Just a real show about people who don't have their life together. I always end up with a smile on my face and laughing out loud. It's an enjoyable 30min show.
132 Reviews
Fun. Real. Puts a a smile on my face
niseynisey25 January 2022
"We're F@&$ed, but we're OK"
chiltonsjillfreeport16 February 2022
Seriously, this show is so terrific I feel like I'm getting away with something just watching it. Even better, every episode so has been better than the last.
Creators/directors the Duplass Bros. And stars Bridget Everett and Jeff Hiller, (as Sam and Joel), are knocking it out of the park, but I would also gladly follow Sam's awesome dad around, or the one-in-a-zillion Fred Rococco.
It's feel-good, but real, with some achy heart and grit and Kansas grain thrown in. If you are alive, you will cackle.
Creators/directors the Duplass Bros. And stars Bridget Everett and Jeff Hiller, (as Sam and Joel), are knocking it out of the park, but I would also gladly follow Sam's awesome dad around, or the one-in-a-zillion Fred Rococco.
It's feel-good, but real, with some achy heart and grit and Kansas grain thrown in. If you are alive, you will cackle.
Perfectly understated, promising and powerful
theredhairedcrow18 January 2022
The memories many have, of not quite fitting in in high school, of being the butt of cruel jokes and gossip then and sometimes decades later, especially if you're from a small town or community. Of still trying to be a good person, do good work and have a good life, but the losses, the banality of the privileged and being made to feel unwanted and weird because of how you look, who you love or don't love begin to add up and you feel lost and maybe even a loser.
The pilot introduced the main character through her current living situation and parts of her past which are revealed during conversations and reminiscences with others. It's done in a subtle way that fits the succinct honesty I remember well growing up in the rural South. It was suggested Sam had a romantic relationship with another woman before in a way that positively normalized there are millions of same gender relationships that loving and they miss someone now gone just like anyone else.
The new/old acquaintances Sam meets in an "underground" church clearly show a range of personalities, ethnicities and suggested gender or sexualities who welcoming and comfortable around each other because they are their Real selves. That's it's more about finally finding a supportive group of people who accept and appreciate you for who you are, instead of attempting to force you into roles or to be autamatons they think you should be to keep them comfortable. And ironically, which many of them force roles or criticize others because they're trying to redirect away from their own repressed feelings, desires and emotions.
This was a pleasantly surprising start to series that occasionally features naturally occurring humor, but I certainly would not label it in any way a comedy. I found the pilot to perfectly understated yet powerful.
The pilot introduced the main character through her current living situation and parts of her past which are revealed during conversations and reminiscences with others. It's done in a subtle way that fits the succinct honesty I remember well growing up in the rural South. It was suggested Sam had a romantic relationship with another woman before in a way that positively normalized there are millions of same gender relationships that loving and they miss someone now gone just like anyone else.
The new/old acquaintances Sam meets in an "underground" church clearly show a range of personalities, ethnicities and suggested gender or sexualities who welcoming and comfortable around each other because they are their Real selves. That's it's more about finally finding a supportive group of people who accept and appreciate you for who you are, instead of attempting to force you into roles or to be autamatons they think you should be to keep them comfortable. And ironically, which many of them force roles or criticize others because they're trying to redirect away from their own repressed feelings, desires and emotions.
This was a pleasantly surprising start to series that occasionally features naturally occurring humor, but I certainly would not label it in any way a comedy. I found the pilot to perfectly understated yet powerful.
I don't want it to ever end.
holchie18 February 2022
Yassssssss
ellipseanostalrius2 February 2022
Guess what? A series that is *not* about beautiful, young, rich people doing stupid crap while trying to figure out who to sleep with.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
This show will make you smile from ear to ear with its heartfelt warmth and earnestness. Really a very lovely show. Highly recommend this.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
This show will make you smile from ear to ear with its heartfelt warmth and earnestness. Really a very lovely show. Highly recommend this.
