Merry Happy Whatever

Merry Happy Whatever is a comedy TV series that made its debut on Netflix in November 2019. The show was created by Tucker Cawley and stands out as Netflix's first venture into creating a live-action, multi-camera sitcom. Cawley is a veteran comedy writer and producer well-known for his work on "Everybody Loves Raymond," which lends a guaranteed touch of humor and quick wit to the series. Each episode of the show runs for nearly half an hour and unfolds with warmth, laughter, and an element of the unexpected that keeps viewers on their toes.

The show centers around the Quinn family, who are tight-knit, big-hearted, and boisterous, celebrating their holiday traditions in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Emmit Quinn, played by Dennis Quaid in an engaging turn, is a gruff but well-meaning patriarch whose high standards and expectations tend to infringe on the lives of his adult children. Quaid brilliantly injects his character with a blend of sternness and, surprisingly, vulnerability that makes Emmit endearing.

The storyline of Merry Happy Whatever introduces an interesting twist with the arrival of Matt (Brent Morin), a struggling musician from California who is not just visiting his girlfriend, Emmy Quinn (Bridgit Mendler), but also plans to propose to her during the Quinn family's annual Christmas gathering. His challenge in winning over his prospective father-in-law forms the intriguing crux of the storyline.

Adding to the layered dynamics of the Quinn household are Patsy (Siobhan Murphy), a friendly and outgoing police officer, Kayla (Ashley Tisdale), who is undergoing a personal transition, and Sean (Hayes MacArthur), the upbeat, middle-aged ‘kid’ of the family who still lives at home. Each family member is etched out with their idiosyncrasies, and it's these characters that lend the series its charm and humor.

Though it's a comedy at heart, Merry Happy Whatever also lightly touches upon weightier themes like the generational gap, change, acceptance, and understanding within a family. The show does an excellent job of maintaining the authenticity of the family dynamic - the ups, downs, and all the messiness in between - and matching it with the spirit of the holiday season.

The show's Christmas setting adds further layers of warmth and complexity to the story. It lends to nostalgic family gatherings and holiday charms but also you get funny, awkward, and sometimes cringey moments that result from heightened family tensions due to the holiday season.

Merry Happy Whatever takes a simple premise and elevates it, courtesy of its compelling characters, engaging storyline, creatively infused humor, and down-to-earth family dynamics. It benefits from a strong cast who are completely attuned to their characters, rendering an easy chemistry that makes their interactions seem authentic and relatable.

As the show progresses, viewers are likely to find themselves feeling a part of the Quinn family, experiencing their joys, misunderstandings, and amusing fiascos. The series showcases that despite all the chaos and complexities of a family, they always find ways to come together and support each other in times of need, encapsulating the essence of family values.

Additionally, each episode of Merry Happy Whatever is titled as a universally acknowledged rule of the holidays, adding a quirky touch that prepares viewers for what to expect from the episode while keeping them curious for the successive ones.

In conclusion, Merry Happy Whatever is a heartening mix of comedy and family drama that subtly takes on complexities of family dynamics, making it an ideal watch for those who enjoy a comforting sitcom with a hint of holiday spirit. Whether it's to cherish the festive atmosphere, revel in the comedy, or simply to enjoy a well-written, well-performed sitcom, Merry Happy Whatever makes for an engaging and enjoyable watch.