This show was totally unexpected for me. It has an atmosphere I've never seen in any other show. I found it so addictive to watch that I was upset there was only 2 seasons made. Looks like someone came to their senses because They started to make a season 3 as of 2008... YaY. This show gives you a different look at life and death. Imagine if you were to become a Reaper when you died and helped others move on to a better place while you are stuck on Earth and not even allowed to have anything to do with your old life. The whole Idea of the show is interesting. The relationships between the characters are complicated and sweet in some ways. Each character seems to be in a family relationship, but totally alone. I think most people will find this show interesting, entertaining and will get caught up in this show.
194 Reviews
I still miss this show
I_Ailurophile21 February 2021
It's been 17 years since 'Dead like me' prematurely left Showtime's programming line-up, and despite many quality shows on many platforms, there's still not been another quite like it.
The premise is simple enough to parse: Georgia "George" Lass is an 18-year old trying to find her way in life when it comes to an untimely end. But instead of enjoying a peaceful ever-after, she finds herself in a new body as "Millie" to join the ranks of the local Reapers, individuals that have also "passed on" and who are tasked with tapping souls for collection before they depart the mortal realm.
Throughout the show's excellent two seasons, we're treated to very dry, morbid humor that occasionally diverts into screwball territory. At the same time, George experiences the growth she never had in life as she meets the people she's supposed to reap, and gets closer to her fellow reapers. By following her as a protagonist we're given some deeply heartfelt moments: There's also the shattered family George leaves behind, including her younger sister, and the bubbly supervisor at the temp agency that George spurned in life but finds herself befriending in her second existence as Millie.
Beyond the basic concept of the show, we're also treated to glimpses of deeper lore in the 'Dead like me' universe: There are gravelings, diminutive and gangly gremlin-like creatures responsible for arranging the deaths of those being reaped. There are also other authorities that the reapers seemingly answer to, never seen, who give them their assignments for each day.
The latter especially offer an example of the bigger questions that the characters ponder even in death, and which extend into thoughts for viewers to consider: There's seemingly a cosmic plan, an order to How Things Are Done, but why? Are there tangible consequences for defying the path laid out for us, or is it just forbidden because it upsets some unknown and unknowable sense of order?
Every character very much has their own personality that they bring to the tapestry of the show, and everyone in the cast portrays them so very well. Ellen Muth shines as George, plucky and sarcastic, who comes to learn that things aren't as simple as her angst-ridden teenage self was able to understand. Mandy Patinkin is, as ever, a gift; his performance as Rube offers a father figure for George, and for the other reapers, a surly but caring anchor providing structure to the afterlife as they know it. Callum Blue is irresponsible but endearing as Mason; Jasmine Guy both intimidating and reliable as Roxy; and Laura Harris readily embodies Daisy with both the haughtiness she presents as a facade, and the vulnerability she keeps hidden away. And those are just George's fellow reapers, to say nothing of the outstanding performances by Britt McKillip (Reggie, her sister), Cynthia Stevenson (Joy, her mother), or Christine Willes (Delores Herbig, the supervisor at the temp agency).
Show creator Bryan Fuller left very soon after it began, citing an impossible work environment, and original cast member Rebecca Gayheart followed suit, giving free-spirited reaper Betty a scant few episodes to befriend George. 'Dead like me' was apparently cancelled before it ever truly got off the ground, which is deeply unfortunate and makes me grateful that we somehow at least got two seasons. Moreover, thankfully, those two seasons are very solid, and if anything only plumbed deeper and further engaged viewers before the show met its own untimely demise.
Viewers were promised movies to help finish telling the story of 'Dead like me' after it ended, but regrettably we only got one, and 'Life after death' doesn't nearly meet the standard set by the preceding 29 episodes. There were a couple heartfelt character moments, and a very promising ending, but otherwise the direct-to-video offering mostly felt like a lazy attempt to give the audience resolution without really trying. Fans are better off giving it a pass, or trying to forget they watched it.
Like other shows that were cancelled prematurely, there's certainly no hope now, many years later, of seeing the beloved series brought back. We're left only with the memories (and DVD sets) of what we had - and in that, at least, we are blessed. 'Dead like me' was a fantastic, unique show, as worthwhile in 2021 as it was in 2003-2004. There are no particular weaknesses to discuss, and bearing in mind frank discussion of death and typical content notices for TV viewers, I'd recommend it to anyone.
Absolutely watch it if you have the chance.
The premise is simple enough to parse: Georgia "George" Lass is an 18-year old trying to find her way in life when it comes to an untimely end. But instead of enjoying a peaceful ever-after, she finds herself in a new body as "Millie" to join the ranks of the local Reapers, individuals that have also "passed on" and who are tasked with tapping souls for collection before they depart the mortal realm.
Throughout the show's excellent two seasons, we're treated to very dry, morbid humor that occasionally diverts into screwball territory. At the same time, George experiences the growth she never had in life as she meets the people she's supposed to reap, and gets closer to her fellow reapers. By following her as a protagonist we're given some deeply heartfelt moments: There's also the shattered family George leaves behind, including her younger sister, and the bubbly supervisor at the temp agency that George spurned in life but finds herself befriending in her second existence as Millie.
