I just wrapped up the series finale. Sad to see this show end. I myself had a divorce finalize in 2016 (around when the show started) and the parallels are eerie (even dated a Jackie..lol). Whoever wrote this came from MY school...Married young, spent more then half our lives married and now 40 something divorcees with teenagers trying to wiggle out a new solo life we are CLUELESS about. Its not an all out comedy, but at least kept it light hearted (rather then the very dark 'The Affair' on Showtime), and the ending ALSO reflected my current standing with my ex-wife (no spoilers, but if you wrapped up the series, you'll see). not everything is wine & roses, but it doesn't have to be overly complicated and depressing either. There IS life after Divorce (the life event AND the show). Thanks HBO, showrunners, Sarah,Thomas & the rest of the cast & crew for a memorable 3 years! I got this now! ;)
67 Reviews
Very funny!
mandyj-9683821 November 2016
I think perhaps this show is marmite. I am in the 'love it' camp, although I have to admit it's like slowing down to watch an accident and feeling relieved that's not you! SJP is predictable in her delivery of the stylish, smart yet ditsy cheating mother; she won't shake off her role in SATT that easily. Her on screen husband, (Thomas Haden Church) absolutely steals the screen with his honest, believable delivery as the deeply hurt and very bitter Robert. He is very entertaining and amusing. This show gets better as it goes on, and I couldn't wait for the next episode! I think anybody who has been through a separation or divorce will find something in this show to relate to. For me, it's the reminder that you can indeed fall in love with someone only to realise some years later that you can't stand to be near them! Maybe we can make ourselves feel a little better by gawping at their car crash lives; their pain, disappointment, failures, and their subsequent reckless stupid behaviour!
Good, adult comedy/drama
Nolafilmmaker9 October 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Frances and her husband Robert attend a dinner party of her friend Diane and her husband Nick. I won't spoil it, but something happens at the dinner party which makes Frances question her own marriage.
This is not a drop down ROTFL comedy, but more of a subtle adult comedy/drama.
There were a few funny moments sprinkled throughout the pilot, and I guess one reason I liked the show is because I can relate to Frances' character. Relationships aren't easy, and I would say that most people have been unhappy at one point or another and struggled what to do.
There's a little bit of a twist about 20 minutes into the show which adds another layer and dimension, and I'd say all in all, it's a pretty good show.
I've heard people say that Frances is unlikable and selfish, but I think she's just the opposite- if two people have made multiple attempts to work on their marriage and it's still not working, freeing both parties can be a great gift, even if it hurts in the beginning.
Only time will tell what happens in Frances' relationship with her husband, but I think so far, this is a pretty good show.
This is not a drop down ROTFL comedy, but more of a subtle adult comedy/drama.
There were a few funny moments sprinkled throughout the pilot, and I guess one reason I liked the show is because I can relate to Frances' character. Relationships aren't easy, and I would say that most people have been unhappy at one point or another and struggled what to do.
There's a little bit of a twist about 20 minutes into the show which adds another layer and dimension, and I'd say all in all, it's a pretty good show.
I've heard people say that Frances is unlikable and selfish, but I think she's just the opposite- if two people have made multiple attempts to work on their marriage and it's still not working, freeing both parties can be a great gift, even if it hurts in the beginning.
Only time will tell what happens in Frances' relationship with her husband, but I think so far, this is a pretty good show.
One of the most unlikable characters, this season...
Dr_Sagan18 October 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Long time after 'Sex & the city' Sarah Jessica Parker decided to return to TV playing one of the most unlikable characters, this season...
The story goes like this: In the pilot episode Parker's character, married with teenage children, decides to tell her husband that she's bored of the way her life is, right now, and that she wants a divorce. Her husband loves her and tries to win her back, being even nicer and offering her passionate love. She refuses and later is revealed that she is having an affair with an unimpressive guy and she is planning to make a proposal to marry him. She even says to her friends that "she loves him". Unfortunately for her, that guy didn't really care about her and he didn't want a serious relationship! They broke up and she returns to her husband who accepts her back. A missed phone call though, reveals the affair to her husband who changes the locks and throws her out the house.
