If You Love ‘The Bear,’ You Should Check Out This HBO Comedy Series

The big picture

• The bear
  i
  Someone somewhere
  both explore complex characters and emotional depth, defying the strict labels of comedy or drama.
• Bridget Everett's performance as Sam
  Someone somewhere
  showcases his humor and singing talent, while the supporting cast shines in their respective roles.
• Both shows emphasize the importance of friendship in their characters' journeys, using it as a central theme to drive the story.

The third season of The bear just dropped on Hulu, and by now everyone knows about Carmy Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White) and his quest to run a successful restaurant in Chicago. The series has already won 10 Emmys for its first season, including several for casting and one for best comedy series. As beloved as the show is, many people debate whether the series is really a comedy, as it is full of quite dramatic and heartbreaking scenes. The bear it definitely falls into that gray area: each episode falls around 30 minutes or a little over 30 minutes, but it doesn't fit the traditional comedy mold with its darker undertones and serious plots. More and more shows find themselves in this space, unable to be defined by a strict label of comedy or drama. The same that The bearthe HBO drama Someone somewhere it is also wonderfully difficult to characterize.

Someone somewhere it's technically a comedy, but it is full of heartbreaking stories and great emotional depth (along with the many laughs it provides). The series, which first premiered in January 2022, stars Bridget Everett as a middle-aged woman named Sam who returns to her hometown after the death of her sister. He decides to stay in this small town in Kansas, but he has to deal with his irascible mother and his buttoned-up sister (both of whom cause a lot of conflict in Sam's life). However, Sam has some healthy connections; her sweet dad gives her the encouragement she needs to be herself, and the friendship she forms with a man named Joel helps the show establish one of the best BFF partnerships on TV these days.

The entire cast shines in 'Somebody Somewhere'

Someone somewhere it's like The bear as he has a lead that could easily carry his production alone. Everett has been involved in numerous projects over the years, but before this show, she was best known for her comedy and cabaret acts in New York. Someone somewhere it's the first time that the exuberant Everett has been able to fully display his humor and stellar singing voice, as Sam often takes to the stage to sing songs in the series. Everett is always capable of providing laughs, but it's his softer moments on the show that showcase his immense talent. Sam is often very frustrated by her family's antics and her inability to grow and heal from past traumas. Although Sam is often a mess who doesn't always make the healthiest decisions, she's still committed to being authentic, something many people in her hometown community can't claim. Everett brings out Sam's vulnerability while doing his best to handle the dysfunction around him.

As awesome as Everett is, similar to The bear, the show really succeeds because of its supporting cast. Jeff Hiller plays Joel, a childhood acquaintance of Sam's who rekindles their friendship while offering to show him the ropes around town. It introduces Sam to other kindred spirits who don't quite fit in, including Fred Rococo (Murray Hill). But it's the actors inhabiting Sam's family members who really steal the show. Sam's mother, Mary Jo (Jane Brody), is a bristly woman who basically has no filters and has no qualms about openly criticizing Sam.

Sam's sister Tricia (Mary Catherine Garrison, in a standout performance), is super intense and always comes with a lot of drama. Although Sam is the complete opposite of Tricia (who presents herself as the picture-perfect wife and mother), the sisters carry the same emotional scars from growing up in their chaotic home. And then there's Sam's father, who was played by the late Mike Hagerty. The actor finished filming Season 1 before he died, and Season 2 addresses his absence by saying he's on a fishing trip. But the presence of his character is still felt throughout the series; it's her loving acceptance of Sam that keeps her going even when life lets her down. Each of these actors brings a unique sensibility to their rolesand the show is enhanced by its innate ability to combine humor with more serious themes.

“Someone Somewhere” uses a basic friendship to set the tone

In The bearone of the most touching elements of the series is the friendship between Carmy and Sydney (Oh Edebiri). They push each other to be better, and their success wouldn't be possible without each other's encouragement. The same goes for Sam and Joel's friendship Someone somewhere. It often feels like Sam is searching for something, and when he returns home, he finds his other half (albeit platonic) in Joel. The two are incredibly similar, sharing a love of music and drinking martinis. But in addition to the sillier aspects of their friendship, Joel is also constantly supportive of Sam. It encourages her to step out of her comfort zone (like stand up and sing at meetings), but more importantly, it shows her that she is capable of being loved. Sam is able to grow and overcome his pain because Joel shows her that this is possible, even in an environment where she feels suffocated.

The bear uses Chicago as another character in his narrative, and Someone somewhere is based on the same technique. The series is set in Kansas, so there are a lot of shots of farms and fields, illustrating the circumstances in which Sam finds himself. He moved away after high school, but now that he's back with his big personality and boisterous ways, he has to fight. with the often narrow-minded people she encounters again. The friendships she makes with Joel, Fred and others in her circle help show Sam that she can be herself. even in less acceptable climates. Kansas and his hometown may not be where Sam fits in best, but he eventually finds people there who love him unconditionally.

Someone somewherehas been picked up for a third season, but there is no official release date at this time. While it's unclear exactly what challenges Sam and his crew of outsiders will face next, there's plenty more story to delve into going forward. With high-caliber writing and acting, it's certainly surprising that the series has managed to fly under the radar thus far. After watching the first two seasons, that much is obvious Someone somewhere is just as deserving of Emmy love how The bear.

Seasons 1 and 2 of Someone somewhere are available to play on Max in the US

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