Beyond the basic concept of the show, we're also treated to glimpses of deeper lore in the 'Dead like me' universe: There are gravelings, diminutive and gangly gremlin-like creatures responsible for arranging the deaths of those being reaped. There are also other authorities that the reapers seemingly answer to, never seen, who give them their assignments for each day.
The latter especially offer an example of the bigger questions that the characters ponder even in death, and which extend into thoughts for viewers to consider: There's seemingly a cosmic plan, an order to How Things Are Done, but why? Are there tangible consequences for defying the path laid out for us, or is it just forbidden because it upsets some unknown and unknowable sense of order?
Every character very much has their own personality that they bring to the tapestry of the show, and everyone in the cast portrays them so very well. Ellen Muth shines as George, plucky and sarcastic, who comes to learn that things aren't as simple as her angst-ridden teenage self was able to understand. Mandy Patinkin is, as ever, a gift; his performance as Rube offers a father figure for George, and for the other reapers, a surly but caring anchor providing structure to the afterlife as they know it. Callum Blue is irresponsible but endearing as Mason; Jasmine Guy both intimidating and reliable as Roxy; and Laura Harris readily embodies Daisy with both the haughtiness she presents as a facade, and the vulnerability she keeps hidden away. And those are just George's fellow reapers, to say nothing of the outstanding performances by Britt McKillip (Reggie, her sister), Cynthia Stevenson (Joy, her mother), or Christine Willes (Delores Herbig, the supervisor at the temp agency).
Show creator Bryan Fuller left very soon after it began, citing an impossible work environment, and original cast member Rebecca Gayheart followed suit, giving free-spirited reaper Betty a scant few episodes to befriend George. 'Dead like me' was apparently cancelled before it ever truly got off the ground, which is deeply unfortunate and makes me grateful that we somehow at least got two seasons. Moreover, thankfully, those two seasons are very solid, and if anything only plumbed deeper and further engaged viewers before the show met its own untimely demise.
Viewers were promised movies to help finish telling the story of 'Dead like me' after it ended, but regrettably we only got one, and 'Life after death' doesn't nearly meet the standard set by the preceding 29 episodes. There were a couple heartfelt character moments, and a very promising ending, but otherwise the direct-to-video offering mostly felt like a lazy attempt to give the audience resolution without really trying. Fans are better off giving it a pass, or trying to forget they watched it.
Like other shows that were cancelled prematurely, there's certainly no hope now, many years later, of seeing the beloved series brought back. We're left only with the memories (and DVD sets) of what we had - and in that, at least, we are blessed. 'Dead like me' was a fantastic, unique show, as worthwhile in 2021 as it was in 2003-2004. There are no particular weaknesses to discuss, and bearing in mind frank discussion of death and typical content notices for TV viewers, I'd recommend it to anyone.
Absolutely watch it if you have the chance.
Intelligent, Well-written and acted drama
dinavah27 October 2008
I read a few of the comments regarding this show. As we're all entitled to our opinion, I have to say I thought this show was great.
Mandy Patinkin & Ellen Muth work so well together. She conveys the frustration of being given a job that you do not want to do but have no choice in the matter. He does not - quite rightly - totally fill the role of Father figure but has a tenderness toward her that grows.
Cynthia Stevenson as the mum was an inspired choice & I thought the scenes between her and Britt McKillip as the younger daughter sparked. The child who was almost better prepared or better able to cope than the adult to deal with grief.
Greg Kean conveyed the tiredness and regret of his character with such empathy. The husband and wife of twenty years dealing with such loss and finding out where their relationship has gone was touching.
I would have wished that Rebecca Gayheart's character had lasted longer but Laura Harris sold me the moment she came. The chemistry between her and Callum Blue was so good that you rooted for them to get together.
Christine Willes was just a delight as Millie's boss and for me the star of the office was Crystal. Always in the background but the force to be reckoned with and such fun was had with her character.
The individual stories and the overall arc was set that I think had season three come it would have been the best one. I have so many questions and I'm hoping the DVD will answer some of them.
I miss the cynical voice over of Ellen Muth's character. It's entertainment I know but it's helped me deal with the subject of death and loss. Yes, death is sad but it is part of life and this show put it in a way that took some of the sting away and left a little more smile! Well worth a look if you can.
Mandy Patinkin & Ellen Muth work so well together. She conveys the frustration of being given a job that you do not want to do but have no choice in the matter. He does not - quite rightly - totally fill the role of Father figure but has a tenderness toward her that grows.
Cynthia Stevenson as the mum was an inspired choice & I thought the scenes between her and Britt McKillip as the younger daughter sparked. The child who was almost better prepared or better able to cope than the adult to deal with grief.
Greg Kean conveyed the tiredness and regret of his character with such empathy. The husband and wife of twenty years dealing with such loss and finding out where their relationship has gone was touching.
I would have wished that Rebecca Gayheart's character had lasted longer but Laura Harris sold me the moment she came. The chemistry between her and Callum Blue was so good that you rooted for them to get together.
Christine Willes was just a delight as Millie's boss and for me the star of the office was Crystal. Always in the background but the force to be reckoned with and such fun was had with her character.