I analyzed the plot with spoilers of the pilot because I want to make a point.
The whole show is basically from Parker's character's perspective. She is trying to show remorse and tells her husband that she loves him and she wants back. "It was just a mistake!" she says. Well...NO! You can't erase what it was clear in the pilot episode. Her character isn't honest. She may be feeling sorry for her situation, because she's afraid the alternative. But she was ready to ...marry another guy, just like that. In my book this is a terrible person. One of the most dislikable characters in couple's dramedies.
Now, as a show this isn't a comedy. A couple of awkward moments and no actual humor. Thomas Haden Church is good in this unfitting role but that's not enough. The direction is rather boring. It seems like there is a hidden message or a statement, but with that premise I doubt there is any.
Overall: You won't miss much, if you avoid this. There is no real humor. The pace slow, the script dull and the characters unlikable, especially the one of Parker's.
The story goes like this: In the pilot episode Parker's character, married with teenage children, decides to tell her husband that she's bored of the way her life is, right now, and that she wants a divorce. Her husband loves her and tries to win her back, being even nicer and offering her passionate love. She refuses and later is revealed that she is having an affair with an unimpressive guy and she is planning to make a proposal to marry him. She even says to her friends that "she loves him". Unfortunately for her, that guy didn't really care about her and he didn't want a serious relationship! They broke up and she returns to her husband who accepts her back. A missed phone call though, reveals the affair to her husband who changes the locks and throws her out the house.
I analyzed the plot with spoilers of the pilot because I want to make a point.
The whole show is basically from Parker's character's perspective. She is trying to show remorse and tells her husband that she loves him and she wants back. "It was just a mistake!" she says. Well...NO! You can't erase what it was clear in the pilot episode. Her character isn't honest. She may be feeling sorry for her situation, because she's afraid the alternative. But she was ready to ...marry another guy, just like that. In my book this is a terrible person. One of the most dislikable characters in couple's dramedies.
Now, as a show this isn't a comedy. A couple of awkward moments and no actual humor. Thomas Haden Church is good in this unfitting role but that's not enough. The direction is rather boring. It seems like there is a hidden message or a statement, but with that premise I doubt there is any.
Overall: You won't miss much, if you avoid this. There is no real humor. The pace slow, the script dull and the characters unlikable, especially the one of Parker's.
True to life
mmayhew1-685-19261430 October 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Stick with it...SJP is not the prettiest actress but she is so true to life and this series does have some laugh out loud moments.....SJP is the villain and if you take morality out of it than you can see why she had an affair. The husband gets better and you do start to emphasise with him a bit... any one who's ever been a couple will resonate with what both parties do in either seeking a little bit of revenge or at least how to alienate your partner...... I've only watched three episodes to date and not seen much of the children but I would say watch it as it's 25 minutes of loose entertainment with some real funny moments
Not too bad not too good
dddeyaa29 August 2019
Enjoyable and funny
carmine-397-7988681 April 2018
Interesting but progressing too slow
kenkiss28 May 2018
I love this show
byroselle24 February 2018
I come from a divorced family, went through a divorce and have an extended family. This show touches on very different subjects that most people don't want to talk about and it's funny!! You think that it is a serious show and most people are saying 'depressing' but you have to see the light at the end of the tunnel, just as in life. I didn't watch any of Sex in the City so I have nothing to compare it to with SJP, but from what I'm seeing is she is a terrific actress and get's down to real life situations. You have to follow the show and see the humorous character her husband (ex-husband) plays.. I really hope that they have another season of this show. Maybe it is an adult show and you have to have an understanding of certain subject areas in life but yea, give the show a chance, it really is a fun show.
A so far interesting and sometimes funny look at divorce
willcora15 November 2016
HBO's Divorce is a story about one particular couple, not all couples. This is representative of your divorce. Every circumstance is different. Sarah Jessica brings her eloquent, expressive and warmly whimsical acting style to the role of flawed but relatable Frances who feels trapped and repressed in her marriage to Robert, played by Thomas Haden Church. The pair seem oddly mismatched from the beginning, with Roberts brutish ways, crude humour and arrogant demeanor in complete contrast with Frances' refined ways.