I am in love with this show
cscott233128 February 2022
Everything about this show is great. The characters, the storyline, the sorrow, the happiness, the pain, the acceptance, the grief, the loneliness, the family and friends, insiders and outsiders...ALL OF IT...spot on. Real things happening. Real life ups and downs. It makes me laugh and it makes me cry. I love it and I need more of it. Period.
Can't think of anything I'd change! It's a 10 so far.
h222324 January 2022
I am not a "misfit" in the traditional sense but this show TOTALLY nails the feeling of not being good enough, not fitting in, not feeling like you're "doing life right"... y'know, the feeling EVERYONE has to some degree or other. It's so relatable. And incredibly heartwarming already, only two episodes in (I teared up at some point watching each of them!).
I love these characters. I am already rooting for them and I'm not even sure what I'm rooting for -- I just know I want to be friends with them. SUCH good acting that feels so real, you seriously just feel like you're hanging around quirky, interesting, sometimes funny people, rather than watching people act.
Really looking forward to more!
I love these characters. I am already rooting for them and I'm not even sure what I'm rooting for -- I just know I want to be friends with them. SUCH good acting that feels so real, you seriously just feel like you're hanging around quirky, interesting, sometimes funny people, rather than watching people act.
Really looking forward to more!
Am I alone in this.
wushu222221 February 2022
I have read a lot of reviews that seemed to trash this gem of a tv show.
I don't really understand how anyone can't see the brilliance of this show from the writing to the acting to the direction to the cinematography just absolutely brilliantly done and one of the best first season I have had the absolute pleasure to view.
I don't really understand how anyone can't see the brilliance of this show from the writing to the acting to the direction to the cinematography just absolutely brilliantly done and one of the best first season I have had the absolute pleasure to view.
Not just for Gen X'ers
ginaanimals17 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I loved this show, anchored by Bridget Everett. Bridget plays Sam, who has recently returned home to her small Kansas town to care for her sister, who has just died. Life exists in a boring job completely devoid of passion. While still in mourning, a peer from high school show choir has penned a self published memoir about their experiences in High School, and is as mean as ever about her depiction of Samantha. Luckily, Sam reignites her friendship with a fellow classmate/workmate Joel, stunningly played by Jeff Hiller - an empath and long time admirer of Sam and especially her talent for singing. Through this new friendship buds a glimmer of hope for Sam.
Bridget never seems to be acting at all - very relatable. I can feel everything she is feeling. And what a voice she has! I have seen her comic act and this is a 180 degree departure from the raunchy-swagger that is her standup.
I am a baby boomer and these trials of life are completely generation-less, so its good for all ages.
The other cast members are very good as well - but the interaction with Bridget (in every scene) is what carries the show. I hope to get more of the back stories in future episodes.
The Duplass brothers seem to always hit it out of the park - I hope this one gets a long run, it's so heartfelt and enjoyable to watch.
Bridget never seems to be acting at all - very relatable. I can feel everything she is feeling. And what a voice she has! I have seen her comic act and this is a 180 degree departure from the raunchy-swagger that is her standup.
I am a baby boomer and these trials of life are completely generation-less, so its good for all ages.
The other cast members are very good as well - but the interaction with Bridget (in every scene) is what carries the show. I hope to get more of the back stories in future episodes.
The Duplass brothers seem to always hit it out of the park - I hope this one gets a long run, it's so heartfelt and enjoyable to watch.
What is an outsider to do? "Don't Give Up"
paul-allaer19 January 2022
"Somebody Somewhere" (2022 release; 7 episodes of about 30 min each) brings the story of Sam, a 40-something woman in Manhattan, KS. As Episode 1 opens, Sam is at work in a test grading center, where she runs into a HS classmate of hers, a guy she doesn't remember at all (but he remembers her for her choir singing back in the day). Meanwhile we learn that Sam's sister Holly has passed away not too long ago (but we don't know the circumstances of Holly's passing). At this point we are less than 10 min into Episode 1.
