Expecting lighthearted entertainment, I was very pleasantly surprised to find a blend of comedy, drama and countless visual gags, turning my viewing experience into sheer delight. Jean Smart's leading role as Vegas Superstar Deborah Vance is a composite of Joan Rivers and Roseanne Barr, both pioneers in the gritty world of stand-up comedy, which has always been and still is a "boys club". Ms. Vance's rocky road to success was paved with misogyny, unfairness and (sexual) harassment, perhaps even assault. Such silent suffering of women seems unbelievable to Vance's newly hired joke-writer Ava (played by Hannah Einbinder). To Ava, her boss appears mean and work-obsessed. Can't Deborah Vance ever "just chill" and take it easy?
An aging (female) stand-up comic has to fight for survival, being told that she's no longer "fresh", not appealing to a younger audience. That may be thinly veiled agism, or perhaps a hint at the "material" that still tells funny stories from the 1970s, which makes the seniors laugh, but sometimes falls flat with the "kids". Can a fresh perspective from a "gen z girl" save the washed up act of an old hack?
I've only (binge) watched season 1 thus far, but I would never bet against a class act like Deborah Vance! I can recommend this series without reservations. It's one of the finest comedies out there today. If you're gonna pick ONE series to watch in the blinding jungle of shows offered, make it THIS ONE! It's THAT good!
An aging (female) stand-up comic has to fight for survival, being told that she's no longer "fresh", not appealing to a younger audience. That may be thinly veiled agism, or perhaps a hint at the "material" that still tells funny stories from the 1970s, which makes the seniors laugh, but sometimes falls flat with the "kids". Can a fresh perspective from a "gen z girl" save the washed up act of an old hack?
I've only (binge) watched season 1 thus far, but I would never bet against a class act like Deborah Vance! I can recommend this series without reservations. It's one of the finest comedies out there today. If you're gonna pick ONE series to watch in the blinding jungle of shows offered, make it THIS ONE! It's THAT good!