User reviews

I can't comment on the whole series but this show has the potential to be something special. I'm not a black straight woman in New York, I'm a gay guy in the U. K. That being said this show taps into something we all feel. The lead actress is exceptional. I don't remember seeing her in anything else but she owns this role. She's a genuine talent and I really don't say that often. I can the characters pain and the humour she's using to work through it. Introducing the characters as airport workers is very clever. We've all interacted with airport workers, we've all had people who by doing their jobs have made or ruined our day. This story, whilst showing us how this black single woman in New York, who feels alone despite being around hundreds of people everyday, feels, it taps into a human experience I can relate to. I can't wait to watch more.

"How to Die Alone" is a witty and thoughtful dramedy by Natasha Rothwell, starring Mel, a transport assistant at John F. Kennedy International Airport. The show explores themes of loneliness, accountability, and courage in the face of life's unexpected challenges. The show begins with an unseen interviewer asking real-life New Yorkers why people die alone, which are themes throughout the series. Mel's life is tumultuous when her best friend Rory (Conrad Ricamora) bails on their plans, causing her to confront her disappointments. Her finances are in shambles, and she has strained relationships with her mother, Beverly (Ellen Cleghorne), and older brother, Brian (Bashir Salahuddin). Her friend circle is nonexistent. An accident on the eve of her birthday leaves her in the hospital. Rothwell, known for her roles on HBO's "Insecure" and "The White Lotus," is highlighted in the show. Her work on these series earned her production company, Big Hattie Productions, a development deal with ABC Signature. "How to Die Alone" is Rothwell's first solo effort as a creator, skillfully crafted, anchoring important themes and conversations in comedic musings. "How to Die Alone" is a relatable and introspective series that explores the human experience of a passenger, Mel, who is stranded at JFK. The show features funny moments, such as Mel's rivalry with her co-worker Patti and the antics of her baggage-handler friends DeShawn, Shaun, and Terrance. The series also explores the positions we hold in others' lives, as Mel does. The standout episode, "Trust No One," takes Mel to Brian's home for Thanksgiving, highlighting the tension between her siblings and the interjection of their critical mother. The show also provides a glimpse into the complex inner workings of an airport, showcasing the moving parts needed for air travel. The show highlights the difference between being alone and loneliness, and how Mel struggles to reimagine her life and her dreams. The show emphasizes the importance of self-reliance and the need to rely on oneself for support.

Natasha Rothwell's character shows a true depiction of many people who feel such lonely emotion. Surprisingly she looks like a woman I know who once worked as a flight attendant about 15 years ago and today is doing very well as a manager - and, unlike Rothwell's character, she has had a long-term steady boyfriend. Ironically, I can't help but imagine my friend when I see Ms. Rothwell. But the sadness and humor of this series' premier episode is very emotional and Ms. Rothwell really makes the viewer feel her sorrow and frustration. Unfortunately I have not experienced such dire feelings, but this show certainly makes me want to follow the character's development. Altogether it's a very interesting storyline.

How to Die Alone is an absolute gem of a show-brilliantly smart, funny, and truly inspiring. From the very first episode, I was hooked. Natasha Rothwell delivers an incredible performance, bringing humor and heart to a story that feels fresh, relatable, and real. The writing is sharp, the characters unforgettable, and the blend of comedy and insightful storytelling is rare. It's one of those shows that makes you laugh, think, and feel all at once. If you're lost, dating, confused, whatever. It's worth a watch. I loved every minute and hope it gets many more seasons. It deserves a much bigger audience!

This show is a reminder to stop selling yourself short and to surround yourself with people that lift you up. The main character is kind of the underdog/anti-hero that reminds me of Phoebe Wallers Bridge meets Pam from the Office. It's funny, dark, and keeps you engaged. SO REFRESHING TO SEE NEW FACES, OMG. I am so sick of seeing the same 25 actors recycled from TV show to TV show.

I seriously cannot believe this got canceled when some serious lame, 1+1=2 shows got second and third seasons. Hollywood really has no taste these days.

Anyways, I recommend this show if you like explorations on relatable characters in heightened situations. Reminiscent of UK shows like Stath Lets Flats, The Other One, and Chewing Gum.

There is a serious cliffhanger at the end. Hopefully this gets a redemption story and a smart network will pick this up for a second season so I can find out what happens next.

This was a really random tv show I came across, I do not have much to say but it is really good and funny. I liked the theme of career and life so much.

Melissa as a broke worker who tries to live life despite everything was cool to watch. She annoyed me with the love/obsession thingy later on but anyways.

Rory was funny and won the bf lottery lol. I want to see more of their relationship in s2. I liked how it did not take focus from the main character or story.

Patti is so realistic, down to earth and straight to the point. It makes her so funny. And I hope she gets more screentime in s2.

Melissa's family scenes were really funny ngl.

The other characters are also interesting and cool. Another reason why my eyes be fixed to the screen.

I taught that was it but the end, I mean I knew chances of it actually happening were slim but it happened. And with that, I can't wait for s2 In general, despite the moments of sad stuff, it's a good and funny show that the sad stuff does not matter anymore. A good way to spend time if you lack what to do or if you are sad and want to lighten up the mood. 7.7/10.

