Being Erica (TV Series 2009–2011) Poster

(2009–2011)

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9/10
Much better than I expected!
ashaaley13 February 2009
When I saw the commercials for Being Erica I thought it would be just another stupid low budget Canadian show but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised! The premise of the show is about Erica, a woman in her thirties, who has many regrets. She collides with this therapist who is very unconventional. He makes her go back in time and correct her "regrets"; each episode she corrects one. I watched it the first time because I was bored but have looked forward to each new episode ever since. I like it because it's very different. You learn so much more about the characters because you get to see them in different times. It is also funny, and I find the characters easy to relate to. The time travel stuff isn't too heavy; don't let that turn you off. I definitely say give it a try!
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8/10
Worth checking out - 7.5 or 8 out of 10
GrammarMatters6 January 2009
Warning: Spoilers
(not major spoilers - I won't ruin it for you)

I just saw the first episode and enjoyed it. It's also fun to recognize familiar downtown Toronto filming locations. (King Street, the park in Yorkville.) I don't think I'm giving away anything that the description in the TV Guide doesn't mention by telling you that the main character Erica Strange (played by Erin Karpluk) meets a therapist and goes back in time to relive emotionally traumatic times in her life.

This concept is enticing and I imagine we all wish we could go back to our youth and undo some of the mistakes we made.

Watching the show is a bit like sitting in on a therapy session yourself - sort of like therapy lite. One message that you get out of the show is that you have to make a decision about whether you are going to commit yourself to a decision to keep working at looking at your issues. Those familiar with therapy may understand how easy it is to come up to an issue you don't want to deal with and then find some way avoid confronting difficulties. It's so common to start feeling uncomfortable or afraid in therapy and then just stop going. This show might encourage you to commit to "working" at it.

I don't think I'm giving away too much to say that one idea that comes out of the first episode is that even though we think we can go back and do everything perfectly, we will still end up making "mistakes" (not everything will turn out perfectly like we daydream it could have) but what matters is that we act with courage to do what we know is right - to "do what we have to do" - and stop worrying so much about what other people think of us.

This episode brought some tears to my eyes (and I'm a guy), and I think it may encourage you to spend a little time in reflection about your past.

The production values are high - the scenery is pleasant to look at - and so is the main character.

If you get a chance - don't miss checking out a few episodes.
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9/10
Being Erica: A diamond in the rough
vince-bacani22 July 2009
"Being Erica" is one of those shows clearly targeted at the "Sex and the City" audience: female-friendly, hip, nice to look at. Ho hum. But before you can click on the remote, you catch a glimpse of Erin Karpluk in the role of Erica Strange, and you're hooked. She is so natural, so lovable - she inhabits the character effortlessly. She can be wistful without being whiny, insecure but not needy. She is also a virtual chameleon who can morph into whatever situation the show's time travel premise requires.

The writing is so fresh and witty. Other Canadian shows have a tendency to be too real and mundane, utterly humourless. Being Erica is funny without trying too hard; the humour seems to flow out of normal situations and conversations, as it does in real life.

The entire premise of the show is that the audience gets behind Erica and roots for her little victories in a harsh world. And we do.

This is a hidden gem of a show that needs an audience. Someone should send a tape of the bat mitzvah episode to Ellen or Oprah. If either of them saw it, the show would surely have a champion who could help ensure its survival.
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10/10
Wonderful heart warming show with quirky and upbeat story lines!
spaccygirl27 January 2009
This is the first time I'm addicted to a Canadian show on a Canadian channel! It is such a great show with very interesting characters and a heart warming romantic subplot. I really like how each story centers on the fact that Erica has to go back in time to change something in the past so she can deal with something in the future differently. I really like how this show has quirky and insightful dialogue and I like how Erica is someone many people can relate too. I think many of us would have liked to change something in the past and Erica does that but, at the same time things don't always end perfectly which makes this show more realistic and interesting. This is a show where a normal person is put in an extraordinary situation but because she's a real person with real problems, she can pull it off and she does!
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10/10
Incredibly well played and just a purely lovable main actress!
allansmithee-112 March 2009
What can I say, form the beginning to the end, the show hits the nerve of all feeling, sometimes struggling 30+ women and men. There are few shows enough, that hit right where they have to do, like "lie to me", "firefly" or "in treatment". So what is more humanly than people, who do make a lot of comprehensible and sometimes live changing choices, but still are able to forgive and so been forgiven?! Ever changing, self critical, life affirmatively and heart warming souls like Erica Strange - clearly benefiting from Erin Karpluk - are the ones, which make life just worth living. If I wouldn't new, that this is a TV show and the characters are mastermind views of manifold daily story's, I'd just be overwhelmed and hopelessly falling in love with Erica/Erin. And by not being gay, saying, even the guys are well painted, I'm looking forward to see a lot more of this. Canada/Canadians, another 10 points to love YOU.
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10/10
Canada deserves this show!
denverocean12 February 2009
"Being Erica" is:

* fresh

* fun

* positively female identified (I watch out for that)

and every week's episode contains a life-affirming message that helps both Erica and potentially the audience.

The acting is superb and I wish the show was on more than once a week. Luckily CBC posts in online so you can watch repeats whenever - bless them!

Finally, "Being Erica" showcases the hard-working Canadian book publishing industry, which can only help with self-sustainability efforts.

The show gets me and I dig it, through and through!
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10/10
Wish a major network (NBC, etc) would pick this gem up...
LifeIsGoodHere21 February 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Having graduated in 1995 with questionable self-esteem, this show completely recognizes the issues so many women (and men!) including myself gave endured. I'm not crazy about time-travel concepts, but this is just a setup on the setting and basis for the plot background. If you are looking for sci-fi, this is far from it and you'd be missing the point. Being Erica expands the characters and gives enough depth to remain a sustainable, realistic comedy. Its acting and directing is definitely above average and keeps me yearning for more after each episode. If you're not exactly like Erica, open your mind and tweak this great show to sort of fit into your own life. There is plenty of junk "critically-acclaimed" television and this happens to be a refreshingly great, if not with great ratings, non-junk comedy-drama! Also it has a fantastic thematic soundtrack that brings back the good ol' days of high school. Guess that means I'm getting old! Happy watching & my official grade on "Being Erica" is an A-.
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7/10
1st 2 seasons are a pleasant surprise but the 3rd season is losing me
jeffwithrow1 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I binged watched the 1st 2 seasons over 3 days, but the 3rd season has already taken me 2 days and I'm only halfway thru. I originally found it to be a cute show about how so many little things make us who we are, but there seems to be 1 big problem: shouldn't her list of regrets change as she fixed earlier regrets? For the life of me, I cannot figure out how some her her life choices didn't affect other events afterwards. At one point, she is ultra rich, but some how loses it all. Wouldn't that have jumped up to the #1 regret? And by adding so many other "patients" how do they keep the timelines from interacting if they all live in the same city? Like so many other shows, they ran out of ideas for the original concept and added new plots that just didn't make any sense.
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10/10
Being Erika is a really cute, entertaining, awesome show
kpont6 March 2009
I read the last comment .. and WHAT !! This show is great..its light hearted, funny, romantic, hopeful. Erica and Ethan are just awesome.. and I'm only up to watching episode 4... I'm hooked.. And to the powers that be, you better see this show for what it is, before canceling it for what they think it isn't !!!!! oh... i love this show!!! :-) Cant you tell !! So many shows are canceled before they get to even realise their full potential... there is nothing wrong with taking the time to set the scene.....if they didn't do they then the writers would be criticised for trying to hard to cut to the chase .. and the viewer wouldn't appreciate the little moments that have been a long time coming if you know what i mean. Watch this show!! Its definitely well worth the time..
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7/10
This show must really mess with women's heads
professor_of_gamez28 October 2020
I can imagine a young woman watching this show and saying to herself: "I'm 30-something, like Erica. I'm plain, but cute in the right light, like Erica. Why isn't MY biggest problem in life deciding which of the numerous male models that are constantly throwing themselves at me should I date?"

That issue aside, I did enjoy this show for the most part. Some of the story lines were silly, bordering on stupid. And yes, some acting and scenes were so awkwardly bad as to be cringe-worthy and difficult to get through.

But I did enjoy it, and wished there had been more seasons.
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10/10
Unique and unexpectedly addictive
sereneredhd30 May 2010
I'm grateful for Hulu because without it, I would not have accidentally stumbled upon the gem called "Being Erica".

