With the inevitable move to online streaming services as a means of watching television, media-streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon have introduced an onslaught of original television programs for viewers to binge-watch at their leisure. Hulu proves to be no different with shows such as “East Los High,” “The Awesomes” and now, “Casual,” one of the two comedies slated to premiere during the fall television season.
Created by Zander Lehmann and directed by Jason Reitman — best known as the director of critically acclaimed films “Juno” and “Up in the Air” — this new comedy centers on therapist and single mother Valerie (Michaela Watkins). Following her recent divorce, Valerie and her teenaged daughter Laura (Tara Lynne Barr) move into the home of her bachelor brother Alex (Tommy Dewey). As Valerie strives to put the pieces of her life back together, she also tries to navigate the fascinating and often complex world of modern dating, further complicated by her reliance on and the general popularity of online dating websites and apps.
The idea of siblings living together in adulthood is not a new trope in television, nor is the portrayal of a single middle-aged woman with children looking to revisit the dating scene concept — the latter is reminiscent of Bravo’s “Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce.”
Even the personalities of the show’s central characters are irritatingly obvious — as is usual with older female protagonists in these types of shows, Valerie is uptight, slightly cold and committed to her work, while Laura is the stereotypical rebellious and sexually liberated daughter. Finally, there is Alex, the pretty boy who beds various women but is averse to commitment — it is all too familiar and all too boring.
What is refreshing about “Casual,” however, is the comedy. It is not too overt and is greatly interwoven through the lives of the characters. Its shies away from being laugh-out-loud funny or too in viewers’ faces with how hilarious it is, allowing for better balance and more thought in regards to the dramatic facets of the show.
“Casual” is also blunt and discerning with its discussion of relationships, sex and monogamy within the twenty-first century. While Valerie is conventional, for the most part, she also recognizes generational differences in ideas of sex and both allows and ensures that Laura remains confident and unapologetic in her sexuality. Moreover, the show provides a new take on the increasing digitization of romance and how it has transformed the way people maneuver romantic situations.
“Casual” could remain in the background, blurred by the countless comedies produced by Hulu and network stations with its relatively unexciting premise. Alternatively, producers could work with the show’s positive qualities that have the potential to make the show one to talk about. It is entertaining and certainly worthy of binge-watching, if viewers can maintain an open mind, but if “Casual” allows itself to side too much with familiarity, its spark will quickly fade away.
RATING: ⅗
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