Good Grief

Good Grief is a deeply poignant yet surprisingly humorous New Zealand television series that aired on TVNZ 1 in 2021. The show falls under the genre of contemporary dramatic comedy and is imbued with a warmth and honesty that sets it apart. This unique narrative serves as both a humorous and heartfelt exploration of loss, grief, and how individuals cope with these difficult, universal experiences.

The storyline centers on two central characters, Laura Daniel and Hayley Sproull, New Zealand's beloved comedians who are also co-creators and writers of the show. They bring their exceptional acting skills and unique comedic style to the forefront, making Good Grief a must-watch show.

In the idyllic town of Tinopai, resides the character Nora (played by Laura Daniel). Nora is a feisty and entrepreneurial young woman who wears many hats, including being the manager of the lost and found at the airport, running a local mini-mart, and more interestingly, running the town’s funeral home. Things take a sudden turn when her estranged brother's wife, Holly (played by Hayley Sproull), returns to their small community after his untimely death. Holly is an outsider in every sense, with her city clothes and city ways, and has just lost her husband. The series begins at this point, with the intersection of these two lives creating the cornerstone of the storyline.

Good Grief also explores the dynamics among the town’s quirky inhabitants, contributing additional layers of entertainment. The essence of the small town’s spirit is beautifully portrayed, where everyone knows everyone, and all are linked by bonds of community and shared history.

The series is laden with rich Kiwi humor, yet it doesn't shy away from the raw and complex emotions associated with grief and loss. The writers have crafted a novel path to balance laugh-out-loud moments with instances that tug at your heartstrings. Although it may seem unusual to have a comedy based around themes such as death and grief, Good Grief handles the delicate subject matter in an extremely respectful and sensitive manner.

In a way, Good Grief contributes to the dialogue surrounding death and grief, which are often considered taboo subjects. The series approaches these themes with care and understanding, unraveling them in such a way that they become less intimidating and more a fact of life. Through its course, Good Grief beautifully brings to light the way grief can bind people together, acting as a magnet pulling disparate lives into each other's orbits.

The show is lightened up with aesthetically pleasing environments, the picturesque locations in Tinopai serving as a silent character in the series. The charming small town and breathtaking landscapes create a visually stunning backdrop for the narrative to unfold.

The characters are well-rounded, having been developed with complexities that engage viewers and maintain the drama. Nora is portrayed as a multilayered character. Throughout the series, viewers are exposed to her exterior toughness and astute business sense, as well as her softer, vulnerable side. Holly, on the other hand, evolves as she navigates through her grief and her new surroundings, unearthing a strength she never knew she possessed.

The show hosts a unique blend of intriguing secondary characters, each adding their own flavor to the narrative. These characters range from an offbeat priest to other town folks who each have their stories to tell. The relationships between these characters deepen and evolve naturally over the course of the series, enhancing the depth of the narrative.

The cinematography and directing are worth applauding, as is the remarkable screenplay, which paints a vivid picture of each episode’s arc. The perfect balance of poignant moments and humor makes Good Grief an excellent watch for those who enjoy a show that doesn’t sugar-coat reality yet approaches it with a light-hearted perspective.

In single-season television, Good Grief has been well received for its plucky humor, powerful performances, and its sensitive yet straightforward portrayal of a universal human experience. It stands as a testament to New Zealand's growing prowess in creating world-class television content with a distinctive Kiwi flavor.

In summary, Good Grief is a engaging, unconventional comedic drama that provides a refreshing take on the subjects of loss and grief. Whether you're in for the humor, the real-life resonances, or the breathtaking New Zealand scenery, Good Grief is a gem worth tuning into.