By Ellie Shalvarjian
Staff Writer
“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” brings a fresh outlook onto a classic sitcom setup and proves that Netflix’s digital series can be as successful as broadcast television.
A woman that hasn’t been outside for 15 years, an aspiring actor as her roommate, a mentally unstable employer, and a drug addict as a landlord create a show of neverending excitement. “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” presents viewers with clever jokes, impressive acting, and fascinating plotlines.
The series follows Kimmy Schmidt (Ellie Kemper), a woman who recently escaped captivity after being held for 15 years by an Indiana doomsday cult, as she tries to adjust to modern day life.
The show was created by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock (30 Rock) and was originally set to air on NBC; however, the rights to the show were later sold to Netflix since the network that sold it believed that it wouldn’t fit on their platform.
With a plethora of established actors on the cast it is no surprise that the acting in this sitcom is one of the most impressive parts of this show. The cast works well together to create a hilarious atmosphere for the show by using comedic timing and committing to the roles that they are playing.
The characters are well-written, each having their own unique personalities, backgrounds and dilemmas. The show also makes sure that all characters, no matter how big or small of a role they play, are well-rounded. An example of this is how, even though they only show up twice, the show makes sure that the viewer knows characteristics and backgrounds of the other women stuck in the bunker.
While most of the plot is focused on foolish adventures, the show still has engrossing storylines that keeps the viewer wanting to see more. “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” contains typical sitcom humor, such as crude and immature jokes, while still touching on some deeper issues such as mental instability and romantic complications. The way that the sitcom incorporates aspects of serious and foolish humor is impressive and works exceptionally well.
Although there is a good balance between different types of humor, the show constantly struggles with repeating jokes. The show’s most commonly used joke involves Cyndee, another girl who was held captive in the bunker with Kimmy. The show constantly make fun of how Cyndee never mentally developed past the age of thirteen, this certain joke being repeated so many times eventually becomes extremely dull and tiresome.
Overall, “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” successfully incorporates aspects of a sitcom, while still keeping humor relevant and modern. The sitcom also has satisfying plots and superb acting. “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”’s first season can be viewed on Netflix.
Although there has been no official release date announced for the second season, the show has been renewed for two more seasons by Netflix.
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