What Jared Keeso and company have accomplished entering the fourth season of Shoresy is television magic. The spin-off about Letterkenny’s foul-mouthed hockey defenseman proved there’s more to “Waffle” Shore than filthy insults and bloody knuckles. That continues into Season 4, as Shoresy (played by Keeso) wrestles with his in-rink retirement. It’s the part in every sports drama where the star athlete mourns their career and struggles to find happiness away from competition — for Shoresy, hockey is everything. Keeso’s creative strengths remain prevalent as Shoresy continues to evolve beyond his one-note Letterkenny personality because, just like the title character’s motto, this show refuses to lose.
What Is ‘Shoresy’ Season 4 About?

Through the first three episodes — what was provided for review consideration — Shoresy covers offseason highs and lows. The Blueberry Bulldogs “sluts” (players) spend their days chugging beers and hoisting their championship trophy at Sudbury landmarks, from historic locomotives to graffiti murals. Bulldogs general manager Nat (Tasya Teles) begs her players to behave themselves, which they agree to do if they’re granted access to a debaucherous party dubbed “Weird Sudbury.” Nat obliges but also counters with an additional duty — take a group of Triple-A prodigies under their wing and keep them out of trouble (thus forming the “Blueberry Buddies” program). All that, and Shoresy finds himself trying out an on-camera gig as part of Bro Dude’s new web series, “3-On-1.”
Keeso spares no chance to instigate chaos, but the show’s core brotherhood themes are still paramount. Shoresy is a show about dedication, the love of any game, and friendship. There’s no Bulldogs puck play in the first three episodes, but that doesn’t diminish sports dramedy returns. Shoresy’s familiar Roy Kent arc is not lost in the mix, complete with a cheeky wink and self-referential Ted Lasso joke. Shoresy has carved its path in the ice but still retains that oh-so Letterkenny sensibility about its quick-witted humor, prevalent as “whaleshit” league hockey players would rather go tubing than run drills.
‘Shoresy’ Season 4 Is Mostly Bangers With Small Stumbles

Season 4’s bits are (so far) another batch of bangers with minor stumbles. Shoresy’s paired with Darry’s ex-sweetie Anik Archambault (Kim Cloutier) and a rotating third guest of former NHL superstars for “3-On-1,” which is the bungle you’d imagine. Then there’s the Bulldogs crew being tipsy goons wherever they go, partying around their trophy or grinning like children on inflatable rafts. The introduction of underage hot-shot hockey players drives a generational wedge as Shoresy’s crew are forced to reckon with toxic masculinity in locker rooms and such, which is met with expected levels of confusion from men who grew up “helicoptering” (Google… or no, don’t Google that). Keeso again dances a fine line between general comedy and hockey-specific language, finding harmony for general audiences.
Shoresy’s social awareness is its greatest asset, as Keeso’s keen eye for cutting commentary proves far more stimulating than you’d assume. Shoresy (the character) is hilariously thrown to the wolves when he goes toe-to-toe with Canadian Women’s Olympic gold medalist Tessa Bonhomme, play-by-play announcer for the professional women’s hockey league Kenzie Lalonde, and co-founder of data analytics company Stathletes Meghan Chayka as he tries to articulate his opinion on why women’s hockey isn’t the same as men’s. Yes, Shoresy sounds like an alpha idiot trying to rationalize why women aren’t as fast or accomplished on the ice — that’s the point. Keeso fearlessly portrays a one-too-many-concussions bruiser by letting former number 69 say the dumb thing out loud. Shoresy is at its best when Keeso’s Bulldog is floundering in conversation, since he’s not afraid to dig a hole to bury himself when making points with an exclamation mark. Shoresy is who he is, which is both refreshing and revealing, but Keeso’s equal-opportunity roasting sells why male players are called “sluts” and how women are so often shown in positions of power.

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However, comedy is subjective and Shoresy cannot escape divisive results. Through the first episodes of Season 4, I’m not sold on the Blueberry Buddies program. That’s not a dig at any younger actors; it’s more about the dynamic of budding players approaching the Bulldogs with heavy topics like mental health and locker-room nudity. Where Keeso’s proved his worth writing women as flipped-script characters in an otherwise misogynistic and male-dominated industry, there’s less adeptness as Shoresy tries to comprehend why boys can’t show their dinks anymore. The “helicoptering” conversation is particularly funny and leads to an A+ recurring gag, but other meatier topics land flatter. Maybe that’s intentional, given where the boys and men reconcile at the end of Episode 3, but it’s (so far) the weakest aspect of Season 4.
‘Shoresy’ Season 4 Still Succeeds With Its Main Romance

Image via Hulu

What doesn’t lack is Shoresy’s pursuit of reporter love interest Laura Mohr (Camille Sullivan). While Dolo (Jonathan-Ismaël Diaby) and Goodie (Andrew Antsanen) relish their sexual activities during water sports, Shoresy stays the course of wooing Mohr since Season 1. Open communication and Shoresy’s adorably blunt flirtations define a wholesome modern relationship without time-wasting games. Mohr’s a single mother — hesitations are warranted — but their chemistry is divine, especially how Mohr reduces Shoresy to a squeaky-voiced pile of rom-com bliss. It’s one of my favorite romances on television, defying every preconception established about the mother-loving Shoresy in Letterkenny.
I’m a happy Shoresy fan based on the first half of Season 4. Sure, everything depends on how Jared Keeso lands a teased generational handover and Shoresy’s prospect of coaching Bulldogs hockey. Plenty of questions remain unanswered — like the ramifications of “The Jims” going rogue — but it’s impressive how much Shoresy covers over a few 20-to-30-minute episodes. Keeso uses the Bulldogs’ offseason to skewer social media trends, contemplate the proper length to enjoy being championship, and confront the downfalls of being so passionate you can’t find an off switch. Now it’s time to see if Shoresy can fulfill himself from the sidelines, or let his competitive fire burn him alive.
Shoresy Season 4 premieres February 26 on Hulu.

Shoresy

Shoresy’s fourth season is off to an expectedly splendid start, and based on the three episodes shown to critics, there’s no stopping this Letterkenny spin-off that’s become a formidable force.

Release Date

May 13, 2022

Pros & Cons

Shoresy?s at its best when he?s an example of what not to do, which Keeso knows.
The romance between Shoresy and Laura Mohr continues to light up the screen.
An offseason in Sudbury is filled with goof-offs that?ll bring a smile to fans’ faces.

The Triple-A Lakers bits are this season?s struggle so far.
Comedy is subjective, but some bits just go for too long.