Hello, everyone! Hope you’re all doing well. Today, I’m diving into a review of the drama Feel Good, a standout in Netflix’s collection of celebrated LGBTQ+ comedy-dramas.
Feel Good debuted on Netflix on March 19, 2020, and spans two seasons with a total of 12 episodes, each lasting around 25 minutes. Created by Mae Martin and Joe Hampson, this semi-autobiographical British series features Mae Martin playing a fictional version of themselves, with Charlotte Ritchie and Lisa Kudrow in pivotal roles.
The storyline centers on Mae, a Canadian stand-up comedian residing in Manchester, who is dealing with sobriety, gender identity, and a fervent new romance with George, an English woman who previously identified as heterosexual. What sets Feel Good apart is its masterful blend of humor with deeply personal themes of addiction, sexuality, and self-exploration, crafting a narrative that feels both personal and universally relatable.
Mae Martin: Humor, Vulnerability, and Exploration
Mae Martin delivers an outstanding portrayal of a fictionalized self, imparting genuine depth to a character confronting addiction recovery and gender identity. As a comedian and recovering addict, Mae endeavors to manage the addictive patterns and intense romantic notions that permeate their life. Martin’s depiction is candid and sincere, never evading the chaotic truths of recovery and relationships.
Mae’s character evolution is captivating, thanks to Martin’s integration of personal experiences into the storyline. The show delves into Mae’s exploration of gender identity and pronouns, their relationship with their body, and the difficulties of sustaining sobriety while pursuing comedy and love. Martin’s comedic talent brings a natural humor that seamlessly aligns with the story’s emotional core.
Charlotte Ritchie: George’s Path to Discovery
Charlotte Ritchie delivers a layered performance as George, a reserved, middle-class English woman who encounters Mae at a comedy club and begins to reassess everything she believed about herself. George embodies the nuanced nature of sexual fluidity and the bravery required to accept unforeseen love.
Ritchie skillfully portrays George’s inner conflict between societal norms and personal desires. Her chemistry with Mae Martin is palpable, crafting a relationship that feels both passionate and authentic. George’s transformation from someone who never questioned her heterosexuality to someone ready to explore her feelings for Mae is portrayed with care and realism.
Lisa Kudrow: Maternal Nuance and Family Ties
Lisa Kudrow brings her signature wit and surprising dramatic depth to the role of Linda, Mae’s mother. Kudrow’s casting was intentional, as the creators desired someone with “Lisa’s gravitas” to portray this multifaceted maternal figure. Her performance deepens the show’s exploration of family dynamics and acceptance.
Linda’s relationship with Mae touches on themes of parental love, disappointment, and the difficulties of supporting a child through addiction and identity challenges. Kudrow’s portrayal defies stereotypes, presenting a mother who is flawed yet loving, even when she doesn’t fully grasp her child’s journey.
The Manchester Backdrop: Realism and Connection
The show charts the evolution of George and Mae’s romance in modern-day Manchester, utilizing the city’s comedy scene as a backdrop for their meeting and relationship. The Manchester setting is not just geographical; it becomes an integral part of the show’s identity, mirroring the working-class authenticity that permeates the series.
The comedy club scenes are particularly impactful, depicting Mae’s professional life while also serving as the venue for their personal transformation. The show captures the intimacy of the UK comedy circuit, illustrating how it can be both a sanctuary and a source of vulnerability for performers.
Netflix Success Story: A Gem in Disguise
Feel Good garnered positive critical reception upon its release, with praise for its genuine portrayal of LGBTQ+ experiences and addiction recovery. The series was renewed for a second and final season on December 7, 2020, which premiered on June 4, 2021. Netflix managed its global distribution, making it accessible to audiences worldwide.
The show’s depiction of complex relationships and identity issues distinguishes it within Netflix’s offerings. With episodes around 25 minutes each, Feel Good provides the ideal format for binge-watching while allowing viewers to absorb its emotional depth. The series has been lauded for its organic humor and its approach to heavy topics without losing its warmth and relatability.
If you’re drawn to genuine LGBTQ+ stories that blend comedy with profound emotional truth, Feel Good is a must-watch on Netflix. Mae Martin and Charlotte Ritchie’s performances, alongside Lisa Kudrow’s supporting role, offer a viewing experience that is both entertaining and deeply meaningful.
Summary: Feel Good delivers a sincere, humorous, and profoundly moving exploration of love, identity, and recovery, standing as essential viewing for those seeking authentic queer storytelling.
Series Information:
Number of Episodes: 12 episodes (2 seasons) Platform: Netflix Rating: 8.1/10 (IMDb) Genre: Comedy-Drama, LGBTQ+, Romance Protagonists: Mae Martin (Mae), Charlotte Ritchie (George), Lisa Kudrow (Linda) Antagonist: Internal struggles with addiction, identity, and societal expectations