The individual stories and the overall arc was set that I think had season three come it would have been the best one. I have so many questions and I'm hoping the DVD will answer some of them.
I miss the cynical voice over of Ellen Muth's character. It's entertainment I know but it's helped me deal with the subject of death and loss. Yes, death is sad but it is part of life and this show put it in a way that took some of the sting away and left a little more smile! Well worth a look if you can.
Outstanding
phil-5255 November 2004
This show is a combination of extremely clever plot lines, a unique and unusual musical score, contemporary editing, and outstanding character casting. The chemistry of characters with this cast is more than exceptional. The ability to give such realism to such an absurd story premise is bewildering and you find yourself taken for a ride down this fairytale as if it were real life. This is perhaps the best program that no one has ever heard of yet and I wouldn't be surprised if it rose to one of the best series of this decade when the show becomes better known to the public. Once you start watching this show, there is now going back. It is ultimately the most addictive show I have ever witnessed. If you haven't seen it, you need to.
Cancelled too soon!
dpatten-7333513 October 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I could use all the adjectives that the other reviewers have, but I will refrain. It's a tragedy that this show (along with Firefly, Wonderfalls and Pushing Daisies in the same time-frame) were cancelled in favor of the typical brain-dead police procedurals and medical dramas.
The 2009 continuation was lacking Mandy Patinkin's "glue" that made the show click.
The 2009 continuation was lacking Mandy Patinkin's "glue" that made the show click.
Great Show!!!
james66772 June 2020
Gone but not forgotten
waveridr-029745 February 2020
It's been 16 years now, I revisit this from time to time as I have the box set. Few shows grab me like those one did and still does, funny, sad, poignant. The cast did well together although I liked Betty more than Daisy.
It lasted 2 years so I guess that will have to do and don't try the movie, it wasn't very good.
This series was excellent
rcfoley-17 November 2006
Dead Like Me is such a great series in that it gives the viewer a way to laugh at the greatest fear we all have, death. The reapers are all too human,... in-humans. They use their undead persona's to better their plight, within reason, under Rube's loose supervision. There are hints of teen rebellion, tempered by ironic twists where the children are more mature than the adults. Toilet Seat Girl, (Ellen Muth) is a reaper who hasn't experienced much in her short 18 years on earth. Her eyes are opened as a reaper to a world that she never knew, or gave a chance to. Her introduction as a dark, cynical slacker gives the viewer little reason to bond. Mason,(Callum Blue) the English teen who also died too young, starts her on new life by bringing her to a mass murder scene. She learns that to survive as a reaper, she'll have to work...At the very place where she died. Her inability to give up her family, who she couldn't stand to be around when she was alive, is one of the most touching aspects of the series. She becomes a far more sympathetic character, dead, than she ever was in her life. You see this through flashbacks of her short, yet turbulent life. Stewart Copeland's musical direction is spot on and the great characters from Roxy to Delores Herbig ("as in her big brown eyes") carry this show. SciFi has been running the 1st season, hope the second makes it on. And oh yeah did I mention that you'll be rolling on the floor with laughter.
Excellently Excellent
Angelmarauder28 September 2006
This series is finely made. The mock-traditions turn it takes is refreshing and it is comedically extremely well made. The casts' acting spirits creates a feeling and conversation easy to immerse one's mind into. The blend of talents from the cast and crew meshes smoothly and constructively in one of the most productive ways I've seen.
The greatly differing personalities of the main characters creates beautiful realistic conflict. The Dark-Comedy genre it falls under can make it unsuitable for children.
If you liked the series, Google the 'Dead Like Me Petition' and show your support for the uptake of Season 3. Showtime canceled the show. Curse them!
The greatly differing personalities of the main characters creates beautiful realistic conflict. The Dark-Comedy genre it falls under can make it unsuitable for children.
If you liked the series, Google the 'Dead Like Me Petition' and show your support for the uptake of Season 3. Showtime canceled the show. Curse them!
Defined a new class of drama
A_Different_Drummer19 January 2014
Warning: Spoilers
If you do the research -- which means mainly reading comments contemporaneous with the show -- you will find that unique one-of-kind projects like this (projects that make no sense on paper, but are almost hypnotic once filmed and in the can) were considered to define the "breakout" of cable and speciality channels/media, proving that the "name" studios and stations did not have a monopoly on creativity. (And paving the way, for, of all things, Netflix.) Like many at the time, I could not believe that the premise would possibly be interesting, but one episode and I was hooked, and I think I have seen many of the episodes more than once. Also remarkable and noteworthy is how, with the possible exception of Mandy Patinkin -- who is delightfully irrepressible, played the Devil in an episode of Touched by An Angel, and did astonishing work in Homeland -- most of the cast here more or less disappeared with the show. (Ellen Muth, for example, is still working but, no disrespect, nothing like the exposure this show gave her.) This reinforces my theory that there was something special about this show at the particular point in history it was made. The attempt to bring the cast together for a full movie in 2009, and I use the word "attempt" deliberately, was simply an embarrassment.
innovative Television rarely seen in the banal TV landscape
wolf00812 August 2006
Another example of how ratings and popularity deem very little to a shows value, Dead Like Me demonstrated innovative Television rarely seen in the banal TV landscape of today. Far above a good deal of what is being pushed by the networks, it is a pity that this show only lasted 2 (cable) seasons.