Couple of comments: this TV series is produced by Mark and Jay Duplass, and this right away should give you a good indication of what to expect: a quirky outsider who after years of living in Lawrence, KS, has returned to her original home town of Manhattan, where all of her family still lives. She has a hard time adjusting to the "redness" of the town but she finds a life line in a group of other outsiders who gather at a local church for song and dance. Please note that this series is billed as a "comedy" but I found very few laugh-out-loud moments, ok none. Yes, a chuckle here and there, but this is more about observing a slice of life about someone having a hard time fitting in and finding a purpose in life, even as she is well into her forties. It all culminates with Sam singing the Kate Bush part on Peter Gabriel's "Don't Give Up duet. It gave me the chills, frankly.
"Somebody Somewhere" premiered this past weekend on HBO and is now available on HBO On Demand and HBO Max (where I caught it). New episodes air on Sunday evenings. I'm looking forward to seeing how this will play out in the weeks to come. If you are in the mood for an off-center slice of life in deep-red Kansas, I'd readily suggests you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
Couple of comments: this TV series is produced by Mark and Jay Duplass, and this right away should give you a good indication of what to expect: a quirky outsider who after years of living in Lawrence, KS, has returned to her original home town of Manhattan, where all of her family still lives. She has a hard time adjusting to the "redness" of the town but she finds a life line in a group of other outsiders who gather at a local church for song and dance. Please note that this series is billed as a "comedy" but I found very few laugh-out-loud moments, ok none. Yes, a chuckle here and there, but this is more about observing a slice of life about someone having a hard time fitting in and finding a purpose in life, even as she is well into her forties. It all culminates with Sam singing the Kate Bush part on Peter Gabriel's "Don't Give Up duet. It gave me the chills, frankly.
"Somebody Somewhere" premiered this past weekend on HBO and is now available on HBO On Demand and HBO Max (where I caught it). New episodes air on Sunday evenings. I'm looking forward to seeing how this will play out in the weeks to come. If you are in the mood for an off-center slice of life in deep-red Kansas, I'd readily suggests you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
Authentic and Heartwarming
cassidyrae-1680817 January 2022
Capturing the complexities of Midwestern life is something not many have tried- much less succeeded at. These characters feel like neighbors and friends from my own small town. I quickly felt at home. The situations were real, raw, and authentic. The main character's emotions were easy to fell throughout the show, which made empathizing with her effortless. Seeing parts of my life within Somebody Somewhere was refreshing and I can't wait to watch more.
I tune in every week.
staciarose2021 February 2022
Can't say what it is about this show that's appealing because it's not exciting, nor does much of anything happen. It feels real, though. She's still navigating grief and finding her way in a small town. Making friends. I like the dynamic between Sam and Joel.
Started off well but took a dive in Season 2
qui_j10 May 2023
This series started off well, but seems to have lost its way in Season 2. There appears to be no story line, and the episodes just seem to deal with nothing, and are about nothing. People just drift aimlessly from one event to another. It's like watching life, but really provides nothing in the way of entertainment. It's more akin to a watered down form of reality TV. All the characters seem to be misfits in one form or another, and totally out of step with those around them. This makes the series seem pointless after a while. Read it had been cancelled so maybe there's no need for the second season to really have a story at all.
Exactly my kind of show.
ketny60114 February 2022
I love this show! The actors are absolutely amazing, especially Bridget Everett and Jeff Hiller. Their portrayals are so real, funny and down to earth. Great show, I would recommend anyone to watch...although I'm sure not everyone will connect with it or appreciate its understated charm.
Bridget Everett is great. The show is great.
dpoland-765891 March 2022
A nice change of pace. It's cute, funny, charming, sad and dramatic. All elements are there but in perfect bite sized portions. I am not familiar with small town USA but it seems like it also is a love letter to such places, not necessarily a true to life representation, which is totally fine.
