7.9 / 10 (based on 6939 reviews)
Sam is a true Kansan on the surface, but, beneath it all, struggles to fit the hometown mould. Grappling with loss and acceptance, she discovers herself and a community of outsiders who don’t fit in but don’t give up.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Main Cast: Bridget Everett, Jeff Hiller, Mary Catherine Garrison, Danny McCarthy
Creators: Hannah Bos, Paul Thureen
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2 seasons, 10 episodes, 30-minute runtime
Shows Most Like Somebody Somewhere (2022)
Hacks (2021)
8.2 / 10 (based on 32657 reviews)
Explores a dark mentorship that forms between Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas comedian, and an entitled, outcast 25-year-old.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Main Cast: Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Christopher McDonald
Creators: Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, Jen Statsky
Directors:
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2 seasons, 11 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
Life & Beth (2022)
6.7 / 10 (based on 7095 reviews)
After an unexpected incident, Beth starts having flashbacks to her teen self and learns how she became who she is and who she wants to become.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Main Cast: Michael Rapaport, Amy Schumer, Kevin Kane, Susannah Flood
Creators: Amy Schumer
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Writers:
2 seasons, 11 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
Minx (2022)
7.6 / 10 (based on 9738 reviews)
In 1970s Los Angeles, an earnest young feminist joins forces with a low-rent publisher to create the first erotic magazine for women.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Ophelia Lovibond, Michael Angarano, Jessica Lowe, Oscar Montoya
Creators: Ellen Rapoport
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2 seasons, 11 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
The Other Two (2019)
7.8 / 10 (based on 7180 reviews)
An aspiring actor and his sister Brooke, a former professional dancer, try to find their place in the world while wrestling with their feelings about their 13-year-old brother Chase’s sudden rise to internet fame.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Heléne Yorke, Drew Tarver, Ken Marino, Case Walker
Creators: Chris Kelly, Sarah Schneider
Directors:
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2 seasons, 21 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
Julia (2022)
8.3 / 10 (based on 8898 reviews)
Inspired by Julia Child’s extraordinary life and her show The French Chef, which essentially invented food television.
Genre: Biography, Drama
Main Cast: Sarah Lancashire, Mary Ann Schaub, Rob Lévesque, David Hyde Pierce
Creators: Daniel Goldfarb
Directors:
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2 seasons, 12 episodes, 45.0-minute runtime
Better Things (2016)
7.9 / 10 (based on 16722 reviews)
An actress raises her three daughters while juggling the pressures of working in Hollywood and being a single parent.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Main Cast: Pamela Adlon, Mikey Madison, Hannah Riley, Olivia Edward
Creators: Pamela Adlon, Louis C.K.
Directors:
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5 seasons, 52 episodes, 22.0-minute runtime
Starstruck (2021)
7.5 / 10 (based on 6840 reviews)
A millennial in London juggling two dead-end jobs and navigating the awkward morning-after-the-night-before when she discovers the complications of accidentally sleeping with a film star.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Rose Matafeo, Nikesh Patel, Emma Sidi, Joe Barnes
Creators: Rose Matafeo
Directors:
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2 seasons, 7 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
I Love That for You (2022)
7.2 / 10 (based on 2607 reviews)
A woman overcomes childhood leukemia to achieve her dream of becoming an on-air host at a home-shopping network.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Vanessa Bayer, Molly Shannon, Jenifer Lewis, Paul James
Creators: Vanessa Bayer, Jeremy Beiler
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1 season, 8 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
Pachinko (2022)
8.4 / 10 (based on 9618 reviews)
Based on the New York Times bestseller, this sweeping saga chronicles the hopes and dreams of a Korean immigrant family across four generations as they leave their homeland in an indomitable quest to survive and thrive.
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Lee Min-Ho, Soji Arai, Jin Ha, Minha Kim
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1 season, 9 episodes, 55.0-minute runtime
The Rehearsal (2022)
8.6 / 10 (based on 20608 reviews)
Nathan Fielder gives people a chance to rehearse for their own lives in a world where nothing ever works out as expected.
