Better Things

Better Things is a contemporary scripted television series that aired on FX from 2016 to 2022. The show humorously and thoughtfully explores the everyday life struggles and triumphs of Sam Fox, a single mother and working actor, who lives in Los Angeles. The series sheds light on her experiences raising three distinctively unique daughters while juggling the demands of her profession.

Created by Pamela Adlon and Louis C.K, Better Things is not just another series about family life, though. It has an undeniably authentic and relatable narrative that perfectly portrays the complicated dynamics of motherhood and female empowerment. Adlon herself stars as the lead character, Sam, and her evocative performance offers an unmistakable touch of reality.

Sam Fox might not be perfect, but her character is genuinely relatable, complete with faults and all. She rarely backs down from challenges, and confronts her family's daily quirks, her professional ups and downs, and her own inner struggles with unabashed candour. Her character displays a range of emotions, from exhaustion and frustration to love and pride, and everything in between.

Her three daughters, Max, Frankie, and Duke, played by Mikey Madison, Hannah Alligood, and Olivia Edward respectively, also contribute to the compelling family dynamic found in Better Things. Each one of these characters, from the rebellious teenager Max to the sensitive youngest daughter Duke, encapsulates a different stage of adolescence and brings both sweet and painful aspects of growing up to the screen.

A special mention goes to Celia Imrie, who plays Sam's eccentric, free-spirited British mother, Phyllis. Her character adds a dose of comic relief and contributes to the show's exploration of generational relationships. The cast's top-notch performances go hand in hand with the series' excellent writing, full of heartfelt dialogues and situations that can make viewers laugh, empathize, and even shed a tear or two.

The series is set in Los Angeles, and it's the city itself that becomes a backdrop character, subtly influencing each episode’s plotline. Better Things manages to bring to life the city’s distinct cultural landscape with both its challenges and its allure.

However, it’s not just family and work life that Better Things focuses on. The show also delves into the nuances of Sam's friendships, romantic relationships, and her often tumultuous relationship with herself. It explores relevant themes such as aging, identity, and the various roles women find themselves playing in society.

One of the essential aspects of Better Things is its unique and realistic portrayal of women. By emphasizing the diversity of their experiences and feelings, the series manages to shatter many stereotypical expectations of what being a woman, especially a mother, should look like. The show takes us on an intimate journey into the everyday lives of women coping with the minutiae of their existence.

Better Things provides an unfiltered look into the life of a modern family and single motherhood. It's a well-written comedy-drama that doesn't shy away from addressing relatable and sensitive issues. The humane and authentic narrative, combined with the engaging performance of the cast, creates a viewing experience that's both unique and endearing.

The series' humor might be subtle, but it's all the more effective as it finds humor in real-life situations instead of relying on fabricated comedic moments. The narrative is delicate yet raw, and the balance adds to the viewer's visceral connection to the show.

In conclusion, Better Things is a raw, real, and often funny exploration of life's chaos as a single working mother. The fights, tears, laughter, love, and quirks of family life are encapsulated perfectly, making it an incredibly relatable series about the universal ups and downs of life and parenthood. Its beautiful blend of poignant moments with doses of humor makes Better Things a must-watch show. Its representation of womanhood and motherhood from a unique perspective further sets it apart from the pack.