This Isn't Working

This Isn't Working is a captivating and thoroughly relatable show that hit American screens in 2016 through Watch ABC. This comedy-drama series is like a breath of fresh air, seamlessly incorporating elements of humor with the harsh realities of the struggle to find a fulfilling job in today's competitive market. This Isn't Working dives deep into the millennial generation's contemporary life challenges to stay afloat in a sea of underpaid jobs and unpaid internships.

The protagonist of the series is an aspiring actress named Sarah Turner, played by the talented Lisa Schwartz. Sarah represents many individuals of her generation, navigating the often-inhospitable world where people juggle multiple jobs yet still have trouble making ends meet. Throughout the series, viewers are privy to Sarah's exploration of her passions while enduring less than ideal working conditions.

Sarah fantasizes about the glamorous Hollywood life and being on stage accepting prestigious awards. Yet, in stark contrast, her reality is comprised of working odd jobs to pay the bills. Clerking at a juice bar, being a terrible waitress, or indulging in any opportunity that came her way in her battle to stay solvent and pursue her dream in parallel is the reality of her everyday life.

The title, This Isn't Working, does a splendid job of encapsulating the plight of both Sarah and a significant proportion of economically strained contemporary society. Sarah constantly finds herself at odds with her dreams and the reality of needing to put food on the table, with the construction of the narrative ingeniously highlighting the wide gap between both.

The rest of the cast comprised of Beverly D'Angelo, Ajay Vidure, Adam Shapiro, and Oscar Nunez equally serve up satisfying performances that bring power and credibility to the script. Every episode shows the characters dealing with challenging situations armed with grit, determination, and a sizeable dose of humor.

Laced with wit, satire, and a good deal of tongue-in-cheek humor, This Isn't Working is a stark portrayal of an aspirational but perennially cash-strapped generation compelled to take up uninspiring jobs. Interestingly, it underscores the pursuit of dream careers and the struggles that come alongside.

Director and writer Roger Wolfson does an impressive job weaving comedy into real-life struggles, providing viewers with a series that is entertaining, but keenly reflective of the harsh realities many people face today. This Isn't Working presents situations that many people can relate to, illustrating the duality of dreams and reality, delving into issues like job satisfaction, financial constraint, self-worth, unrealized dreams, and the question of whether the pursuit of professions that pay is worth the compromise of passion and inclination for the arts.

Viewers are left to contemplate the significance of happiness and fulfillment drawn from work that resonates with an individual's interests and passions, versus choosing to work merely for financial sustenance. As a comedy-drama series, This Isn't Working raises profound questions and serves thought-provoking social commentary in a disarming and digestible format.

Replete with warmth, wit, and candor, This Isn't Working is a must-watch for anyone who has fantasized about a different life while going about their day-to-day work routine. It's particularly relatable for individuals who have loved and lost, strived and failed, and dreamed and despaired in their journey of life, seeking both recognition and sustenance.

Fundamentally, This Isn't Working looks at the underside of the American dream, capturing with undeniable humor the struggles of a generation striving to reconcile their life ambitions with the essential need for a livelihood. While the show may tickle your funny bone, it does not shy away from portraying the less glamourous aspects of life's grind.

In short, This Isn't Working is a series packed with humor, life struggles, drama, and the modern American saga of battling to stay relevant, paid, and hopeful. It sympathetically observes the saga of countless millennials trying to realize their dreams in a world that demands pragmatism and bills paid on time. Watch ABC truly presented an engaging show in 2016, resonating well with viewers due to its relatability, amusement, and sincere storytelling.