, it is more than likely you’ve been impacted in one way or another by these iconic figures. Executive produced by Emmy and Peabody Award winner R.J. Cutler “Dear…” is a powerful and cinematic experience. All ten episodes will be available on June 5th, 2020.

“Dear…” is an inventive new take on biographies. The subjects share critical moments in their lives from childhood through today, but what drives their story is a series of letters written by those whose lives they have changed. Stories of finding your place in the world, overcoming abuse, or coming to terms with the death of a loved one are just the tip of the iceberg. “Dear…” can teach you, shock you, make you laugh, and leave you with tears in your eyes as people share their best and darkest moments. Each episode is about 30 minutes long, with Oprah getting the most screen time at 39 minutes and Big Bird the least at 23 minutes.

There are usually only a couple of ways most creators handle the reading of letters in film. They tend to either be voice over or the reader alone with the camera focused tight on them so you can feel the emotion pouring out of them. Instead of the disembodied voice or the static retelling “Dear…” shows the letter writers in motion going about their daily lives. The inspiration and guidance they received from the subject helped them become who they are, whether they are professional athletes, doctors, journalists, or a well-adjusted family. The writers wanted to say thank you to someone they have never met in the only way they could with a heartfelt letter.

If Apple TV+ continues to put out content with the same level of quality as “Dear…” the new streaming service doesn’t have to worry about finding or keeping its audience. The complete list of season one participants includes Oprah Winfrey, Gloria Steinem, Spike Lee, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Yara Shahidi, Stevie Wonder, Aly Raisman, Misty Copeland, Big Bird, and Jane Goodall.