It's got a little bit of everything you could hope for in a television show. Michael Riley is BRILLIANT, absolutely BRILLIANT in his role. I remember him in two other roles, I think. One was in "Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story". If memory serves, he played her father. He also played a writer in "Her Perfect Spouse", a made-for-TV movie.

Erin Karpluk, the actress who plays Erica, makes me laugh, cry, wonder, ponder, and just mull things over.

The other actors/actresses on the show are incredibly talented as well.

The show, while maybe not different in its basic foundation, is definitely different in its presentation. Ultimately, it's about life, regrets, and how to learn from them, see for a second time around what we were blind to the first time, and hopefully, change what's within us, what we don't like about ourselves, strengthen what we love about ourselves, others, and life in general.

It's hard to watch at times, yet I can't take my eyes off of it. For the past four days, I've blazed through the only seasons they've produced: Seasons 1 and 2. I finished Season 2 about two hours ago, and I'm already going through withdrawal.

Great television should entertain in one form or another. After every episode of "Being Erica", I feel like I've just watched a feature length film that flew by only to be disappointed that I've reached the end.

The writers of this show demonstrate grace and finesse with the written word and throughout each episode, sprinkle great quotes from other famous people throughout history.

Like the end of a great book, a fantastic movie, or a inspiring play, "Being Erica" will surprise even the most critical of today's television.
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6/10
Just on the first episode but...
erica-785-69252914 June 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I'm confused, why does everyone think she is a disaster? Because she was let go from her job? Because some third date guy bails on her? Or because she had an allergic reaction to a coffee.. hmmmm I don't get it
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5/10
Good show
jennifer_gwaltney25 April 2021
It's a good show but I have to say I liked every character better than Erica. She's the main character but I honestly couldn't stand her.
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10/10
Get Back Change
crossbow010623 January 2010
A brilliant at times and eminently watchable show at worst that airs in the U.S. on the SoapNet Channel, this is about the trials & tribulations of Erica Strange. She goes back in each episode to a time in which she wished she had done differently, it not better, aided by her therapist, Dr. Tom. What makes this work is the solid acting by everyone, especially the title character, the message that it is not too late to change things, and the fact that although it is a drama it has some light comedic elements at times. I don't want to even go into specific episodes but suffice to say that it is life affirming, if sometimes very touching. A big plus is that it is set in Toronto, showcasing the city just wonderfully. Some may dismiss this as a woman's show, but it is for everyone. Very highly recommended, look for it.
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10/10
This show is a rare treasure on TV
Geeg1018 February 2011
Warning: Spoilers
For those out there looking for a rare treasure in television shows, look no further than "Being Erica". For those in the U.S. PLEASE overlook that it's on SoapNet. When I was first referred to the show & saw that it was on SoapNet I had my doubts. I'm so glad that I didn't let the network stop me as by the end of the show, I was hooked and left wanting more. The writing for this show is brilliant, intelligent, thought~provoking, and done in a way that's funny and relatable. I cringe however after reading somewhere else that this show may become "American~ized and premiere on a major network". I hope not. Why? Because I cannot see anyone other than Erin Karpluk portraying Erica Strange. Ms. Karpluk gives a phenomenal performance as Erica Strange (you hear that Hollywood producers & directors?). The rest of the cast, including Michael Riley, as Dr. Tom give great performances as well. I would LOVE to see a book with all of Dr. Tom's quotes in it as well as Erica's insights that she has at the end of each show. Thank you so much to the actors, director, producers, and writers who make this show A MUST SEE!!! : D
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10/10
Love this show!
canadachicklett16 February 2009
Warning: Spoilers
I think this show is a great idea! Erin plays Erica so well. I love the fact that this character has been given the chance to work on some of her "regrets" which also gives her an insight was really the issue.

Given the chance to go back in time to see if actually changing something will make a difference is a bigger deal then actually changing it. I think it's great that CBC has brought on a great show, a great Canadian show!!! Hopefully this will continue to just get better and better. I think there are many women that will be able to relate to this character which is what makes the show to perfect. Also knowing that there are certain things that you cannot change no matter how much you want to because they just were meant to be.
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8/10
More brain!
yveemm23 April 2009
I watched my first episode two days ago (which was the third I think) and I enjoyed it! It is funny, contains beautiful people and MAKES YOU THINK too.