Robert can frankly be quite a pri*k at times but you can see it's coming from a place of pain. He still loves his wife even though he knows it isn't working. A touching scene was when he placed his hand on her shoulder after breaking the news to the kids. He stepped up to the traditional "It's all going to be OK" patriarchal role of the father, even though it's clear Frances is the pants wearer and bread winner in this relationship.
I found myself sucked into this strange yet relatable world. Who hasn't felt the habits of your significant other once you thought cute at the beginning of a relationship, drive you crazy by the end of it?
I think it has struck a good balance between dark humour and melancholic reflection on modern relationships. I don't think it's quite there yet as sometimes it does feel a little forced. But like Netflix's Grace and Frankie which struggled with tone its first season due to the sensitive themes, Divorce too needs to find it's stride. I'll be sticking around to see what it turns into, as Divorce can't last forever.
Robert can frankly be quite a pri*k at times but you can see it's coming from a place of pain. He still loves his wife even though he knows it isn't working. A touching scene was when he placed his hand on her shoulder after breaking the news to the kids. He stepped up to the traditional "It's all going to be OK" patriarchal role of the father, even though it's clear Frances is the pants wearer and bread winner in this relationship.
I found myself sucked into this strange yet relatable world. Who hasn't felt the habits of your significant other once you thought cute at the beginning of a relationship, drive you crazy by the end of it?
I think it has struck a good balance between dark humour and melancholic reflection on modern relationships. I don't think it's quite there yet as sometimes it does feel a little forced. But like Netflix's Grace and Frankie which struggled with tone its first season due to the sensitive themes, Divorce too needs to find it's stride. I'll be sticking around to see what it turns into, as Divorce can't last forever.
Carrie Bradshaw does Divorce
ElleH6417 February 2022
This HBO series should've been called "Carrie Bradshaw Gets Divorced" because that's the EXACT character that Sarah Jessica Parker is playing (and the only character she knows how to play). Here you will see SJP's latest Carrie Bradshaw variation doing all of the classic Carrie Bradshaw moves: the pointing finger, the wild hand gestures, the absolute identical voice inflection and phrasing, the same goofy clothes, the same raccoon eye makeup, the same hair, the same black bra/white shirt combo and - of COURSE - the same constant running in high heels.
And if that didn't convince you, half of the actors in this series were also in Sex & The City. I'm sure this is an SJP production and I can imagine how she pitched this series: "Imagine if Carrie actually did marry Aiden and had 2 kids and moved to the country and then got divorced."
I gave this 2 stars because 1) Thomas Haden Church is great; and 2) the soundtrack is awesome.
And if that didn't convince you, half of the actors in this series were also in Sex & The City. I'm sure this is an SJP production and I can imagine how she pitched this series: "Imagine if Carrie actually did marry Aiden and had 2 kids and moved to the country and then got divorced."
I gave this 2 stars because 1) Thomas Haden Church is great; and 2) the soundtrack is awesome.
Honest and very funny - Give it a chance
cservice-7234224 October 2016
I love SJP. I saw her in a Facebook Live interview talking about this show and her interest in long-term relationships, divorce, adultery, etc. and why couples stay together or fall apart. And how some thrive afterwards and some completely self-destruct. SJP, in real life, is so lovely, intelligent and fascinating, so I am willing to give this show a chance. I subscribed to HBO because of this show.
The show is funnier than I expected. Love the musical selections, Poco's Crazy Love of Mine was unexpected and beautifully timed. It is not a predictable story yet - I do not know what direction these characters are headed in. As someone that has gone through a divorce myself and continued to live with my ex-husband for three years after the divorce, I can relate to Frances in some ways. The hardest, hardest part is your relationship with your children especially if you feel guilty about the divorce and wanting to save your own life.