I loved, loved, loved Natasha in insecure. This was the show that introduced me to her talent and personality. I liked her right off the bat as the fun and funny side kick. I followed her right over to White Lotus season one. Her talent continued to show forth. I expected them to re-prize her in some form or fashion in season two, which left me disappointed. I was so glad to see her return to my TV screen on this show, and it did not disappoint. She bought the humor only as she could. I loved the entire cast of mostly unknowns. Each held their own, from the brother, mother, neighbors, and coworkers. I hope to see a seasons 2.

Don't listen to the other negative comments who didn't watch past episode 2! This is a great watch with entertaining and lovable characters! It's a great and easy to follow storyline with that keeps you captivated!

I found certain aspects of Mel's life relatable and found myself loving her character after by the first episode. I believe there's a character viewers would be able to relate too in some capacity, along with the lessons Mel learns in each episode.

If you love shows like Insecure or Dear White People, then you will love this show! Also, it's Natasha Freaking Rothwell, she's a killer actress and deserves all her flowers!

This is one of the better sit coms of 2024! In my top 5. The cast is incredible! I enjoy the humor, acting, self- depricating writing/humor, the imaganative story telling and incredible characters. Highly reccomend!

Great for binge watching! So nice to watch something so fun and that really looks at the challanges of just being alive in such a humerous and loving way. Love the diversity of all the diffrent characters.

This show is compelling, funny and makes for happy veiwing.

Great for cozy fall watching.

Says my review is not long enough. So blah blah, blah, blah and blah and more blah. Okay, blah.

I have watched three episodes now. It's fun to watch, but at the same time deals with real world problems.

Parts of it are just comedy, then other parts deal with the life of simple people working at an airport in service jobs.

It's about how people around you don't see your worth, also about how oneself might not see one's worth.

We have the highest amount of single households ever, which makes people feel lonely or be scared. That's obviously one of the main topics of the show.

Don't expect it to go super deep, but if you like some feelgood comedy with some portions of drama it is definitely one of the better shows out there.

It is sad and funny because the characters are real. They are all flawed in a way that is realistic and true. That good friend who isn't really that good of a friend because it is always about them, they just Always assume you can drop everything for them until one day when you need them.... I am really looking forward to seeing how it continues and builds these characters because no one is aggressively narcissistic or terrible, just normal flaws everyone has. There is love, friendship, work issues, etc. And the airport setting feels unique and not overdone. The cast is very young and fresh and interesting.

I absolutely loved this show. So shocked it wasn't renewed. I hope another network picks it up. I loved seeing Mel's character grow. The show expertly handled complex and sensitive topics, including loneliness and body positivity. It was also a wonderful change seeing a cast list made up of largely people of colour. We need more shows like this. I really hope it comes back. I have to know what happens next!!! The shows premise is a lived experience for so many people, and I love that the creators didn't shy away from those difficult subjects. This should definitely be on everyone's to watch list!!!!

Natasha Rothwell is a talented actress for sure, but the writing... was unsatisfying. I'm convinced that at least some of it was written during the writers' strike and/or by AI. The exchange between the protagonist and Elisa, which was supposed to be the crux of her character development, was underwhelming and bizarre in ways that seemed tasteless. I think you have to have little media literacy, a small repertoire of films you've watched, or have not been watching this show attentively to come away from the viewing experience with no question marks. It's unfortunate, because I think a show that dealt seriously and provocatively with both loneliness and the politics of desire would have been a breath of fresh air. Swarm is an example of a show that tackled similar themes in surprising, thoughtful ways. HTDA is a little too cookie cutter, like it was pitched as Crazy Ex Girlfriend meets Harlem without much additional inspiration. With all of its resources, the Hollywood apparatus could produce higher quality projects if it wanted to, but it doesn't. It expects people to watch anyway based on the synopsis and a few rushed reviews.

Firstly, this show is underrated, I think it deserves at least 7.5.

What happens in the story itself isn't anything particularly new but the execution is on point and there is an authenticity to every character in the show. I really like the way it deals with the vulnerabilities behind people's words and actions, it's done in a very true to life way.

Its very easy to watch. I watched it in 2 sessions but I could have done it in 1, it was a good way to chill. There are some emotionally heavy moments but mostly it's fairly light hearted while still dealing with some serious subject matter.

It's mostly not laugh out loud funny except for a couple of bits but the whole thing is delivered with a certain whimsy, and I think it's one of those shows where the things you laugh at will be different for each person, because you'll be laughing at the way people act because it reminds you of somebody you know who acts that way, or maybe just something you've observed in real life that you already found amusing, which I think shows strength in the writing.

And as a straight white man it was refreshing to see representation of everything that I am not. I watch a lot of films and TV and I like to see different perspectives and attitudes, ways of thinking etc and this (as far as I can tell) is quite authentic in it's representation too.

One sign you know a show is written well is when characters make bad decisions and you understand them. They're not bad decisions that feel like they're written for the sake of moving the plot forward but made because they make sense for that character, and as a result don't pull me out of my vibe I'm sitting in while watching.

