Him & Her

Him & Her is a British sitcom that aired on BBC Three between 2010-2013. This eccentric and appealing comedy is centered around the lives of a twenty-something British couple living in a small London flat. At its core, Him & Her is a tender ode to modern love, shot through with a grain of sharp reality and satirical yet relatable depiction of the mundane aspects of a relationship.

The show's leading characters - Steve, played by Russell Tovey, and his long-term girlfriend Becky, portrayed by Sarah Solemani, captivate the audience with their idiosyncrasies and laid-back, often lazy, attitude to life. They are far from being ambitious young adults. Instead, they tend to loiter around their flat, engage in seemingly inane conversations, enjoy a copious amount of food, and are regularly unwashed.

The title of the series, Him & Her, effectively encapsulates the show's focus on Steve and Becky's relationship. The audience is given a front-row seat to their most private and personal moments. Their candid conversations and humorous interactions, that may seem trivial to outsiders, form the essence of their relationship, making the viewers feel almost like unintended voyeurs.

While the duo spends most of their time in the confines of their untidy apartment, they are by no means isolated. The sitcom has a modest but distinct ensemble of supporting characters who, due to their quirky personalities and frequent unpredictability, add layers of intrigue and amusement to the mix. Key amongst these are Becky's self-absorbed sister Laura, portrayed by Kerry Howard, her inevitably awkward fiancé Paul played by Ricky Champ, as well as other friends, neighbors, and not-so-welcome visitors who all contribute to the incessant, yet entertaining, chaos.

Each episode cleverly exhibits a different everyday scenario – from handling an irritating friend who has outstayed his welcome to dealing with intrusive neighbors or surviving an unbearably awkward birthday party. The humor is derived not from a traditional joke setup-punchline format, but rather from the daily and apparently trivial interactions and events that are infused with British wit and humor.

One of the most unique aspects of the series lies in its choice of setting. Almost the entire series takes place in Steve and Becky's flat, which effectively becomes a character in its own right. The confined setting might seem limiting but instead, it allows the audience to delve into the couple's relationship dynamics, their charming chemistry, and their confrontation of daily life's trivial dilemmas.

Him & Her stands apart largely due to its uncommon and fresh take on romantic comedies. The series abstains from the prevalent tropes of a meet-cute, elaborate courtships, innumerable breakups and makeups, or overblown romantic gestures. Instead, it derives its charm and humor from depicting two ordinary people in love, persisting through the humdrum and the monotony, and still thriving in each other's company.

The creators have astutely exposed human relationships, capturing their complexities and simplicity in a lighthearted manner. The authenticity of the characters, coupled with their quirks and flaws, is appealing. It provokes the audience to reflect upon the idiosyncratic humor in their own relationships and lives.

The show has been critically acclaimed for its unique storytelling and realistic characterizations. Russell and Sarah's performances stand out with their impressive portrayal of the lounging couple who share their lives, their space, and their love with each other and the viewers.

In terms of its visual aesthetic, the series has a raw and accessible look, which strengthens the resonance of the narrative. The cinematography is minimalistic yet effective and utilises the confined setting to its advantage. The restricted environment doesn't feel claustrophobic but rather adds to the sitcom's overall charm and uniqueness.

Him & Her is a show that celebrates and rejoices in the beauty of ordinary moments, nudging viewers to find humor in the minutiae of everyday life and relationships. It's a sitcom that doesn't rely on cheap laughs but instead, derives its humor from the innate comedy of everyday life, making it a refreshing and rewarding watch.