Married

Married is an American television series that aired on the FX cable network from 2014-2015. The show, which was created by Andrew Gurland, walks a fine line between comedy and drama, offering a refreshingly honest look at the complex dynamics of modern marriage. The series is grounded in realism and sharp, biting humor, while also fearlessly exploring the darker and more challenging aspects of long-term commitment.

Centered around Russ and Lina Bowman, a middle-aged couple living in a Los Angeles suburb, Married provides an intimate portrait of a couple trying to keep their relationship afloat amidst the tumultuous waters of parenting, career challenges, dwindling finances, and the fading romance that often accompanies decades of being together. They're navigating the typical ups and downs of a committed relationship, grappling with love, affection, resentment, and frustration in equal measures.

Russ, portrayed by Nat Faxon, is a freelance graphic artist. While he's an affectionate father and clearly loves his wife, his whimsical and slightly immature approach to life often puts him at odds with his responsibilities. He is generally well-meaning but regularly finds himself in situations that test his patience and commitment.

On the other hand, Lina, played by Judy Greer, is a stay-at-home mom who balances raising their three daughters and managing the household, all the while trying to fulfill her personal aspirations and desires. Lina's character holds a lot of depth, with a significant subplot dealing with her efforts to reclaim her individuality apart from her roles as a wife and a mother.

Adding to the dynamic is Russ's best friend, AJ, played by Brett Gelman. AJ is a recently divorced recovering alcoholic who lends an additional layer of humor and complexity to the series. He provides the perspective of the single man struggling with loneliness, playing in stark contrast to Russ and Lina's struggles within their marriage.

Despite the inherent challenges that Russ and Lina face in their everyday life, the show underscores that there's a genuine love and friendship that exists between them. They have an unspoken understanding and have learned to work through their differences, disagreements, and discontents. This is captured in a realistic and sometimes painfully honest manner, highlighting the authentic struggles many couples face when raising a family and forging a career while trying to keep the spark alive.

Apart from the central narrative on the Boman's marriage, the series effectively utilizes side characters and subplots to address a broad range of themes and societal norms, from friendship to infidelity, parenting to aging, loneliness to self-worth. Each episode is infused with a unique blend of humor, raw emotion, and sometimes discomfort, aligning with the central theme that marriage is a journey, not a destination.

Married's distinct narrative style stands out from other shows in its genre. It beautifully balances the funny with the serious, making it enjoyable for a wide range of audiences. The writing is sharp, the performances are real, and its relatable and nuanced storytelling approach makes it a worthy and thought-provoking watch.

Creating a show that is equal parts hilarious, heartwarming, and thought-provoking, Married is a brilliant reflection of domestic life's complexities, showing that while every relationship has its challenges, there are also little victories, laughing fits, private jokes, and moments of connection that make it all worthwhile. The show digs beneath the surface to illuminate love's messy and beautiful intricacies bound within the institution of marriage. As a result, Married is far more than a comedy - it's a reference of life's hilariously heartbreaking truths.