Drop Dead Diva

Drop Dead Diva is a unique and compelling dramedy series that debuted on Lifetime in 2009 and ran for six successful seasons until 2014. The show boasts a remarkable ensemble cast, including Brooke Elliott, Margaret Cho, April Bowlby, Josh Stamberg, Kate Levering, Jackson Hurst, Lex Medlin, Justin Deeley, Carter MacIntyre, Ben Feldman, Gregory Alan Williams, Marcus Lyle Brown, and Mike Pniewski, each bringing to life distinct characters contributing to the series' unique storyline.

The show brilliantly combines comedy, law, and life dilemmas with a supernatural twist, revolving around a shallow and vapid model named Deb Dobkins (played by Brooke D'Orsay in flashbacks) and her new life as a plus-sized attorney, Jane Bingum (Brooke Elliot). After a fatal car accident, Deb finds herself in the 'waiting room of heaven,' where the gatekeeper Fred (Ben Feldman) explains she hit the "return" button on his keyboard, sending her back to earth. However, instead of returning as herself, she gets a second chance at life in Jane's body, a brilliant, hardworking, but often overlooked lawyer who also died recently.

Suddenly, Deb is tossed into Jane's life, possessing her body, her brilliant mind, and her job at a prestigious Los Angeles law firm. Yet, she maintains her lively spirit, love for fashion, and bubbly personality, creating a curious amalgamation of beauty and brains. At times, this duality poses challenges as she struggles to reconcile Deb's frivolous past with Jane's serious professional responsibilities and complex cases.

Margaret Cho portrays Teri Lee, Jane's witty and fashionable assistant, adding her unique comic twist to the story. April Bowlby playing Stacy Barrett, Deb's best friend, is thrown into a whirlwind when Deb confides her secret transformation into her. Josh Stamberg plays the role of Jane's boss and partner at the law firm, Jay Parker, who often underestimates Jane’s strengths due to her unconventional style. Jackson Hurst breathes life into Grayson Kent, who was once Deb's fiancé in her past life and now Jane's colleague at the law firm. Grayson’s presence and his unawareness of Jane’s true identity roots for many comedic and dramatic instances, adding an element of romantic tension to the plot.

Kate Levering is Kim Kaswell, Jane's rival at the firm whose sharp professional rivalry with Jane underlines their recurrent interactions. Further upping the drama quotient are several guest appearances, intricate court cases, emotional twists, and the riveting work-life dynamics of a law firm. This unique blend of humor, law, and supernatural incidents keep the viewers hooked throughout the series.

Crafted masterfully by creator Josh Berman, ‘Drop Dead Diva’ offers an insightful yet entertaining commentary on modern culture, especially in terms of the obsession with physical appearances. It challenges stereotypes about beauty, plus-size people, and women in the law profession, making a strong statement about self-worth and confidence. The series deviates from the usual portrayal of women on television, bringing to the forefront a plus-sized, successful and confident woman who is not just respected for her professional skills, but also desired by those around her.

This blend of comedy, drama, and heartfelt emotion, along with highly relatable and diverse characters, set the show apart from other dramedies on television. Showcased through a legal lens, the narrative engages in tackling thoughtful and complex societal issues while maintaining an undercurrent of humor and lightheartedness.

As the series progresses, the viewers are treated to Deb's (or rather Jane’s) emotional journey as she grapples with her new life, her relationships, her career, and ultimately, her profound identity change. The show subtly captures this transformation from a superficial, beauty-obsessed model to an empathetic, quick-witted lawyer, keeping viewers riveted through her journey of self-discovery.

Drop Dead Diva strikes the perfect balance between comedy and drama, laced with a supernatural premise, making it a must-watch series. It explores profound themes of identity, body positivity, self-acceptance, and the power of a second chance at life, all packed within the legal backdrop. It's a rollercoaster of emotions that keep you laughing, crying, and thinking all at the same time, making it a truly addictive watch.