The show is funnier than I expected. Love the musical selections, Poco's Crazy Love of Mine was unexpected and beautifully timed. It is not a predictable story yet - I do not know what direction these characters are headed in. As someone that has gone through a divorce myself and continued to live with my ex-husband for three years after the divorce, I can relate to Frances in some ways. The hardest, hardest part is your relationship with your children especially if you feel guilty about the divorce and wanting to save your own life.
No expectations. It turned out to be a very enjoyable TV show.
evey-569164 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I had no expectations when I started watching this series. I haven't heard good things about it. I was hoping to get into a series that is light to watch (not too stimulating, I watch a lot of SCI-FI). It was a very enjoyable TV show and I wish they didn't cancel!
So, I'll start with commenting on the negative reviews. Someone has said that this TV show is about rich people doing stupid things - so untrue! This TV show is actually pretty realistic... There is one couple that is rich, and they do stupid things, but honestly it all makes sense. The wife has no career and isn't intellectually brightest, is completely codependent and spoiled and acts like a child, that's why she's doing stupid things. I think the authors added that couple to the story to make things funny - because otherwise this show wouldn't be as light, without the humor.
And that isn't a bad thing - the show is honestly really emotionally developed. I connected with the characters so well emotionally. The main characters are very well written and played. Robert (the husband) is such a good actor! SJP did a great job and it was interesting to see her play someone else and so different than Carrie Bradshaw. She did such a good job.
Overall, the show is as mundane as I wanted it to be. It's just every day drama of every day people, it makes you think about what strangers might be going through that you would never know.
What I liked about the show:
What I didn't like:
I really wish this show was more appreciated. I am very picky about anything I consume and if I liked it, it definitely deserved to continue :D
So, I'll start with commenting on the negative reviews. Someone has said that this TV show is about rich people doing stupid things - so untrue! This TV show is actually pretty realistic... There is one couple that is rich, and they do stupid things, but honestly it all makes sense. The wife has no career and isn't intellectually brightest, is completely codependent and spoiled and acts like a child, that's why she's doing stupid things. I think the authors added that couple to the story to make things funny - because otherwise this show wouldn't be as light, without the humor.
And that isn't a bad thing - the show is honestly really emotionally developed. I connected with the characters so well emotionally. The main characters are very well written and played. Robert (the husband) is such a good actor! SJP did a great job and it was interesting to see her play someone else and so different than Carrie Bradshaw. She did such a good job.
Overall, the show is as mundane as I wanted it to be. It's just every day drama of every day people, it makes you think about what strangers might be going through that you would never know.
What I liked about the show:
- it is light to watch but complex enough to have to pay attention
- main characters well-developed
- very good actors (except for the daughter maybe)
- emotionally engaging
- not too stimulating but keeps you interested and wants to see what happens next
- funny moments to lighten things up when they get serious
- very happy & sad at the same time!
What I didn't like:
- I think it took a long time to be really engaging but once you engage youll appreciate the back story
- I hated how season 3 started... it didn't make any sense whatsoever. It got me wondering if I skipped a season?? I bet they changed things up because of the low ratings or something, maybe they knew they were cancelling it so they tried to wrap it up, but damn, season 2 had such a good story development and then BAM, season 3 suddenly jumps way into the future without giving us any insight.. it sucked. But even after that the show was still really good.
I really wish this show was more appreciated. I am very picky about anything I consume and if I liked it, it definitely deserved to continue :D
Shallow, lackluster and boring. HBO signature is not enough reason to keep on watching.
maria-ricci-198317 October 2016
I can think of many interesting ways of narrating the crisis of values, substance and purpose in married life, while exposing vulnerabilities and self-questioning, and underscoring the elusive quest for happiness.
This show is definitely not one of them.
I personally find Sarah Jessica Parker an unconvincing actress no matter how many times I watch her on the screen. So I gather there is something in the way she acts which creates an annoying distance between her characters and me. The only reason why I gave this show a try was the HBO patronage, generally a synonym for quality productions.
But, regrettably, it was not enough.