It is easy to believe that the shows star Eleen Muth is a member of mensa, as her intellect certainly shines through in her cognitive acting ability's. She has an unique presence that demands attention from even the most casual of viewers.
For me, Mandy Patinkin was never better received in a Television series than in the role of the irascible, but brilliant Dr. Jeffrey Geiger on Chicago Hope. However, here his performance is a close second and causes us to be grateful that the actor does not limit his talent to the theater.
If you are just catching this show on the Sci-Fi Channel, you may be a bit perplexed by some of the shows risqué humor. Keep in mind however, that its original airing was on Showtime, where I guess a more graphic approach to language is mandatory. I know some well learned adults that are sent to the internets "urban dictionary", to seek an explanation to an elusive joke.
It is easy to believe that the shows star Eleen Muth is a member of mensa, as her intellect certainly shines through in her cognitive acting ability's. She has an unique presence that demands attention from even the most casual of viewers.
For me, Mandy Patinkin was never better received in a Television series than in the role of the irascible, but brilliant Dr. Jeffrey Geiger on Chicago Hope. However, here his performance is a close second and causes us to be grateful that the actor does not limit his talent to the theater.
If you are just catching this show on the Sci-Fi Channel, you may be a bit perplexed by some of the shows risqué humor. Keep in mind however, that its original airing was on Showtime, where I guess a more graphic approach to language is mandatory. I know some well learned adults that are sent to the internets "urban dictionary", to seek an explanation to an elusive joke.
Wish there were more shows like it
julia_k-0811223 May 2020
My thoughts on why they canceled the show so early
tranj0013 September 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I think whats so successful about Dead Like Me is also why it was also so short lived. It has a highly underdeveloped mythology and Rube was the personification of this characteristic. That's was also why was was such an important character and loosing him was so devastating to the show. The flaw about the show is that it never really clearly defined the mythology (in Dead Like Me, its the concept of death and its intricacies, a really good example of clearly defined mythology is Inception and its ideas on dreams). And I often feel that Dead Like Me is also flawed since the mythology is not consistent. Clear indicators of underdeveloped mythology are shown in the initial episodes and how the questions they posed never get answered. For example, do trees, rocks, blah blah have souls? And the response was Rube says we just don't do it so I don't. I think one of the reasons the writers were so averse in defining these terms is because when you clearly define the mythology, you risk alienating viewers and the stories don't endure the test of time very well. But I have to say, I really loved the show and continue to re-watch it time and time again because it is so entertaining and so funny.
Could have been much better
chupo509 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I know it seems many like this show; if you like it, obviously I'm just stating my views, maybe I just have wrong expectations or a strange taste. But in my opinion, this show could have been so much better.
Obviously, spoiler alert.
First of all, I love the idea of the show: what a great new perspective of death. And I like the actors, I think they all did a good job. It's sad that Ellen Muth and Laura Harris seem to be out of the show business, I hope it's temporary, I'd like to see more of them. That's why I still finished the whole two seasons.
In an interview, the show's original creator, Bryan Fuller, explained that the network Showtime cancelled the show mostly due to bad storytelling. I agree. To me, except some episodes, most of them are just like "this and this happen, end of story," many details are not going anywhere instead of moving the plotline ahead. In a story, every detail must have its purpose, either to drive the story or to show the characters' personality, but I see too many conversations or scenes have no reason to be there. Actually, there seems to be no plotline, they just reap souls and that's it. No conflict, no "what's going to happen? Will they/won't they?" I honestly fell asleep in some episodes.
A bigger problem I have is I fail to see the motives of the characters' behaviors, and therefore it's very hard for me to care about them or relate to them, only find them annoying. For example, Mason is impulsive, selfish, and airhead. It can be fun to have a character like that, but if we know what happen to him when he is alive, if we know what makes him that way, we'll have more understanding and sympathy. But his life (and actually, most of the main characters' lives) is nearly blank; we only know he dies of a stupid death and nothing else. Now I only find him annoying and stupid. Rube seems to have a dark and sad past, but the revelation of his life is way too show, too limited, and fragmental. How about Roxy? She's murdered by her friend, and that's it; it could have developed into a great subplot. When Mason learns that Daisy's last word is "why nobody loves me?" I thought this is such a great line! But that's the end of it, no further development, no further conflict.
A glimpse of a good plot is Ray the bad guy. He charms Daisy, obviously only using her, but she can't see that (or doesn't want to), and Mason is trying hard to help her. NOW that's the conflict! But it ends so abruptly and easy. Ray's troll is easily killed by George-which doesn't make sense: Daisy and Mason have worked way longer than George, but they seem to have limited knowledge of that troll than George? And George is the one kills it without any problem? I'm not saying George can't kill it, but at least show us some fighting and struggle, show us George's fear and courage to overcome it!
The subplot of Reggie and her parents' divorce isn't quite appealing either, I thought they should have shown more about Reggie's reasons of struggle instead of just showing her as a brat. But that might be just me.
And I know it's a "comedy," but many "deaths" in the show are just silly and impossible, more like slapsticks, which isn't actually the tone of the show.