I wish for many more episodes but would understand and agree with it being a one or two season story to not overdo it.
I wish for many more episodes but would understand and agree with it being a one or two season story to not overdo it.
Only one episode in ....
tracyleaogden19 January 2022
........ and I am hooked. It's relatable. I think for so many people, it will be. Maybe not all of it. But pieces of it.
Jeff Hiller. So good. Love the casting so far in general.
And that scene at the end has broken my heart. But in a good way.
Jeff Hiller. So good. Love the casting so far in general.
And that scene at the end has broken my heart. But in a good way.
A beautiful slice of real life
killercola17 January 2022
Unbelievably original, heartwarming and so relatable, especially for Gen X'ers. When I saw her pull out the yearbook and it was class of 87' I said, "yep, this is for me." So I watched the entire episode and it was fantastic. One of the best new shows on TV. If you see low reviews please ignore them. It's most likely millennial knuckleheads who only watch brainless superhero movies. This new show is a gem. And it's for us Gen Xers. Watch it.
First episode
omarFNH17 January 2022
Best-ever show in my experience
maureen-0180519 May 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I am one of a very few people who caught the first episode of the series when it first aired in 2022, so I feel like part of the privileged elite. This is the best TV show I have ever seen. The acting is superb, the characters are people I just want to hang out with all of the time, the stories are fantastic, and the way each episode unfolds is like a gift you slowly unwrap for 30 minutes. I can't watch the episodes once. In fact, I can't even watch an episode once from beginning to end without rewinding to study certain scenes that I find absolutely brilliant. I'm not an actor, but I still study them, sometimes in awe.
There were three scenes in the episode I watched yesterday that required rewinding. I have never, ever watched another show that required me to rewatch and study certain scenes before I even finished the episode. Absolutely brilliant in every way.
The humor runs from carefully nuanced and gentle to extremely bawdy and crude, and it all fits together perfectly, just as it would in real life. In fact, you need to remind yourself they're acting because every laugh is real and unforced, every expression is exactly true, and every line is perfect. They even occasionally let the characters stumble over a line without a retake, giving the show a sense of absolute authenticity.
The character of Brad required several rewatches as this dweeby "loser" revealed himself to have intelligence with a very subtle, clever sense of humor. The humor was not amplified so the audience could "get" him and realize he is not a total dweeb. You have to study him as it just reveals itself softly and gently, barely noticeable. We have a great character, folks. Totally unexpected. Who takes this kind of care with a character? So, in the episode I saw yesterday, He invites Joel to come to church with him, and Joel replies, "I'd love to come with you." The double entendre seemingly escapes Brad, but Joel sits there for a good minute and a half realizing what he just said as it replays through his mind. Expressions cross his face that leave you howling. There is nothing but the 90 second silence and Joel's expression to reveal that he either just made a terrible and embarrassing gaffe, or else the two of them should explode into laughter together. But Brad's expression is blank, so Joel keeps his thoughts to himself. What a brilliant scene.
I've seen it compared to Schitt's Creek, but I disagree. Schitt's Creek was self-aware and absurd at times. The characters were over the top. This show is completely unselfconscious so we're watching real people in real life do mundane things that are completely captivating and noteworthy, and totally relatable. Everything they say and do is true.
It is almost as if - and I say this without hyperbole - this show is a work of art. It's now beginning to gain traction, and once it does I think it will be the benchmark for more series to come.
There were three scenes in the episode I watched yesterday that required rewinding. I have never, ever watched another show that required me to rewatch and study certain scenes before I even finished the episode. Absolutely brilliant in every way.
The humor runs from carefully nuanced and gentle to extremely bawdy and crude, and it all fits together perfectly, just as it would in real life. In fact, you need to remind yourself they're acting because every laugh is real and unforced, every expression is exactly true, and every line is perfect. They even occasionally let the characters stumble over a line without a retake, giving the show a sense of absolute authenticity.
