Feel Good

I was happily surprised when I heard that there was going to be a show like this. A story involving a sexually fluid comedian would never have been told ten years ago, but times have changed since then. Mae Martin plays herself essentially since it is based off of her life. In interviews she has stated that this was her life about ten years ago.

The series focuses on her romance with George (Charlotte Ritchie), who has predominantly been straight for her entire life. As a result of being straight her whole life, she keeps it a secret that she is dating Mae from her horrible friend Binky (Ophelia Lovibond). That is not the only problem however. Both rely on one another far too much and have intense separation anxiety when apart.

Mae sees her relationship with George as an addiction. For years, Mae was addicted to all forms of narcotics. The writing is superb for effectively showing how Mae is dependent on George. Not only is the writing excellent at showing Mae's addiction to George, but how an addict also obsesses over one object or person. This was educational for me because I never thought addictions as trading one addiction for another. Another fascinating plot device was that Mae gets ringing in her ears when confronted with narcotics. Overall, the writing was phenomenal.

The series also shows the impact of addiction. Mae's parents are played by Lisa Kudrow and Adrian Lukis. There is a love there, but it is strained because of Mae's past activities. Episode 4 is very heartbreaking because their relationship is explored, but it is an amazing episode and full of several different emotions.

The show is absolutely hilarious too. Mae is super funny and loving with George. Another source of comedy is George's roommate Phil (Phil Burgers) who is from California and is completely zany.

Lastly, I am most pleased with the representation. There are stories about straight white men and women frequently with little variety. Recently, I am happy that has changed. Shows like Ramy and Fleabag have changed that. I hope to see stories like these become a commodity in the future. I definitely suggest this show to watch, it is absolutely amazing!!!

There's a bit of a spate of quasi-biography comedian-as-themselves type drama/comedies on British TV in the last few years but Mae Martin's brittle and razor sharp tale of rehabilitation, relapse and relationships is by far and away the most painful and beautiful of all of them. Aided by a remarkably strong support cast (Charlotte Ritchie is spellbinding here particularly - and you keenly miss Sophie Thompson in the second series) but all oscillating around a mesmerically layered performance from Martin. Feel Good can really genuinely hurt you but there's a powerful strength to it to. Deeply underrated and not to be ignored.

If you're a fan of Mae Martin's stand-up (and you should be) you'll absolutely love this show.

Mae, Charlotte Ritchie (as closeted George), and Lisa Kudrow (Mae's over-bearing mother) all deliver stellar performances in this beautiful story about love, addiction, and the confusing spectrum of sexual identity we all find ourselves in.

As a bisexual person myself who has struggled with addiction, this show represented me in ways I haven't seen in years. Possibly ever.

10/10. Highly recommend.

A lot of the negative reviews I've read is more about the confusion about mental health, no matter how much you think you get it unless you've lived it you just don't, for someone fully functioning I get why you'd question chemistry or the quick ups and downs but it's so damn real, you could have the perfect person but if you cannot relax and get your brain to enjoy it you are just doomed, they both make mistakes and bad choices but it's true to form for both sides, one needs a rock for mental stability, one needs a rock for sexuality confusion and neither are strong enough at the early stages, which then creates the dramas. It's really good to see it portrayed so well.

First non friends role I've loved kudrow in, but Charlotte Ritchie is such a star, seen her in so many shows and every one she nails it.

Love and addiction...or should I say love is addiction, or addiction is love. This show is just so personal. I watched all episodes in one sitting. I could relate in way of addiction, not just to drugs, but to the people we love. I recommend it to anyone looking for something real and personal to watch. I can't wait for the next season. I'm hooked.