6.9 / 10 (based on 382 reviews)
Alex Taylor (Stephen Mangan) works for CMA, a successful talent agency. Whilst he is grateful for his job, he is currently going through a messy divorce, causing him to become depressed. His boss however, Stephen Cauldwell (Anthony Head), is sex-obsessed, cocksure and roguish. Alex later meets Helen Ryan (Sharon Horgan), a co-worker who is more successful and herself recovering from a messy relationship, after her boyfriend died months before her wedding.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Main Cast: Sharon Horgan, Stephen Mangan, Anthony Head, Matthew Holness
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1 season, 6 episodes
Shows Most Like Free Agents (2009)
The Last Man on Earth (2015)
7.3 / 10 (based on 60500 reviews)
Almost two years after a virus wiped out most of the human race, Phil Miller only wishes for some company, but soon gets more than he bargained for when that company shows up in the form of other survivors.
Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Will Forte, January Jones, Cleopatra Coleman, Kristen Schaal
Creators: Will Forte
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4 seasons, 67 episodes, 22.0-minute runtime
Hang Ups (2018)
6.4 / 10 (based on 901 reviews)
After the collapse of his previous group therapy practice, Richard is no longer able to conduct the traditional 50-minute sessions most therapists have with their patients. Instead, he’s developed a new form of therapy – weekly quick-fire sessions with his patients which take place online, through a webcam. The few patients on his list present a hilarious and outrageous catalogue of neuroses, phobias, issues, anxieties and psychopathies, but even these short sessions, where he’s confronted by everything from the sublime to the ridiculous, are not his greatest challenge. His patience and temperament are stretched to their limit by the daily interruptions of a demanding extended family, errant teenagers and his own trouble-filled past.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Stephen Mangan, Bebe Cave, Fionn O’Shea, Karl Theobald
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1 season, 6 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
Damned (2016)
7.3 / 10 (based on 1061 reviews)
Comedy set in the social services department of a local authority. Social workers Rose and Al swim against the tide of bureaucracy, deal with the absurdities of life and try to navigate their equally trying professional and personal lives.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Jo Brand, Alan Davies, Kevin Eldon, Georgie Glen
Creators: Morwenna Banks, Jo Brand
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2 seasons, 12 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
The Mimic (2013)
7.6 / 10 (based on 746 reviews)
A man with an extraordinary talent, being able to impersonate celebrities, discovers he has a son and tries to make up for lost time.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Terry Mynott, Neil Maskell, Jo Hartley, Jacob Anderson
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2 seasons, 11 episodes, 25.0-minute runtime
Quacks (2017)
7.7 / 10 (based on 1345 reviews)
In Victorian London four pioneers, friends, and rivals fighting to make a mark on the world and save lives.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Rory Kinnear, Tom Basden, Mathew Baynton, Lydia Leonard
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1 season, 6 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
Ambassadors (2013)
7.4 / 10 (based on 1795 reviews)
The adventures and politics of a British ambassador to a fictitious Asian country called Tajbekistan.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Main Cast: David Mitchell, Robert Webb, Susan Lynch, Amara Karan
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1 season, 3 episodes
In the realm of TV shows, there are those that blaze trails and those that, well, don’t. “Free Agents” (2009) is a British sitcom that falls somewhere in the middle. It’s not the show everyone talks about at the water cooler, but it’s not one to be dismissed either. Here’s a closer look at what makes “Free Agents” worth your time, or at least a spot on your maybe-watch list.
The Premise
At its core, “Free Agents” is a workplace comedy with a twist. It follows the lives of two talent agents, Alex and Helen, who are navigating the complexities of their professional and personal lives. The twist? They’re both recovering from serious relationship breakdowns and decide to sleep together. The show delves into the awkward, the funny, and the downright messy situations that arise from their decision.
The Characters
Alex
Alex is a recently divorced father trying to keep his life together. His character is a mix of vulnerability and attempted machismo, making him relatable to anyone who’s tried to put on a brave face during tough times.
Helen
Helen, on the other hand, is mourning the death of her fiancé. She’s a blend of strength and fragility, using humor as both a shield and a sword. Her relationship with Alex provides a glimpse into how people deal with grief and the search for comfort.
The Supporting Cast
No show is complete without a strong supporting cast, and “Free Agents” delivers. From the eccentric boss Stephen to the overly enthusiastic intern, the supporting characters add depth and humor to the show, making the agency feel like a real, albeit slightly dysfunctional, workplace.
Why It Stands Out
The Writing
“Free Agents” shines through its writing. The dialogue is sharp, witty, and often painfully relatable. It’s a show that doesn’t shy away from the awkwardness of human interactions, making it feel authentic. The humor is never forced; it flows naturally from the characters and situations, making the laughs feel earned.
The Relationships
Beyond the comedy, “Free Agents” offers a nuanced look at relationships. It’s not just about Alex and Helen’s complicated romance; the show explores friendships, professional relationships, and the blurry lines in between. It’s a reminder that relationships, in all their forms, are complicated beasts.
The Emotional Depth
For a comedy, “Free Agents” packs an emotional punch. It doesn’t just use its premise for laughs; it explores the themes of loss, love, and the struggle to move on. The show balances its humor with moments of genuine emotion, making the characters’ journeys feel all the more real.
Not Without Its Flaws
No show is perfect, and “Free Agents” has its share of issues. Some critics argue that it relies too heavily on the will-they-won’t-they trope, and at times, the pacing can feel uneven. Additionally, the show’s humor might not be for everyone. It’s often dark and relies on the characters’ misery for laughs, which might not sit well with those looking for lighter fare.
The Verdict
“Free Agents” is a hidden gem in the vast sea of TV shows. It offers a unique blend of humor, heart, and a touch of awkwardness, making it a refreshing departure from the typical sitcom formula. While it might not have achieved mainstream success, it’s a show that deserves a second look.
For those who appreciate sharp writing, complex characters, and a show that’s not afraid to mix laughter with tears, “Free Agents” is worth a watch. It’s a reminder that, in the end, we’re all just trying to figure out this mess called life, one awkward moment at a time.