What I'm Streaming....Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Momma Told Me: Sometimes you just need a fresh set of eyes.

I don't usually watch 'current' programming. This is partly due to the fact that we do not subscribe to cable since giving it up for various streaming services a few years back. However, a new trend in streaming is occurring and streaming services, such as Amazon Prime and Netflix are becoming their own sort of networks with self hosted television shows. While some are disgruntled that their paid streaming services are now advertising internal programming, I rather like the idea of fresh, current, shows that I can still binge all at once. Of course I'm still waiting on that new season of Orange Is The New Black *cough, Netflix, cough* but the beauty in streaming is that there is always something to watch.

I waited 2 weeks before giving Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix) a try. It seemed a bit silly and the promos were getting quite repetitive to the point they were annoying. When I take on a show in bulk I like to feel as though I'm discovering it, not reliving every highlight with the rest of the world.

Unbreakable, as we'll call it, was originally pitched to NBC by it's creators Tina Fey (who does guest star as a questionable defense attorney) and Robert Carlock. The off-the-wall premise casts The Office's redheaded Ellie Kemper as one of 4 women freed from an Apocalypse cult after living 10 years underground with their faithful reverend (Jon Hamm of Mad Men.) The intro to the show is very campy and borders silly at most points, so I encourage everyone to give this show a 2 episode chance. I can't quite tell why the plot skewed towards plain silly during the first episode but it does do a good job of setting up the series for the remainder of the season.

As you can imagine the story centers around Kimmy Schmidt (Ellie Kemper,) just one of 4 affectionately labeled mole women rescued from their 10 years of captivity underground. While Kimmy's underground friends do play a part in her story she is ultimately the star of the tale with her new-found larger-then-life aspiring performer and flamboyantly gay friend, Titus Andromedon. While the bulk of her story is focused on the reintegration of her life among the 10 year gap the plot also likes to poke fun at her character's naturally innocent, yet determined, and woefully ignorant, core characteristics.

In all I have mixed feelings about Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt- It was indeed entertaining and an easy watch. There were several times I found myself doubled over in laughter at key 'Did she really just say/do that?!' moments- however, there were also several over-the-top comedic attempts that just fell flat for me. As colorful as Kimmy is, all of the characters and situations in the show are equally exaggerated and while this can touch on comedic gold sometimes it also rounds tasteless and plain offensive. Watch cautiously, but definitely give it a try if you are a fan of anything Tina Fey, Saturday Night Live, or Parks and Recreation. You can catch the first season of Unbreakable streaming on Netflix now.

What Daughter Says: While I don't see Unbreakable as a new hit sensation it is a charming show worth the laughs.