This is just unpleasant to watch for various reasons. Firstly, the acting is not that great. Main character has one facial expression, eyes and mouth wide open. Mother of main character is a cliché, over the top manic person.
Secondly, it's kind of predictable. The main character makes poor decisions, and you can see what's going to happen right from the start. You immediately know a party is going to get out of hand, for example. The poor decisions make it hard to watch, but the predictability is worse.
Finally, while I'm sure the American system is bureaucratic and flawed (I'm not from the US, but it's probably not much different where I live in Europe), the main character often seems entitled. Even though she says thank you with a deadpan face all the time. It's not everyone's fault you got into trouble, people are trying to help. But because of how the contradictions in the welfare system are repeatedly mentioned, you do get the feeling you're watching propaganda. It's also very obvious they wanted to showcase all forms of abuse, highlighting a different type in each episode. That gives off an educational or informative vibe, rather than a drama show. Sometimes, the different forms of abuse are literally spelt out for the viewer (yes, I understand there is more than just physical abuse, thank you).
Maybe it's just hard to watch that life is rough for many people and generational problems are real, either way it's not a pleasant watch, but it doesn't make you sympathise either. The main character also keeps refusing help from qualified people, which I'm sure of often the case in real life for people who live in poverty. But it's quite frustrating to watch. I suppose that makes it realistic.
Secondly, it's kind of predictable. The main character makes poor decisions, and you can see what's going to happen right from the start. You immediately know a party is going to get out of hand, for example. The poor decisions make it hard to watch, but the predictability is worse.
Finally, while I'm sure the American system is bureaucratic and flawed (I'm not from the US, but it's probably not much different where I live in Europe), the main character often seems entitled. Even though she says thank you with a deadpan face all the time. It's not everyone's fault you got into trouble, people are trying to help. But because of how the contradictions in the welfare system are repeatedly mentioned, you do get the feeling you're watching propaganda. It's also very obvious they wanted to showcase all forms of abuse, highlighting a different type in each episode. That gives off an educational or informative vibe, rather than a drama show. Sometimes, the different forms of abuse are literally spelt out for the viewer (yes, I understand there is more than just physical abuse, thank you).
Maybe it's just hard to watch that life is rough for many people and generational problems are real, either way it's not a pleasant watch, but it doesn't make you sympathise either. The main character also keeps refusing help from qualified people, which I'm sure of often the case in real life for people who live in poverty. But it's quite frustrating to watch. I suppose that makes it realistic.