If you're craving a comedy that's as sharp as it is heartfelt, look no further than Shrill. Originally a Hulu original, this three-season series has quietly made its way to Netflix, and it's begging to be discovered by a wider audience. Starring the incomparable Aidy Bryant, the show is a brutally honest, wryly funny exploration of body image, self-acceptance, and finding your voice in a world that often tries to silence you.
What Is Shrill About?
Based on Lindy West's memoir Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman, the series follows Annie Easton (Bryant), a plus-size writer navigating life in a society designed for thin people. In the premiere, Annie faces a series of humiliating setbacks: she's denied a promotion by her harsh boss Gabe (John Cameron Mitchell, perfectly cast), asked to sneak out the back door after a hookup, and learns that the morning-after pill isn't effective for her because of her weight. The only bright spot is her best friend Fran (Lolly Adefope), who supports her unconditionally. Over three seasons, Annie learns to love herself from the inside out and finds her voice in a world that doesn't always let her speak.
A Comedy That's Brutally Honest and Wryly Funny
What makes Shrill so effective is its authenticity. Annie's life is messy, realistic, and full of complicated relationships. The writing team, including Bryant and West, creates a character who is far from perfect but impossible not to root for. The show excels at showing Annie finding joy—whether she's standing up for herself at work, dealing with a troll, or attending a pool party for plus-size women where she finally feels comfortable in her skin. She makes cringe-worthy mistakes, but as the series progresses, she becomes a true heroine who refuses to conform to societal standards.
The cast is stellar. Bryant, who earned an Emmy nomination for her performance, brings a three-dimensional brilliance to Annie that proves her SNL work was no fluke. Adefope is effervescent as Fran, while comedy legends Julia Sweeney and Daniel Stern shine as Annie's parents. The supporting cast, including Jo Firestone, Patti Harrison, and Ian Owens, creates a magically funny setting for Annie's biggest hurdles.
Shrill aired its final season in 2021, and it's a tragedy that so many missed it the first time. Now that it's on Netflix, it has a chance to find the audience it deserves. If you're looking for a comedy that's both hilarious and deeply moving, this is it. And if you need more binge-worthy shows, check out our Netflix Binge Guide for more recommendations.