Finally, I have a problem with way too many George's narration. Narration is fine, but too many makes me feel I'm reading someone's account of bio instead of a story. Why not just show us? If George is learning a lesson, don't tell us, show us the change of her behavior or conversation!
All I can say is: it seems the show's cancellation after only 2 seasons has a reason. In fact, I'm a bit surprised it has a season 2; quite a few good shows got canceled after only 1 season.
That said, if there's a season 3 (probably not gonna happen), I probably will watch it and hope it gets better. It's such a great idea, and it actually makes you think about life and death.
Obviously, spoiler alert.
First of all, I love the idea of the show: what a great new perspective of death. And I like the actors, I think they all did a good job. It's sad that Ellen Muth and Laura Harris seem to be out of the show business, I hope it's temporary, I'd like to see more of them. That's why I still finished the whole two seasons.
In an interview, the show's original creator, Bryan Fuller, explained that the network Showtime cancelled the show mostly due to bad storytelling. I agree. To me, except some episodes, most of them are just like "this and this happen, end of story," many details are not going anywhere instead of moving the plotline ahead. In a story, every detail must have its purpose, either to drive the story or to show the characters' personality, but I see too many conversations or scenes have no reason to be there. Actually, there seems to be no plotline, they just reap souls and that's it. No conflict, no "what's going to happen? Will they/won't they?" I honestly fell asleep in some episodes.
A bigger problem I have is I fail to see the motives of the characters' behaviors, and therefore it's very hard for me to care about them or relate to them, only find them annoying. For example, Mason is impulsive, selfish, and airhead. It can be fun to have a character like that, but if we know what happen to him when he is alive, if we know what makes him that way, we'll have more understanding and sympathy. But his life (and actually, most of the main characters' lives) is nearly blank; we only know he dies of a stupid death and nothing else. Now I only find him annoying and stupid. Rube seems to have a dark and sad past, but the revelation of his life is way too show, too limited, and fragmental. How about Roxy? She's murdered by her friend, and that's it; it could have developed into a great subplot. When Mason learns that Daisy's last word is "why nobody loves me?" I thought this is such a great line! But that's the end of it, no further development, no further conflict.
A glimpse of a good plot is Ray the bad guy. He charms Daisy, obviously only using her, but she can't see that (or doesn't want to), and Mason is trying hard to help her. NOW that's the conflict! But it ends so abruptly and easy. Ray's troll is easily killed by George-which doesn't make sense: Daisy and Mason have worked way longer than George, but they seem to have limited knowledge of that troll than George? And George is the one kills it without any problem? I'm not saying George can't kill it, but at least show us some fighting and struggle, show us George's fear and courage to overcome it!
The subplot of Reggie and her parents' divorce isn't quite appealing either, I thought they should have shown more about Reggie's reasons of struggle instead of just showing her as a brat. But that might be just me.
And I know it's a "comedy," but many "deaths" in the show are just silly and impossible, more like slapsticks, which isn't actually the tone of the show.
Finally, I have a problem with way too many George's narration. Narration is fine, but too many makes me feel I'm reading someone's account of bio instead of a story. Why not just show us? If George is learning a lesson, don't tell us, show us the change of her behavior or conversation!
All I can say is: it seems the show's cancellation after only 2 seasons has a reason. In fact, I'm a bit surprised it has a season 2; quite a few good shows got canceled after only 1 season.
That said, if there's a season 3 (probably not gonna happen), I probably will watch it and hope it gets better. It's such a great idea, and it actually makes you think about life and death.
Fabulous TV--It's a shame it was canceled
rdyoungster1 August 2005
For me, TV hit a golden age during the early-mid 80's. It's been a long time since I've been as moved by a television show as I was with Dead Like Me.
Dead Like Me features Ellen Muth, who plays an 18 year old kid who gets killed by a toilet seat from the space station MIR. Her death introduces us to the fascinating world of the Grim Reaper. Full of workplace rules, guidelines, assignments, and generally horrific deaths, Dead Like Me explores the subject of death in a very unusual, yet original way.
When George(Muth) becomes a reaper, her whole world as she knows it changes. She, and her group of reapers, lead by Rube(Mandy Patinkin), use a German waffle house as their base of operations, receiving post-it notes with the names and times of their reaps. Another sub-plot of the show centers around George's family, and the adjustment that they go through after George's death.
Throughout the two seasons(currently available on DVD), the viewer follows life through the eyes of George, and also though her quirky narration. We see George grow into a more confident young woman, and also witness the interactions amongst the various characters and their reaps.
This show is without a doubt one of the most interesting shows out there, and with any luck, Showtime will decide to re-visit this show. I watched for about two minutes and was hooked. I'm certain you'd enjoy this show, too.
Dead Like Me features Ellen Muth, who plays an 18 year old kid who gets killed by a toilet seat from the space station MIR. Her death introduces us to the fascinating world of the Grim Reaper. Full of workplace rules, guidelines, assignments, and generally horrific deaths, Dead Like Me explores the subject of death in a very unusual, yet original way.