The script does not offer anything new, surprising or true about divorce. The conflicting situations, sketched and staged in a lame, unfluid mise-en-scene, do not ring a true note about the actual suffering, anguish and failure which generally surrounds a separation between people who have once loved and committed each other for life. The characters are stupid, yes, but also anticlimactic, which frankly discourages the desire to keep on watching.
I also found the script quite dumb, lacking in creativity and originality. If I have to listen to women doing inventory about the disenchantment of marriage, I'd rather stay with Meg Ryan and Carrie Fisher, whom at least had wit and charisma.
In short, a futile, non transcendental exercise which didn't convince me about staying with it.
This show is definitely not one of them.
I personally find Sarah Jessica Parker an unconvincing actress no matter how many times I watch her on the screen. So I gather there is something in the way she acts which creates an annoying distance between her characters and me. The only reason why I gave this show a try was the HBO patronage, generally a synonym for quality productions.
But, regrettably, it was not enough.
The script does not offer anything new, surprising or true about divorce. The conflicting situations, sketched and staged in a lame, unfluid mise-en-scene, do not ring a true note about the actual suffering, anguish and failure which generally surrounds a separation between people who have once loved and committed each other for life. The characters are stupid, yes, but also anticlimactic, which frankly discourages the desire to keep on watching.
I also found the script quite dumb, lacking in creativity and originality. If I have to listen to women doing inventory about the disenchantment of marriage, I'd rather stay with Meg Ryan and Carrie Fisher, whom at least had wit and charisma.
In short, a futile, non transcendental exercise which didn't convince me about staying with it.
It's no Sex and the City, But Definitely Worth A Look!
nmerczel10 October 2016
This show is NOT boring! The half hour just zipped by. I thought the show was interesting....VERY interesting, although a tiny bit...depressing and a bit unnecessarily vulgar and mean-spirited in spots. Finally....a show for the over 40 crowd....how unusual! If you are expecting a "Sex and the City" type atmosphere you will be disappointed. This show is not straight comedy...and it is definitely NOT upbeat! Parker's character is more jaded than Carrie was. She's also a bit less charming and full of life. However, she is more complex and perhaps "real" which makes the show very watchable.
Her husband, played by that guy from "Sideways," is also very believable in his role. Excellent acting! The other supporting characters are interesting as well (great character development already, and I have only seen the first episode)! This show has a somewhat disturbing "realism" not unlike GIRLS - another HBO series for the younger set. I would DEFINITELY keep watching "Divorce" except for the fact I saw it while receiving a free HBO preview. I'm really sorry I won't get to find out what happens next!
Her husband, played by that guy from "Sideways," is also very believable in his role. Excellent acting! The other supporting characters are interesting as well (great character development already, and I have only seen the first episode)! This show has a somewhat disturbing "realism" not unlike GIRLS - another HBO series for the younger set. I would DEFINITELY keep watching "Divorce" except for the fact I saw it while receiving a free HBO preview. I'm really sorry I won't get to find out what happens next!
Really@
rmmackey16 October 2016
For the most part I do not see a lot reviews that really like any movies that come out. Just long winded reviews complaining about everything about a certain movie just to show they can write a movie review, hoping to become a movie critic. Realistic and straight forward criticism of a movie would be nice. I have seen so many reviews that look more like columns in a newspaper or a short novel. By the way the movie was not bad at all. I likes Sarah Jessicia Parjer in a role that was different then I have seen her in before. I do like Molly Shannon and it is always great to see Thomas Hayden Church. I myself have never been Divorced and hope not to be! But I am told by those who have that this is somewhat like it is with a grain of salt......
it's getting better and better...
Ataxia1321 April 2018
I love this show, the first season was pretty interesting but the second is awesome.. great story, very realistic, excellent actors (OMG Molly Shannon, sooo funny !!) Really don't understand all bad rewievs, I wish there were more than 10 episodes , but just keep going, I'm looking forwad
Love it! Very funny and well written.
phd_travel17 October 2016
After watching 2 episodes I can say this one is a keeper. It gets really funny in episode 2. A middle aged couple with 2 teenage kids going through a divorce is the subject of this HBO comedy - and it is more a comedy than drama.
