Bless This Mess

Bless This Mess is a lighthearted, entertaining American television sitcom that aired on ABC Premier Networks from 2019 to 2020. The series is presented in a captivating narrative style that beautifully blends humor, romance, and friendship, and takes viewers on an engrossing journey from New York City's bustle to Nebraska's unassuming countrysides.

The delightful show focuses on a newlywed couple, Mike and Rio, portrayed by Dax Shepard and Lake Bell, respectively. Both were dedicated city dwellers when they decided upon an exciting change of pace - shifting their lives from the skyscrapers and endless noise of New York City to more peaceful, open skies and expansive fields of a farm in the heartland of Nebraska. The decision bursts forth from the receipt of a letter informing Mike that he has inherited his great-aunt's farm, leading this novice couple to reassess their life trajectory, saying goodbye to the city life they're familiar with and saying hello to the challenges of farming they know nothing about.

Dax Shepard skillfully portrays Mike, the music journalist turned unexpected farmer, with plenty of grit and humor. Lake Bell masterfully plays Rio, a therapist caught off-guard by the dramatic shift but still ready to embrace the new adventures, bursting with a can-do attitude that highlights her optimistic personality.

Bless This Mess is a story of adapting, coping, and understanding the challenges of rural life in the heartland of America. The series presents city slickers' romanticized perceptions of farming and the realities of the countryside in a hilarious yet meaningful way. The couple quickly discovers that farming isn't as peaceful or simple as they initially assumed; it's a rewarding, yet difficult, even sometimes frustrating lifestyle, requiring skills they never thought they'd need to acquire.

The magic of the show lies not solely in illustrating the couple's fish-out-of-water scenario but in the nuanced presentation of the community they find themselves in. Nebraska isn't just a bunch of barren farmlands filled with quirky locals in this clever sitcom. It's a community that supports and aids the couple as they grapple with their inexperience in various ways, often leading to humorous circumstances.

The supporting cast is another standout feature of Bless This Mess. These characters, including the Bowmans played by Ed Begley Jr. and Nancy Lenehan, Constance Terry played by Pam Grier, and the various rural neighbors, bring richness to the show's modest setting with their vivid personalities and humorous dialogues. Their encounters and interactions add layers of situational comedy to the show, enhancing the main couple's narrative.

Not withholding, Bless This Mess is an insightful exploration of the universal themes of adapting to new environments, perseverance in the face of challenges, and finding a sense of belonging. The series shines a spotlight on the beauty of community living, the age-old urban versus rural dichotomy, and intricacies of marital partnership, all through a comedic lens. It also challenges preconceived notions about country living, encouraging viewers to appreciate the balance of simplicity and complexity inherent in rural life.

The creative team behind the show comprises Lake Bell herself and Elizabeth Meriwether, known for her work on "New Girl." This talented pair serves as writers, executive producers, and even directors for several episodes, embedding the series with their signature touch of creativity, wit, and heartfelt storytelling which makes Bless This Mess compelling to watch.

The show’s execution is a breath of fresh air, enhanced by the charm of the starring couple and an equally delightful ensemble of characters. The distinctive rustic aesthetic, engaging plotlines, and the appealing portrayal of city-dwellers-turned-farmers leave the audience laughing, wondering, and often, learning.

In a nutshell, Bless This Mess is a charming sitcom that will capture viewers' hearts with its fun, warm, and engaging look into the inexperienced coupling navigating the countryside, evoking not just hearty laughs but resonating a sense of community, authenticity, and the touching reality of persevering through. It's a feel-good series - full of humor, camaraderie, and the promise of each day being a new adventure.