When George(Muth) becomes a reaper, her whole world as she knows it changes. She, and her group of reapers, lead by Rube(Mandy Patinkin), use a German waffle house as their base of operations, receiving post-it notes with the names and times of their reaps. Another sub-plot of the show centers around George's family, and the adjustment that they go through after George's death.
Throughout the two seasons(currently available on DVD), the viewer follows life through the eyes of George, and also though her quirky narration. We see George grow into a more confident young woman, and also witness the interactions amongst the various characters and their reaps.
This show is without a doubt one of the most interesting shows out there, and with any luck, Showtime will decide to re-visit this show. I watched for about two minutes and was hooked. I'm certain you'd enjoy this show, too.
Gone too soon
lmz-1408414 May 2021
Dead Like Me should have been renewed or picked up by another channel.
Michael74720 March 2007
The type of show done exceptionally well by network cable that stays under the radar from the big entertainment news, but becomes a jewel nonetheless.
I have just finished watching the final episode and feel that it had many directions to explore if it had been renewed. A distinct "What Next" anticipation.
It had begun to discover its' true foundations in the realm of the "Meaning of Life". The characters and their backgrounds were completed and it appeared that the overall story arc was beginning to grow.
I never would have seen it, except for a chance viewing of the repeats on the SciFi channel. I then went and purchased the series on DVD and became engrossed by it.
I have just finished watching the final episode and feel that it had many directions to explore if it had been renewed. A distinct "What Next" anticipation.
It had begun to discover its' true foundations in the realm of the "Meaning of Life". The characters and their backgrounds were completed and it appeared that the overall story arc was beginning to grow.
I never would have seen it, except for a chance viewing of the repeats on the SciFi channel. I then went and purchased the series on DVD and became engrossed by it.
An odd little show that's flabbergastingly good
dirtydiph10 May 2018
This is one of my all-time favourite TV series that I've now seen and seen again. I'm assuming it took me a few episodes to really appreciate it, but honestly I don't even remember a time when I didn't love it. I found it thru suggestions in the wake of Pushing Daisies and Wonderfalls, and while those were both excellent, Dead Like Me feels much more real and gritty. The acting and writing go hand in hand perfectly--it's whimsical, yes, but not technicolour, doused in saturation whimsy. All of the characters have their own charm. Mandy Patinkin is always great to watch, and Ellen Muth and Laura Harris grew on me too. The soundtrack is mouth-watering! At times charming/upbeat and at times desperately haunting...
There's kind of a fine line between disliking (or liking) a show because it's up your alley vs. because it's well-done. Dead Like Me isn't exactly a drama, or comedy, or fantasy, or some surreal art piece, and because of that in many ways it feels almost subdued, but there is a lot of wit and story-telling and beauty in it.
There's kind of a fine line between disliking (or liking) a show because it's up your alley vs. because it's well-done. Dead Like Me isn't exactly a drama, or comedy, or fantasy, or some surreal art piece, and because of that in many ways it feels almost subdued, but there is a lot of wit and story-telling and beauty in it.
Wildly unappreciated
oda-brodersen2 June 2021
A Ubiquitous Success
sts-2629 January 2009
Dead Like Me is one of those pop culture phenomena that while not a all-out success in its first run, proved ubiquitous, influencing pop culture in many different ways.
The concept of the show made a vague reference to Six Feet Under, and other predecessors, but was original; its take on death and the hereafter, and the way this was visualized was remarkable. The show was not a great success, surviving only a few seasons, but has gone on to prove incredibly influential.
Imitations of Dead Like Me's theme music, fashions, special effects, etc, have since appeared everywhere. And while one could argue that Dead Like Me drew some concepts from Six Feet Under, one could not claim that Medium and Ghost Whisperer were not created primarily to exploit the buzz created by Dead Like Me.
The Dead Like Me phenomena is extremely unique in America, for, while the entertainment industries of the UK, Australia, and certainly Canada, are OK with a singer, film or TV show going sub-culture, the American entertainment industry is more pragmatic, and wants to see the money roll in ASAP. Dead Like Me was a fantastic anomaly.
So, as Dead Like Me becomes legend for its great concept, excellent cast, and ubiquitous style, I hope it also becomes noteworthy for its very unique place in television history.
The concept of the show made a vague reference to Six Feet Under, and other predecessors, but was original; its take on death and the hereafter, and the way this was visualized was remarkable. The show was not a great success, surviving only a few seasons, but has gone on to prove incredibly influential.
Imitations of Dead Like Me's theme music, fashions, special effects, etc, have since appeared everywhere. And while one could argue that Dead Like Me drew some concepts from Six Feet Under, one could not claim that Medium and Ghost Whisperer were not created primarily to exploit the buzz created by Dead Like Me.
The Dead Like Me phenomena is extremely unique in America, for, while the entertainment industries of the UK, Australia, and certainly Canada, are OK with a singer, film or TV show going sub-culture, the American entertainment industry is more pragmatic, and wants to see the money roll in ASAP. Dead Like Me was a fantastic anomaly.
So, as Dead Like Me becomes legend for its great concept, excellent cast, and ubiquitous style, I hope it also becomes noteworthy for its very unique place in television history.