Sarah Jessica Parker has waited for sometime to do another series and it's a quality one with good laugh out loud original humor and good acting and dialog. She acts similarly to SATC but it's fine. She and only she can succeed in making you like a character who is did the bad thing - here cheated on her husband. She looks a bit slim and well dressed for the burbs but that's okay. Thomas Haden Church is perfect for the role as cuckolded husband. Love his deadpan delivery of the lines which seem tailor made for him. BFFs played by Molly Shannon and Talia Balsam are good too. It's not SATC for the middle aged crowd those who are looking for that won't find it here. But if the characters are likable and funny it's got the formula for success. What I like is it's more sophisticated in wit and not hectic and contrived like many of the other comedies.
Sarah Jessica Parker has waited for sometime to do another series and it's a quality one with good laugh out loud original humor and good acting and dialog. She acts similarly to SATC but it's fine. She and only she can succeed in making you like a character who is did the bad thing - here cheated on her husband. She looks a bit slim and well dressed for the burbs but that's okay. Thomas Haden Church is perfect for the role as cuckolded husband. Love his deadpan delivery of the lines which seem tailor made for him. BFFs played by Molly Shannon and Talia Balsam are good too. It's not SATC for the middle aged crowd those who are looking for that won't find it here. But if the characters are likable and funny it's got the formula for success. What I like is it's more sophisticated in wit and not hectic and contrived like many of the other comedies.
This show is depressing and not in a good way.
meweathersby11 November 2016
ALL of these characters are horrible. They're all superficial dumbos and I think that's supposed to be funny in a sad and dark humor kind of way, but it's not!!! I don't buy that these relationships are real because you might as well just kill yourself if they were. The kids don't even seem to like their Mom(SJP) and Dad and I don't blame them. I've watched multiple episodes hoping it'd get better, to my shame, but my only hope now is that HBO does not green light another season of this disgusting show. I don't blame the acting, maybe the casting a little, but mainly the writing. This show will make you feel like like trash deep down inside.
Realistic Divorce
MooniePinkslip12 October 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Good storyline, believable and real, and great acting, especially by Robert, the husband. I also enjoy watching the unfolding disbelief of a woman who has been having an affair but all her considerations and expressions and thoughts for the future are only about *her*....a typically female reaction to any situation in life. One thing I don't understand though, which seemed so stupidly American, is why she let him lock her out the house in the closing scene. Anyone else would pick up a rock, smash that glass, unlock the door, and walk inside. Or call the police, who have nothing to do with civil details (ie: "I want to divorce her"), and are concerned only with what's someone's right and what's not: and it's her right to go into her house until there is some legal decision that disbars her from doing that. Bad ending...weak. But brilliant otherwise. I love also how the show starts out and you assume it *is* all about her, but Robert turns that on it's head: NOW IT'S ABOUT ME, he's saying. Good on him!
Boring and depressing
kjsrccx7 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The series, Divorce, had great actors who should have been given a great script. The writers forgot the masks of the theater, Tragedy and Comedy. If a show has characters who have very depressing lives not worth living, the viewer should not be the one wanting to commit suicide. I kept waiting and hoping for the adult characters to grow up, find some morals and learn from their mistakes, but none of the three happened. The worse thing was the show was boring, depressing and it had NO humor. I watched 3 seasons, 24 episodes, hoping for a laugh and a great finale, but I got neither. Don't waste your precious 24 hours, Netflix has great comedy available.
A tough subject handled well (SPOILERS)
karensue-3200623 December 2016
Warning: Spoilers
THIS CONTAINS SPOILERS:
I watched the entire season four times. The first time I wasn't sure I liked it. By the final viewing, I was intrigued not only by the main couple, but their small group of close friends. The lonely single therapist and a couple who are unhappily married.
SPOILER: Though the show is about the divorce between SJP and T Church, there is an unhappy marriage in their social orbit. They are friends with a wealthy, self-absorbed couple who, in the first episode, have a fight at a party that devolves into an attempted shooting. Molly Shannon is excellent playing the narcissistic wife suppressing a deep loneliness and sadness by drinking too much.
