A to Z

A to Z is a charming, romantic sitcom presented by NBC during the 2014-2015 television season. This series represents a deeply textured exploration of the dizzying highs and heart-wrenching lows of relationship dynamics in the modern world. Providing a wittily inquisitive perspective, A to Z is an alphabetical guide through the intimate, often hilarious, and uncompromising game of love.

The series is a short-lived but impactful treasure that kindly adheres to the quaint world of sitcom comedy while introducing the magic of romantic drama. A to Z unveils its narrative through the unique perspective of a narrator, skillfully utilized to provide a roadmap, guiding us through the 26 episodes of the series which they claim to encapsulate the relationship of Andrew and Zelda, each episode representing a letter from A to Z.

The series stars Ben Feldman as Andrew Lofland and Cristin Milioti as Zelda Vasco. Andrew is portrayed as a hopeless romantic. He's an employee at an internet dating site, and due to his extensive professional experience, he's learned to predict the longevity of dating relationships. Andrew, however, believes in romantic destiny, the notion that when two soulmates meet, they just know it, and he's perpetually on the lookout for "the one".

Zelda Vasco, on the other hand, is a pragmatic, no-nonsense lawyer who's had a checkerboard romantic past causing her to distance herself from the rose-colored perspectives. She believes in living her life on her terms, and isn’t one to fall for soulmate conspiracies.

The plot of A to Z intensifies when the paths of Andrew and Zelda cross. While Andrew is left awestruck, recognizing Zelda from a chance encounter at a concert years ago, which he interpreted as a magical sign, Zelda remains skeptical. The ensuing story unfolds as a heart-melting exploration of their relationship, which against the odds, begins to bloom. The transition of their relationship from strangers to lovers happens gradually, and the viewers are taken along in this emotional journey filled with bouts of laughter and sweetness.

Other characters like Stu (Henry Zebrowski), Andrew's best friend, and Stephie (Lenora Crichlow), Zelda's best friend, add a comic vibe to the series, making the storyline not only riveting but also entertaining. Their messy relationships offer a great contrast to Andrew and Zelda’s more traditional romance, yet they all navigate the tumultuous waves of intimacy, commitment, and other love-related concerns.

The show, created by Ben Queen, utilizes a "HIMYM”-esque narrator in the form of Katey Sagal, whose voiceover weaves together the past, present, and future, tightly knitting the episodic progress. It maintains a strong linear marvel suspending viewers between Andrew's idealistic romanticism and Zelda's hard-boiled pragmatism.

The balanced blending of the romantic comedy genre with sitcom hilarity makes A to Z a pleasantly timeless, though underrated, television show. The delightful cast, the engaging storyline pacing, and the clever utilization of the alphabet to tie up the intangible moments in a relationship makes it a unique and unconventional romantic sitcom.

Despite its premature cancellation, A to Z remains in the hearts of many viewers as a bold attempt at redefining romantic sitcoms. As it provides a memorable viewing experience filled with love, laughter, and a fair share of life revelations, A to Z is indeed a binge-worthy addition to your watchlist. Whether you're a romantic at heart or a pragmatic individual, this show will find a way to captivate you, and maybe even make you believe in the magic of love a bit more.