Mr. Blinky
aimless-467 September 2007
IMHO 'Dead Like Me" is the all-time best television series. Of course I like off-kilter stuff that still makes sense and tries to build themes into the story. For those who have not discovered this gem, imagine a cross between "Tru Calling" and "Welcome to the Dollhouse" that pushes the envelope of irreverence about as much as "The Family Guy". Then imagine that behind all the surface irreverence is a transcendent reverence for the human condition. If that level of complexity appeals to you, "Dead Like Me" is something you should immediately track down.
I was permanently hooked by the conclusion of the "Pilot" episode when the resolution did not take the traditional happy path. Instead of being able to intervene and change the destiny of the little girl, George (Ellen Muth) is forced to do her job as a reaper. They go out to the strains of "Que Sera Sera", normally very corny but here very ironic. The song was originally written for Hitchcock's "The Man Who Knew Too Much", a film about parents trying rescue their child which has parallels to what George is attempting and on another level the little girl is symbolic of George. And the song's lyrics are a perfect fit for the "randomness of life" theme of "Dead Like Men".
Each episode has subtle details like this, which may require repeated viewings just to uncover elements that you missed initially. I recommended purchasing a DVD of each season just to have the flexibility to watch several times at your convenience.
"Dead Like Me," has the mark of writers who aren't thinking about audience reaction or how the Showtime executives will relate to it. The story just pours out with a lot of verve, wit, and audacity.
Any series that focuses on a teenager killed by a falling toilet seat from the space station Mir has something going for it. George is sometimes called Miss Toilet Seat. She is assigned to Rube (Mandy Patinkin from "Chicago Hope"), who is kind of a platoon sergeant for a small group of "not always grim" reapers (soul collectors) who meet in a German Waffle House (listen for the occasional yodeling in the background).
The story is told from the point of view of 18-year-old jaded slacker Georgia "George" Lass (Muth), whose voice-over commentary sometimes contradicts what is happening on the screen. Her intelligence and advanced maturity give a world-weary "whatever" to the endless bizarre situations she must deal with; "it looks like death was just my wake-up call".
There is a running side story about the family George left behind. Her grieving unhappy mother Joy (Cynthia Stevenson), her professor father, Clancy (Greg Kean), and her sister Reggie (Britt McKillip) who collects toilet seats and may remind you of Dawn Weiner.
The reapers might technically be the undead but they interact with the living 24-7; although in a different body than they had when they were alive. There is no pay but they need a place to stay and food to eat so they get day jobs or relieve the dead of their spare cash. They even have pets; George keeps Mr. Blinky, the little girl's frog from the pilot episode.
Rube gives each reaper a yellow sticky note with a name, address, and an ETD; it's up to the reaper to collect the soul-ideally just before the actual death, and guide them to the next life. Reapers don't know why they got the job or how long they will be performing it; they accept it because it affords them the opportunity to continue to experience the things they liked and disliked about living; and they are not ready to give these up.
As a series "Dead Like Me" establishes a complex and consistent set of rules that viewers embrace. The writers are good about playing within this set of constraints and not cheating when they feel lazy or it is otherwise convenient.
Humor of various kinds is the predominant emotion but things often get serious and philosophical in a believable and intelligent fashion.
"When I was just a little girl I asked my mother what will I be? Will I be pretty? Will I be rich? Here's what she said to me.
Que sera, sera. Whatever will be, will be. The future's not ours to see. Que sera, sera... "
Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.
I was permanently hooked by the conclusion of the "Pilot" episode when the resolution did not take the traditional happy path. Instead of being able to intervene and change the destiny of the little girl, George (Ellen Muth) is forced to do her job as a reaper. They go out to the strains of "Que Sera Sera", normally very corny but here very ironic. The song was originally written for Hitchcock's "The Man Who Knew Too Much", a film about parents trying rescue their child which has parallels to what George is attempting and on another level the little girl is symbolic of George. And the song's lyrics are a perfect fit for the "randomness of life" theme of "Dead Like Men".
Each episode has subtle details like this, which may require repeated viewings just to uncover elements that you missed initially. I recommended purchasing a DVD of each season just to have the flexibility to watch several times at your convenience.
"Dead Like Me," has the mark of writers who aren't thinking about audience reaction or how the Showtime executives will relate to it. The story just pours out with a lot of verve, wit, and audacity.
Any series that focuses on a teenager killed by a falling toilet seat from the space station Mir has something going for it. George is sometimes called Miss Toilet Seat. She is assigned to Rube (Mandy Patinkin from "Chicago Hope"), who is kind of a platoon sergeant for a small group of "not always grim" reapers (soul collectors) who meet in a German Waffle House (listen for the occasional yodeling in the background).
The story is told from the point of view of 18-year-old jaded slacker Georgia "George" Lass (Muth), whose voice-over commentary sometimes contradicts what is happening on the screen. Her intelligence and advanced maturity give a world-weary "whatever" to the endless bizarre situations she must deal with; "it looks like death was just my wake-up call".
There is a running side story about the family George left behind. Her grieving unhappy mother Joy (Cynthia Stevenson), her professor father, Clancy (Greg Kean), and her sister Reggie (Britt McKillip) who collects toilet seats and may remind you of Dawn Weiner.