I'm beginning to think this couple, who are remaining miserably married, might feature at the end of the story arc later.
I don't have any trouble separating SJP from the show she did 20 years ago. She is very good in this. And it's impossible not to add that it appears she has had no cosmetic surgery and has chosen actors who have not. That is so welcome. I can finally see women show emotions on a show.
The other thing I noticed over repeated viewing is there is much more humor than it seems on first viewing. I think SJP wanted to give us time to get to know these characters. I haven't spotted anything out of sync. The kids seem the right age. It seems realistic that a working mother who barely sees the kids through the week might walk out with them in the morning. From habit or guilt or just to hold on a little to their childhoods.
Divorce is so common. I've always wanted someone to tackle the subject with the right mix of emotions. Relief, humor, trust, anger, resentment, rage. I think this show is working now but I have even higher hopes as it progresses. How will things be at the end when one couple is divorced and one couple is is a marriage that is so bad it's dangerous.
I watched the entire season four times. The first time I wasn't sure I liked it. By the final viewing, I was intrigued not only by the main couple, but their small group of close friends. The lonely single therapist and a couple who are unhappily married.
SPOILER: Though the show is about the divorce between SJP and T Church, there is an unhappy marriage in their social orbit. They are friends with a wealthy, self-absorbed couple who, in the first episode, have a fight at a party that devolves into an attempted shooting. Molly Shannon is excellent playing the narcissistic wife suppressing a deep loneliness and sadness by drinking too much.
I'm beginning to think this couple, who are remaining miserably married, might feature at the end of the story arc later.
I don't have any trouble separating SJP from the show she did 20 years ago. She is very good in this. And it's impossible not to add that it appears she has had no cosmetic surgery and has chosen actors who have not. That is so welcome. I can finally see women show emotions on a show.
The other thing I noticed over repeated viewing is there is much more humor than it seems on first viewing. I think SJP wanted to give us time to get to know these characters. I haven't spotted anything out of sync. The kids seem the right age. It seems realistic that a working mother who barely sees the kids through the week might walk out with them in the morning. From habit or guilt or just to hold on a little to their childhoods.
Divorce is so common. I've always wanted someone to tackle the subject with the right mix of emotions. Relief, humor, trust, anger, resentment, rage. I think this show is working now but I have even higher hopes as it progresses. How will things be at the end when one couple is divorced and one couple is is a marriage that is so bad it's dangerous.
Exceptional Core Cast, Good Writing, Excellent Supporting Actors
randall-mcneal19 March 2017
I needed to sit through the first couple of episodes to get into this show, but now I am a loyal watcher. The cast in this show is exceptional. Thomas Haden Church and Sarah Jessica have surprisingly good chemistry. Tracy Letts and Molly Shannon the same. Talia Balsam and Dean Winters are perfectly cast, and are funny as hell. Since this show is filmed in and around NYC, there is a deep and talented pool of theater talent to support the show, notably J. Smith-Cameron (who is a national treasure). All the actors in this show are allowed to actually ACT, and make bold choices, rather than do the typical mumble-speak "behavior" you see in a lot of television shows these days. Very much looking forward to season 2.
Tedious and annoying narcissists
holchie20 May 2022
I made it through 4 or 5 episodes until I realized I was not enjoying watching two self-absorbed people fight and argue with each other, and anyone who comes their way that doesn't do what they want. It's not entertaining, it's watching two obnoxious people "itch" and complain. Perhaps it improved, but it was too late for me to care if it did.
Loved it !
karenb-5420930 July 2017
SJP great as always and love that she is an Executive Producer! Thomas Haden Church steals the show in my opinion - would not be as good of a show without him....can't wait for Season 2! All of the cast does a great job and are perfect for each of their roles. The subject matter is difficult and sad but the way it is written makes scenes so funny. I laughed out loud on the plane when I watched some of the episodes while traveling.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
