Please Like Me

I was not immediately drawn in by Please Like Me. It wasn't particularly entertaining or interesting during the first two episodes I had watched by chance when my Netflix account had unlocked the show while traveling in Europe. Once the show was released on Hulu here in the US, I decided to give it another chance.

The characters quickly grow on you. The main character Josh goes from abrasive to endearing. Someone you can relate to and empathize with. The writing of the show has a certain humanization that makes all the characters entirely relateable, even when they are being awful. You hate the ones you're supposed to hate, and love the ones that are flawed. They grow on you; each one in their own way. It wasn't long before I was completely smitten with the characters and couldn't wait to see where they were headed.

The show has a uniqueness and genuineness that comes across on screen because they appear to shoot on location. You can tell they are in a real city, in a real house or flat, or hospital, or restaurant. It adds to the immersion you feel with the characters and their story line.

The tone of the show has a unique voice, and a particular feel of reality as a millennial. The fact that the main character is gay is not overplayed or exacerbated. It's not reminded with fanfare, but simply a vessel that story arcs carry.

Brilliantly acted, highly entertaining. Commit to the first season (series) if you do decide to watch it, as the first couple of episodes may not take right away.

I had no expectations of this show whatsoever and pretty much watched it randomly.. I was pleasantly surprised. I've scored it an 8 based on the 2nd and 3rd season of the show, though I would rate the first season lower, probably a 6, as it takes a while to understand, and like the characters.

Josh, the main character is a recently out gay guy living with his best friend and various others over time. Each one of the main characters is quite complex, yet surprisingly relatable.

While on the surface the show is very whimsical and comical, they have tackled some really difficult issues, such as depression and suicide in an incredible manner - the later episodes are particularly moving.

I think the jokes only gain in strength as it goes along too, while at first I found it a little stilted, many of the episodes have made me laugh out loud.

There are sex scenes, nothing too intimate shown but obviously if you're not cool with gay romance - this is not for you.

Overall, would recommend - could see myself watching this again.

Do not judge this show by the first episode. While I liked the first episode, I can see why most people wouldn't. Josh comes off as very awkward and super unrelatable. However, after watching all the episodes I have to say that the pacing of the show and the development of the characters as the series progressed really made me fall in love with every single aspect of the show. The relationships are all fleshed, slowly but surely, and all the dialogue is just wonderfully delivered. I would definitely implore you to watch at least 3 episodes before you stop because once the characters start coming out of their shells you find them to be funny, real, and beautifully written.

In one word, this show is fun.

From the teaser, to the entertaining title credits where Josh dances a funny little jig while he cooks up the name of the episode (Spanish Eggs for example), to the final scene, this show is all about the humor to be found in our own quirks and our quirky relationships with others...Josh and his first boyfriend Geoffrey, his dad and his Thai girlfriend Mae, his mom and his aunt, Josh and his aunt, Josh and Claire, Ted and Nev, etc.

The other thing that makes this a joy to watch is that the cast clearly enjoys what they're doing...it shines through their portrayals. There are also a few scenes where I swear they improvised, and improvised really well. Think 'Arrested Development meets generation Y'.

I stumbled upon this show on TV last holiday and I am so glad! Being 20-somethinng who still has a lot to figure out how life works, almost every character is relate-able for me. Josh with his uncertainty towards every decision he makes, Tom with his awkwardness, even Josh's mum dealing with meltdown after meltdowns also her friends she encounters soon.

One of the criteria(not always) of a good show for me is there is not a single character I hate, even characters that many ppl irritated with in this board (which I can see why), I could totally understand their behavior.

The best episode for me is when there is only 2 characters in the entire episode, Josh and his mum go hiking while engaging in heart-to-heart conversation. Everything about it is just so soothing, exhilarating, plus the beautiful Australian woods/forest/swamp (honestly idk what it's called) successfully made me cried with tears of joy and sadness half end throughout the episode.

If you're looking for meaningful yet light-heart show especially if you're 20-something and depressed, this show is an ABSOLUTE MUST-WATCH!