Finally the MC is full of energy and brings everything she has to the role. Her energy bursts through the screen and you can tell she's giving it everything. That's not to downplay the supporting actors though. Everyone turns up, no character in this feels out of place.

Would love to see a season 2.

This show is one of the most fun, stressed, sad, and anger inducing show I've ever watched. Yet it's still the best, I love how the story is told and how it captures ideas that so many people struggle with and make them feel heard and seen. I will forever be grateful for Natasha Rothwell to put this amazing creation. Thank you so much for saving me and making feel seen, you guys will never realize the impact this show has had. Truly one of not the best shows I have ever seen. It needs to come back for a season 2, we need to experience this again. Hopefully it gets picked up and not cancelled. Again thank you Natasha. :)

I had cancelled my HULU account but re-subscribed to watch this. How to Die Alone is a modern day fairytale (to me at least) that features a main character that is often stereotyped in real life. People like her don't usually have multiple love interests on TV. This show offers an amusing perspective on relationships and how you can sabotage them without trying. Its an easy watch with new and talented faces. Natasha Rodwell is fun and refreshing to watch. Hope this show gets one or two more seasons. There were so many times I got a good chuckle and I had to stop myself from binging it all at once.

For something billed as a "comedy", there isn't a great deal of humor. There are a few very brief humorous "sight gags" - things you see which are slightly funny. Maybe 1 per episode, perhaps 2. The dialog and character aren't funny in ANY way.

Overall, the best descriptor I can think for this after watching half the season.. is Melancholy ... passive sadness. And that comes across is almost all scenes and settings, certainly all the dialog.

All the actors do good jobs. There was no point where I felt acting was sub-par. The problems is the writing.. it's depressing and morose. There's no "funny" here anywhere.

If I were labeling a genre for this it would be drama, not comedy.

I lasted 5 episodes then just realized it's depressing and I wasn't enjoying anything about it. I didn't "dislike" it, really just wasn't gaining anything from it - other than my own sense of melancholy.

Pass ------------

Binged this show in one setting. Makes relatable, humorous, sad, pathetic and triumphant feelings come up all at once. A true Charlie Chapman like piece of cinematic magic. The main characters journey with themselves post thier trauma looks like a mid life crisis gone awry and how they relate to others at work and in friendships is hilarious and sad at the same time. Needed this diverse cast and unique storytelling and perspective. I love the characters growth and struggles in its midst. The ending leaves me wanting more, annoyed at karma and cracking up all at once. The main characters perspective through the entire show is shown as trauma informed and hopefully they get a season two to really explore the why more. The relationships between characters new and old all have a fully fleshed out story line which I attribute to great writers. Takes away from the typical narrative of romantic/ friendship comedy and is a true tragic comedy for the modern population with unique relationship pitfalls, self sabotage, the will to do better, community support to defeat fears, and the humor in it all. I'm sold and my heart wants better for the main character.

I really cannot believe someone said this was charming. I agree with the person that it feels like an AI bot wrote this garbage.

That girl Natasha is obviously a very good actress but to be honest she's down as a writer and that's perhaps even worse.

Where to start?

This is definitely not a comedy. The storyline with the brother is maybe the best unintentional joke of the program. No matter what that would never and I mean ever happen in real life.

There's no one to root for as they are all horrible people which is maybe why you leave every episode feeling as empty as the series. What a total waste of time. IF you get an opportunity to read this, watch something that you'll like, something creative, funny or that will make you feel anything as this will make you hallow, that's exactly what this trash is. Hallow. Look elsewhere.

This show is relatable for a specific personality. Someone who is scared to fail, someone who doesn't have people they can rely on, someone who tries to come out of their shell but needs time and effort. Me. I am that, and apperently this show's target audience. It really speaks to the soul, yearning to be themselves but life keeps testing you If you are just like me, you know why you love it.

I love it.

The main character is so real. She is so realistic and other characters have just as much complexity. The characters have backgrounds and problems, but life keeps going. This show catches that everyday reality so well.

The show is a Good, funny, must watch comedy show.

The story is unique and in present age of social media and increasing isolations makes sense. I think the star is the Plot and episodes stories. It is immersive, funny makes you think.

The Acting, and direction are good.

I like that it is a show were the protagonist is more relatable rather a Model.

It also has some musicals in some episodes a thing which when done is moderation pop outs and yes here it did.

Only season 1 is out yet, hope that this shows continues and be a multi series show with the same plot entertainment, I get now from watching the show.

I found this show on Disney+ and added it to my watchlist without knowing anything about it bar a short synopsis.

I expected a poorly written goofball comedy, but that isn't what it is. The lead character, Mel, has some slapstick moments, but it's actually a really amazing look at adult loneliness, depression, anxiety, relationships, love... and a whole lot more.

There are enough laugh out loud moments to firmly make this a comedy, but you quickly see beyond the surface of Mel and care about her situation.

The show doesn't rely on tired tropes, it's a wonderfully thought out story arc with engaging characters. Stick with the show, it is worth it.