This opposed to most series lately (I know I sound like an old person) I think it's great we have a new show with a little bit more brains and serious life than most shows we've seen in the tradition of Sex and the City (which is a lot of fun! But shallow at the same time). I hope it makes people realize there's more to life than looking beautiful.

I think it's brilliant that Erica is not perfect! And the fact she wears normal clothes and is intelligent makes my boyfriend watch it with me too :) The only thing that I am confused about is the absence of the idea that whatever you change in the past, will change yourself and others and everybody's lifes.. I miss this, but I realize too it would be an unbelievable task to implement this in the show. Then maybe it's just good as it is. Recommendation!
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6/10
Lots of gorgeous Canadians who can't keep their clothes on
cledakling29 July 2020
As someone who has regretted an incredible number of life decisions, I loved the premise of this program. And I expected most of the time the character would go back to fix things and have the outcome be pretty much the same with lessons learned. However, Erica really doesn't seem to learn anything. She interferes when she shouldn't and doesn't when she should.

It's still enjoyable, but bingeing makes the redundancy obvious. But it's hard to get past the fact that every time beautiful Erica steps outside incredibly hot guys fling themselves at her even when surrounded by other gorgeous women. Now it is her program, but it's to an absurd extent. She has many short but intense relationships in 3 years and is sent into a funk when one guy says no. But probably not for long!
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10/10
very unique
sxser20 December 2009
It's just not like any other, it begs the question yourself what would you do, what would you change and what if you could, would the outcome be any different. By your own nature yet knowing the former outcome would you take the risk to change it. I really get the show I being almost 30 years old, I wonder about my life and the choices I made to get where I am. That is why the show is great it begs just that question. If you could do your whole life over again is there anything you would change, I think almost everyone would say yes. The show in itself is a self help book, to understand yourself the choices you've made, and change the things you don't like moving forward. I only saw the 1st season but can't wait for more.
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7/10
The theme song
marissaalonzo-1061117 December 2018
Just came here to say the theme song was awful. Otherwise, the show was pretty good.
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8/10
If life's journey be endless where is its goal? The answer is, it is everywhere.
RebelXStar6 January 2019
After having been fired from her job, dumped by her boyfriend and collapsing from anaphylactic shock after consuming a nut-laced coffee all in the same day, 30-something Erica Strange wakes up in hospital and meets a mysterious man known only as 'Dr. Tom'.

Erica learns that he is a therapist and she has been chosen to be one of his patients -- what she doesn't know is that Dr. Tom has the ability to travel time and his 'therapy' involves sending Erica back in time to various, regretful, moments in her life to allow her the chance to gain a new perspective and learn.

Initially reluctant, Erica refuses Dr. Tom's help, but after being shamed into feeling like a big loser who can't get her life together by her family she writes a list of her life's biggest regrets and so begins her journey into what 'being Erica' really means.

I watched a handful of episodes of 'Being Erica' a few years ago and it instantly grabbed my attention with it's quirky 'Sex and the City' meets 'Quantum Leap' concept. Unfortunately, as it aired in the mornings here the UK and my schedule wasn't always consistent I didn't see it all the way through to the end, despite being hooked.

I put 'Being Erica' on my list of movies and TV shows I wanted to revisit, and now, thanks to the gift of Youtube I've spent the last week of 2018 and the first week of 2019 binge watching the entire series from beginning to end -- and let me tell you, what an ending it was! (Spoiler alert: I cried)

The promo for this show really doesn't do it justice; though incredibly quirky and comedic at times, the promo really underplays the philosophical aspect of the series and how thought-provoking and emotionally engaging it was.

