Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Quirky showbiz comedy deals with mental illness.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Lady Dynamite
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
As LADY DYNAMITE star Maria Bamford puts it, "I'm a 45-year-old actress who's clearly sun-damaged! And I have a show!" She does! And in this half-hour comedy we follow her character, a very similar actress also named Maria Bamford, through some of her more absurd life experiences: installing a bench in front of her house to try to get to know her neighbors, entering group therapy to try to figure out if she's racist, performing in a family band with her reluctant parents. Bamford knows she's not perfect -- she struggles with mental health issues and makes odd decisions. But she's trying to make something of her life and her career, and viewers will find themselves both laughing with, and rooting for, this brilliantly silly yet relatable character.
Is It Any Good?
Viewers who appreciate off-the-wall comedies with strong female leads are in luck: This Netflix sitcom is edgy, feminist, and completely hilarious. Created by South Park producer Pam Brady and Arrested Development creator Mitchell Hurwitz, Lady Dynamite gives Bamford a Liz Lemon-like showbiz career and self-deprecating humor and a Kimmy Schmidt-ish sunny outlook and complicated past. But unlike both of these spiritual soul sisters, Bamford is trying to make it as an actress, which leads her into a great number of very goofy situations. Can Bamford get comfortable with starring on a racist sitcom? Can she channel her bipolar disorder into an effective commercial for enjoying an addiction to shopping? Does it make sense to drive a motorbike with two sidecars, one for her agent, one for her manager? Time jumps that show the quirky Bamford's childhood and stints in a mental hospital lend an emotional resonance to all the goofy goings-on, and Bamford emerges as a heroine viewers can cheer for. She doesn't always succeed in her career goals, but her sharp, knowing, out-there show excels in cracking us up.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the cursing and off-color jokes in Lady Dynamite. Why are so many comedies vulgar and rude? Does that make them funnier or less funny?
Bamford's show often breaks what's known as the "fourth wall" by making it clear characters know they're on a TV show. Which other shows do you know that break the fourth wall? What do you think about this style?
How does Maria Bamford demonstrate curiosity, courage, and perseverance? Will watching her show make viewers want to be more like her?
TV Details
- Premiere date : May 20, 2016
- Cast : Maria Bamford , Ed Begley Jr. , Ana Gasteyer , Gabrielle Sanalitro
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Comedy
- Character Strengths : Courage , Curiosity , Perseverance
- TV rating :
- Last updated : May 22, 2020
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