Letters
Lazy Sunday: Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Dear Kay,
Hubbo and I don’t often binge TV together—long-arc drama just isn’t his thing. If we had vanity plates, his would read FACT, mine FICTION. But this summer, we convened on a nightly basis (one episode per day, strict limit) to consume Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.
It’s four seasons long, and we put off watching the final episode for three days because we couldn’t quite imagine life without Rebecca Bunch in it.
Bonkers is the word that comes to mind when trying to describe this show. Brilliant is the other one. I’ve seen it called “a skewed take on romantic comedies.” “A compassionate, compelling exploration of mental illness.” “A full-fledged musical, veering across genres from R&B to country, as it integrates two to three original numbers into every hourlong episode.”
Netflix takes a stab at the premise of the series: “Still pining for Josh, the boy who dumped her ages ago, whip-smart lawyer Rebecca jettisons her New York life and moves to California to win him back.”
Therein lies so, so much.
There are endless winks at musical genres and sendups of classic musicals. “I’d Tap That” is Donald O’Connor and Gene Kelly, in a demented way. “The Math of Love Triangles” is pure Marilyn Monroe + geometry class. “Settle for Me” is Fred and Ginger, if Fred and Ginger weren’t all that into each other.
There are endless other stupendous musical moments. My face actually hurt after watching Rebecca’s rap battle with her childhood nemesis, Audra.
Rachel Bloom, who plays Rebecca, won a Golden Globe for this role. She also co-wrote the show’s 157 songs and performed most of them. She’s fearless, frank, and utterly willing to go all the way for a joke, and also to get at truth. There’s a core of good cheer to it all, even as the story gets about as dark as a story can get. There’s hope in there, and honesty, and open arms.
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend streams on Netflix—lucky you, if you’re just starting this series.
Love,
Ann
PS Once we finished watching this series, we started digging up whatever we could find about Rachel Bloom and this 61-episode high-wire act. Come back when you’re done for these: Her co-creator, Aline Brosh McKenna, talks about her experience in a piece for The New York Times, “How ‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’ and My Work Friends Made Me an Honorary Millennial.” And NPR’s Glen Weldon chimes in with his ranking of the top 27 songs.
Thank you for this recommendation. I look forward to 4 seasons.
If you have not seen Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, you have a treat in store. Season 1 can be streamed on Hulu. Season 2 starts in January.
Lots of songs and full on production numbers in this series, in light and dark moments.
I LOVE this show! Rachel Bloom & company are brilliant. The first episode remains my favorite with so many incredible musical performances.
I actually need a new binge so thank you. BTW, you got me hooked on Alone and now I’m sad I have no more episodes. In general I detest reality shows but that one kept it very real. So great
I loved Crazy Ex-Girlfriend! Thank you for the reminder. Going to re-watch it over the holidays!
We are in the same FACT vs FICTION split. I haven’t heard of this so I’ll give it a try. My husband surprisingly liked The Crown… The only series in ages we have both agreed on. As always, thanks for the recommendation.
I loved this series! For both reviving and sending up musicals at the same time. Such fun and amazingly detailed productions embedded in each episode. Definitely worth rewatching at least for highlights (spoiler alert: the song about sex at that time of the month!! Who knew you could write a song about that??) Ms. Bloom is one creative lady and shameless, a modern day Lucille Ball.
I love it too and one thing I can never figure out is how it is both so sweet and so naughty at the same time.
Crazy ex girlfriend is an amazing wonderful show. My daughter and I loved it and were lucky enough to go to her live show in Boston when my daughter went to school there. Rachel Bloom has a book out too. She’s brilliant. (Not related or her mom.)
I felt the same way about Schitt’s Creek–so much so that I haven’t watched the last episode because I don’t want it to end! I may have to dip my toe into CEG–my crazy step-daughter loved it, which is kind of why I’ve steered clear…. >.<
Oh, yes! Rachel Bloom is incredibly gifted and the show is like no other. I can’t wait to see what she cooks up next.
I have more to add:
The Hunters of the Wilderpeople – Netflix FABULOUS
The Split – BBC; 1st season free on Amazon; 2nd season slight cost to buy all episodes
Virgin River – Netflix
Endeavor, then Inspector Morse, the Inspector Lewis – has kept my husband and I going for Months!! Truly exceptional Oxford England based detective series (all 3 of them).
Lucky YOU if these are all new to you!!
Some oldies but goodies:
Last Tango in Halifax
Home Fires
The Guernsey Literary and Potatoe Peel Pie Society
Enjoy!!