A thoroughly underrated show that I highly recommend to anyone with an interest in time-travel, philosophy or metaphyics... or just anyone who has ever experienced the pain of regret.
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7/10
Starts high ends out of sync
moov_e_c_er5 August 2021
I watched this show when it first aired and again a few times. Now I went back and watched the whole show over again. First and second season were simply strong and on point with so much room to act. Season 3 starts to teeter and then 4 starts to fall off a cliff. The show is about Erica Strange and special time-traveling therapy. But season 3 and 4 is only a few time travels. I can see what they were aiming for as "develop or die" but I think they (stories, character, etc) simply stepped away from the concept but kept the same names and actors. I found myself leaving the room off and on for the last 2 seasons and rewinding. It was a great concept but it should have just kept on track for a bit longer. I suggest watch it but it won't keep your interest as much as each episode comes and goes.
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1/10
Great first two seasons, disappointing third
Plamen_Nenchev3 December 2010
Warning: Spoilers
I really enjoyed the first 2 seasons for reasons the other reviewers have already stated. However, season 3 is completely all over the place. It has no focus, the writing is mediocre and Erica is turned into a supporting character in her own show. It actually feels as if it is a completely different show and a one that simply doesn't cut it.

The show now seems to be more about Adam than about Erica - they could have also renamed it "Being Adam". Despite the fantasy elements, Being Erica used to be a realistic drama and this is what made it good. Now it simply doesn't know what it wants to be.

Two-thirds of the screen time is devoted to secondary characters. The romantic subplots seem contrived, in particular, the one between Erica and Adam. Several important characters repeatedly break character - in particular, Julianne. The attempts at comic relief (mainly Ivan and - I don't understand why - Julianne) are completely out of place. And what is with the Kai character? He should have either been written out at the end of season 2 or his (probably impossible) romantic involvement with Erica should have been made a prominent element of season 3. Nope, he just pops in and sleeps with Erica who seemingly forgets about it on the next day and goes on to pursue Adam in the next episode. What is the point of the exercise?

What is the point of season 3 at all? I don't get it. The writers do not seem to get it, either. Episodes seem to be produced for the sake of production. I am disappointed and the way things are going, I am probably not going to watch season 4. But then, the way things are going, there is probably not going to be season 4 because the show will be cancelled.
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10/10
Allow me to share...
accessrichie8 February 2019
This is my first review on IMDb. The time I am spending on this is my way of relaying to you all how I feel about this series altogether. When this show first premiered on the CBC (in Canada), I was at a crossroads in my life. I was having my own 'In my-30s' crisis. Little did I know when I started watching the first episode, Erica Strange was the exact same age as me. And the character was also going through her own 'mess' in life. Now, I'm a fan of fantasy, time travel, alternate realities, etc. so I was instantly hooked with the premise of this show. The therapy sessions that Erica goes through with Dr. Tom was also what I needed in my life (in an entertainment kind of way). I watched seasons 1 and 2 when they originally aired so I felt like I was going through my own personal journey with Erica. When season 3 premiered, I was too busy with life to follow it every week. Over the years, based on how I was feeling, whenever I needed an entertainment 'session', another episode of Being Erica would be my go to choice. It is now 2019, and I have finally finished the series (4 seasons with a total of 49 episodes). To say I took my time is an understatement. In a way, whenever I watched an episode I realized I was one episode closer to the end and that was something I was not looking forward to. We now live in a time where binge watching an entire series has become the norm. I can't imagine doing this with Being Erica! Each episode was special and upon reflection, therapeutic. In season 4 episode 8, '2019 Erica' visits '2011 Erica'. The irony of how I have thought about this, and it being the year that I watch this episode! Overall, my heart is heavy and that is all because of the great writers of the show and the wonderful performances by the actors who made it an emotional, sentimental, and personal journey for me. And a special kudos go to Erin Karpluk as Erica and Michael Riley as Dr. Tom. Words can not express how I feel about these two actors. The last few episodes of season 4 made my eyes water. For me, this series is the best that the CBC has ever produced.
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9/10
This show really touched a nerve for me.
kristibarry1 November 2018
Often you begin watching a show with an expectation that it will be interesting or entertaining, especially when it's categorized as a comedy as this is, but 'Being Erica' caught me off guard. Going in, I thought I was getting a lighthearted comedy, and to categorize this as such is a mistake, what this little treasure delivers is so much more. The main characters of Erica and Dr Tom are superbly written and perfectly acted, and the supporting cast are delightful as well. This show is so well-written and so well done, so clever in its delivery of profound insights and life lessons that they come to you first subtly and then with a resounding deep impact that leaves you better having seen it.
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