Genre: Documentary, Comedy
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Creators: Nathan Fielder
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1 season, 7 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
This Is Going to Hurt (2022)
8.4 / 10 (based on 14174 reviews)
Set on Labor Ward with all its hilarity and heart-lifting highs but also its gut-wrenching lows, the show delivers a brutally honest depiction of life as a junior doctor on the wards, and the toll the job can take back home.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Main Cast: Ben Whishaw, Ambika Mod, Michele Austin, Alex Jennings
Creators: Adam Kay
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1 season, 7 episodes, 45.0-minute runtime
In a world teeming with TV shows that often blend into one indistinguishable mass of tropes and predictable plotlines, “Somebody Somewhere” emerges as a breath of fresh air. This series, which made its debut in 2022, is a poignant exploration of life in a small Midwestern town, focusing on the journey of self-discovery and the search for belonging. It’s a show that resonates deeply with anyone who’s ever felt out of place or in search of their personal community.
The Heart of the Show: Sam and Her Journey
At the core of “Somebody Somewhere” is Sam, played by the incredibly talented Bridget Everett. Sam is a character who’s as real as they come; she’s navigating the complexities of adulthood, grappling with grief, and trying to find her voice in a world that often seems to overlook her. What sets Sam apart from the typical protagonists we see on TV is her authenticity. She’s not a caricature of a Midwestern woman nor a vessel for cliched life lessons. Instead, she’s someone you might know, or perhaps see parts of yourself in.
Sam’s journey is not about dramatic transformations or grandiose moments of triumph. It’s about the small victories, the subtle shifts in her understanding of herself and her place in the world. This is what makes “Somebody Somewhere” stand out—it’s invested in the truth of human existence, with all its messiness and beauty.
The Supporting Cast: A Tapestry of Real Characters
“Somebody Somewhere” wouldn’t be what it is without its supporting cast, each bringing depth and richness to the story. There’s Joel, played by Jeff Hiller, who becomes Sam’s confidant and guide into the local queer community. Joel is a beacon of light in the show, embodying the joy and resilience of finding your people and your place. His friendship with Sam is a testament to the power of connection, especially in places where you least expect it.
Then there’s Sam’s sister, Tricia, and her husband, Rick, who provide a glimpse into the familial dynamics that shape Sam. Their relationship with Sam adds layers to the narrative, exploring themes of acceptance, understanding, and the complexities of family bonds.
The show also doesn’t shy away from depicting a range of characters across the spectrum of age, sexuality, and background, each contributing to the tapestry of the community it portrays. This diversity isn’t just for show—it’s integral to the narrative, highlighting the multifaceted nature of human connection.
The Setting: More Than Just a Backdrop
The small town setting of “Somebody Somewhere” is more than just a backdrop; it’s a character in its own right. The show captures the essence of Midwestern life—the slow pace, the wide-open spaces, and the sense of community that pervades even the simplest of interactions. But it also doesn’t romanticize it. The series acknowledges the challenges and limitations of living in such a place, especially for those who feel like outsiders.
This setting serves as the perfect canvas for the story “Somebody Somewhere” wants to tell. It’s a reminder that extraordinary stories of growth and connection can happen in the most ordinary of places.
The Music: A Soulful Soundtrack
Music plays a pivotal role in “Somebody Somewhere,” acting as both a soundtrack and a narrative device. Sam’s love for singing, particularly in the community choir, is a central theme, serving as a metaphor for her search for voice and identity. The music in the show, ranging from soulful ballads to uplifting choruses, enriches the emotional landscape of the series, adding another layer of authenticity and depth.
The choice of songs and the moments they accompany are thoughtfully curated, each piece of music enhancing the storytelling in a meaningful way. It’s a testament to the show’s attention to detail and its commitment to creating a fully immersive experience.
Why “Somebody Somewhere” Matters
In a television landscape often dominated by high stakes drama and sensationalism, “Somebody Somewhere” offers something different: a quiet, introspective look at life and the connections that sustain us. It’s a show that celebrates the ordinary, finding beauty in the everyday and dignity in the struggle to find one’s place.
But perhaps what makes “Somebody Somewhere” truly significant is its unapologetic authenticity. It doesn’t pretend to have all the answers, nor does it gloss over the messiness of life. Instead, it invites viewers to see themselves in its characters, to find comfort in their shared humanity.
Conclusion
“Somebody Somewhere” is a reminder that sometimes, the most profound stories are the ones that reflect our own experiences back at us. It’s a series that doesn’t just entertain; it resonates, leaving a lasting impression long after the credits roll. In a world where genuine connection can sometimes feel like a rarity, “Somebody Somewhere” feels like coming home.
So, if you’re tired of the same old TV fare and looking for something that speaks to the heart of the human experience, give “Somebody Somewhere” a chance. It’s a journey worth taking, with characters who feel like friends and a story that feels like life—complex, challenging, but ultimately, beautiful.