The character of Brad required several rewatches as this dweeby "loser" revealed himself to have intelligence with a very subtle, clever sense of humor. The humor was not amplified so the audience could "get" him and realize he is not a total dweeb. You have to study him as it just reveals itself softly and gently, barely noticeable. We have a great character, folks. Totally unexpected. Who takes this kind of care with a character? So, in the episode I saw yesterday, He invites Joel to come to church with him, and Joel replies, "I'd love to come with you." The double entendre seemingly escapes Brad, but Joel sits there for a good minute and a half realizing what he just said as it replays through his mind. Expressions cross his face that leave you howling. There is nothing but the 90 second silence and Joel's expression to reveal that he either just made a terrible and embarrassing gaffe, or else the two of them should explode into laughter together. But Brad's expression is blank, so Joel keeps his thoughts to himself. What a brilliant scene.
I've seen it compared to Schitt's Creek, but I disagree. Schitt's Creek was self-aware and absurd at times. The characters were over the top. This show is completely unselfconscious so we're watching real people in real life do mundane things that are completely captivating and noteworthy, and totally relatable. Everything they say and do is true.
It is almost as if - and I say this without hyperbole - this show is a work of art. It's now beginning to gain traction, and once it does I think it will be the benchmark for more series to come.
Interestingly different
ambrosemario14 February 2022
It's not a comedy and not quite a drama, but I find myself attracted to the characters. I can't quarrel with some of the negative reviews. It's not for everyone, but the characters are real and the show does a good job of portraying small town life - especially for younger people who feel left behind.
Love it!
kattmorsan27 January 2022
A female lead character who is both overweight and without makeup, now that's something you don't see every day. Only seen two episodes but loves this feel good, funny series. It's like After Life only Sam does not constantly wallow in self pity and is actually nice to other people. And you don't have to listen to the c-word constantly. What's not to like?
first season vs. 2nd season
dollfacecrafter12 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I really liked the first season, it was funny and sweet and had lots of situations and relationships to like. The second season was way too raunchy, between all the sex talk and the "poop" scene, it was just too much. Even the sweet wedding at the end, she had to motorboat her friend, just gross IMO, so 1st season was more of a 9 , 2nd more of a 4, so I gave it a 5 star for that reason, the acting was terrific and i love the guy who plays Joel's love interst, from Grace and Frankie, he was so so funny in that, that is a super great show, if you want heartfelt and funny watch Grace and Frankie. This kind of turned me off.
So much to like but so raunchy
JoyceGalileo29 May 2023
Season one was very enjoyable, and I was quite happy to learn that it was back for a second season, but the first couple of episodes really turned me off. Sam and Joel have some goofy ideas, but only seem to be able to talk about is the raunchier aspects of human sexuality. That is part of their humor, and we're supposed to be laughing along with them, but it seems to me that Sam in particular is too willing to belittle women. Sam is a woman, of course, so why the writers put that sort of grossness into her otherwise loving personality is a mystery.
And the scene where she and Joel are both suffering from diarrhea while talking on their cell phones with each other, honestly. Are we talking about 4 year old boys? Blech.
And the scene where she and Joel are both suffering from diarrhea while talking on their cell phones with each other, honestly. Are we talking about 4 year old boys? Blech.
If you have grieved it is Relatable
kjohoy25 January 2022
Loosing a loved one is one of the hardest things to endure, there are steps we all and each go through and this series shows them all in a empathetic way. Very relatable, the family dynamic is hard yet the character and friends are hilarious especially if you grew up in a small town. Give it chance you will laugh and enjoy it!!!
Lost in this world
Dalton2718 January 2022
Everyone want to find their community, tribe, purpose....... where they belong. This is especially true for people in the middle, not too old to be looking back at their life and not too young to be looking forward shinning future. Sam is a Gen X'er caught in this middle, who comes back to take care of her sister and wondering where the years have gone and where she belongs now. I hope the following episodes can bring this story out in a meaningful way.
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