The reapers might technically be the undead but they interact with the living 24-7; although in a different body than they had when they were alive. There is no pay but they need a place to stay and food to eat so they get day jobs or relieve the dead of their spare cash. They even have pets; George keeps Mr. Blinky, the little girl's frog from the pilot episode.
Rube gives each reaper a yellow sticky note with a name, address, and an ETD; it's up to the reaper to collect the soul-ideally just before the actual death, and guide them to the next life. Reapers don't know why they got the job or how long they will be performing it; they accept it because it affords them the opportunity to continue to experience the things they liked and disliked about living; and they are not ready to give these up.
As a series "Dead Like Me" establishes a complex and consistent set of rules that viewers embrace. The writers are good about playing within this set of constraints and not cheating when they feel lazy or it is otherwise convenient.
Humor of various kinds is the predominant emotion but things often get serious and philosophical in a believable and intelligent fashion.
"When I was just a little girl I asked my mother what will I be? Will I be pretty? Will I be rich? Here's what she said to me.
Que sera, sera. Whatever will be, will be. The future's not ours to see. Que sera, sera... "
Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.
Could be great
Cold_Aqua_Tomato2 October 2020
I like the premise, the plot, the whole story - oh, don't forget the music! - but the actors are either bad or very bad, especially the lead. This series would be AMAZING with a different cast. Such a shame. I hope the person who was in charge of casting for DLM isn't working on TV anymore.
One of the best shows for years
keyboard_kowboy19 November 2006
What can i say about dead like me? Excellent, terrific and most importantly why the hell was it canceled.
Being a English person we often join the best shows late, usually well after they are canceled. This is the case with dead like me, that i found late one night whilst channel surfing on satellite.
The show has so much dead plan humour in it which endeared me to the character of george, who was the main character throughout the first season (until the other characters started to being evolved in season 2) The show is done in very much the style of the wonder years where the main character george does the voice-over explaining certain things.
If you like dead pan humour with lots of weird and wonderful ways to die then this is the show for you. So either check you TV listings for details (hint sci fi in the UK has just started showing season 1). But does make you wonder when great shows like this get canned after 30 episodes yet certain shows run for years and yeats that are trash.
Being a English person we often join the best shows late, usually well after they are canceled. This is the case with dead like me, that i found late one night whilst channel surfing on satellite.
The show has so much dead plan humour in it which endeared me to the character of george, who was the main character throughout the first season (until the other characters started to being evolved in season 2) The show is done in very much the style of the wonder years where the main character george does the voice-over explaining certain things.
If you like dead pan humour with lots of weird and wonderful ways to die then this is the show for you. So either check you TV listings for details (hint sci fi in the UK has just started showing season 1). But does make you wonder when great shows like this get canned after 30 episodes yet certain shows run for years and yeats that are trash.
Early 2000's cynical comedy about collecting souls of the dying
tapio_hietamaki27 March 2017
Warning: Spoilers
'Dead Like Me' perfectly captures that early 2000's cynical comedy style. It's a dark comedy, but not too dark to be uncomfortable. It starts with the main girl getting squashed by a falling toilet seat, and instead of moving onto the next world she is recruited as a grim reaper to collect the souls of others.
The cast consists of the other reapers - all rather eccentric characters who don't take their jobs as collectors of souls very seriously - and Georgia's grieving family. The episodes are a mix of stand-alone and longer story arcs - I don't recommend skipping episodes, but you won't be lost even if you do.
The cast consists of the other reapers - all rather eccentric characters who don't take their jobs as collectors of souls very seriously - and Georgia's grieving family. The episodes are a mix of stand-alone and longer story arcs - I don't recommend skipping episodes, but you won't be lost even if you do.
A fun idea that could've been a lot better
sixteen110521 February 2014
No, I guess this wasn't for me. Before I start I should say I haven't watched more than 5 episodes, but I really didn't have motivation to keep going. The point is I could be wrong in some of my complaints. The reason I started watching was because of the reviews on here. You all seemed to think it was a ''exellent'' or if not a good series. Well- well, I'm gonna have to disagree. The number one issue is the character development. They're all flat and empty! Am I the only one who thinks so? As the story goes along we get to follow this extremely bored and uncharismatic girl that is trying to soak in to the whole ''being-dead-situation''. I'm not a fan of hers. I get that she's meant to be the way she is, but if you're gonna have such a boring and uninteresting head-character, you got to have other supporting roles to make it interesting to watch. Though, there is only one actor that felt real, and that is Mr. Mandy Patinkin as her ''teacher''. The rest of the supporters are flat and their dialog feels forced and unnatural, so does the dark humor the director miserably fails with. The Acting isn't that great either.
With all these flaws I couldn't keep watching it anymore. Why would I really? Uninteresting, flat in most ways, and as the berry on the cake: it's seemingly unfunny. The only thing I thought was funny was the whole idea. A young girl dies and is given the task to be a grim-reaper!
I'm just saying, It's a shame that it wasn't executed better.
With all these flaws I couldn't keep watching it anymore. Why would I really? Uninteresting, flat in most ways, and as the berry on the cake: it's seemingly unfunny. The only thing I thought was funny was the whole idea. A young girl dies and is given the task to be a grim-reaper!
I'm just saying, It's a shame that it wasn't executed better.
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