SMILF

If you enjoyed the tv programme Girls, check out SMILF ... Different, irreverent, honest and funny. Modern life with larger than life characters, all flawed, warm and fabulous.

I found some scenes hard to watch, but that's what makes this show great. Frankie Shaw is amazing and real. (Where did she come from??) The role of Tutu was made for Rosie O'Donnell; she's loud, sad, rough and incredible. I'm two episodes in and I believe this show has such promise...can't wait for more.

This show both stands and falls by the fact that its lead wrote the script and it is based on their life experiences.

On the one hand this makes it a well acted and introspective look at the life and struggles of a single mother, with some original takes on everyday situations and it certainly has a lot to say. On the other hand though there are some things that are a little too self-indulgent or one-sided, and while this may be an unpopular opinion, the perceivable age difference between the creator and the character is somewhat jarring. It comes across like the lead should be a woman in her early 20s, but instead of casting someone of the age appropriate to the story she is trying to tell, she instead cast herself, which may be more ego in this case than anything else. (It was the initial noticing of this that made me question if it was written by the actress in the first place, as the choice would seem strange for any other reason)

Overall this is another example of good modern writing, giving a personal perspective that is interesting and generally entertaining. The show has a nice raw quality that is worth something, it's just possible that the creator should have taken herself out of the equation and cast a more fitting lead. (I'm the same age as the lead and if I was casting a young single father I would go for someone 10 years younger than myself, this isn't about gender, it's about accuracy)

I'm really glad I didn't read the reviews before I watched this.

I can see why it's not to everyone's liking - it's a bit close to the mark at times and could be seen as distasteful. There is some dodgy parenting, no punches pulled; but it's honest and interesting, funny and human.

The second series is more mature and more rounded.

Episode 9 is particularly relevant from a female perspective.

Rosie O'Donnell is not one of my favourite actresses but I have new- found respect for her as she is excellent as the Bridgette's mum and in my opinion she makes the programme that much better.

I recommend you give it a try.

SMILF's entire narrative seems so fake and forced that I am not surprised it got cancelled. It is nothing like what most single mother's face and instead portrays single moms as desperate s1uts who endless repeat the same mistake that got them where they are in the first place. Sorry most single moms are not drunken s1uts.

I am also not surprised to see the "progressive message" showrunner, creator and lead actress s herself abusive -- this is typical of virtue signaling hypocrites: "The cancellation followed a December story in The Hollywood Reporter that portrayed a production "plagued by allegations of abusive behavior and violations of industry rules..... "The Hollywood Reporter detailed complaints about the way Shaw managed actress Samara Weaving's nude and sex scenes for the show. Citing "several sources," it also said there were complaints that "writers of color were put in different rooms from Cauca sian writers and felt that their ideas were exploited without pay or credit."