Hi Octane

Synopsis

Hi Octane is an avant-garde television talk show created and hosted by Sofia Coppola in 1994. Known for its experimental and surreal style, the show features a mix of stilted interviews, offbeat humor, and quirky celebrity guests. Each episode presents an eclectic blend of pop culture references, unconventional dialogues, and artistic visuals that reflect Coppola's unique vision and approach to television. With its low-budget aesthetic and deliberately awkward pacing, Hi Octane breaks conventional talk show norms, aiming to provide an alternative take on celebrity interviews and entertainment in the vibrant cultural landscape of the early 90s.

Cast

• 

  Sofia Coppola

  Self (Host)

• 

  Zoe Cassavetes

  Self (Host)

• 

  Thurston Moore

  Self (Host)

Reviews

Critical reception to Hi Octane has been mixed, with many reviewers divided over its unusual format and style. On IMDb, the show holds a rating of 4.1/10, reflecting a generally lukewarm audience response. Some critics appreciate the show’s avant-garde approach, commending Sofia Coppola for pushing creative boundaries and offering a fresh, if niche, take on TV talk shows. For instance, The A.V. Club highlighted its "cult fascination" despite noting that its awkwardness and low production values might alienate mainstream viewers. Conversely, others found the show's deliberate awkwardness and lack of conventional structure off-putting. Some reviews criticized the episodes for feeling disjointed and less engaging compared to traditional talk shows. Rotten Tomatoes does not have an official rating for Hi Octane, which suggests limited mainstream coverage; meanwhile, Metacritic likewise lacks aggregated scores, underscoring the show's cult rather than commercial appeal. Overall, the show is recognized more for its artistic experimentation than broad critical acclaim, attracting viewers interested in alternative media and early works of Coppola.

See also

Money Heist

Stranger Things

Squid Game

Breaking Bad