Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to give my thoughts on the series Feel Good, which has emerged as one of Netflix’s top LGBTQ+ comedy-dramas.
Feel Good hit Netflix on March 19, 2020, offering two seasons with a total of 12 episodes, each lasting about 25 minutes. Created by Mae Martin and Joe Hampson, this semi-autobiographical British series stars Mae Martin in a role that mirrors their own life, with Charlotte Ritchie and Lisa Kudrow in supporting roles.
The series centers on Mae, a Canadian stand-up comedian based in Manchester, as they navigate sobriety, gender identity, and an intense new relationship with George, an English woman who previously identified as heterosexual. What sets Feel Good apart is its ability to blend humor with heartfelt themes of addiction, sexuality, and self-exploration, crafting a story that is both personal and universally resonant.
Mae Martin: Comedy, Vulnerability, and Self-Discovery
Mae Martin delivers a remarkable performance as a fictionalized version of themselves, adding genuine depth to a character wrestling with addiction and gender identity. As a recovering addict and comedian, Mae strives to manage addictive tendencies and intense romanticism that infiltrate all parts of their life. Martin’s portrayal is raw and sincere, confronting the challenging realities of recovery and relationships without hesitation.
What makes Mae’s character arc so engaging is how Martin integrates their real-life experiences into the storyline. The show delves into Mae’s journey with gender identity and pronouns, their relationship with their body, and the trials of maintaining sobriety while pursuing both comedy and love. Martin’s comedic background shines through, offering organic humor that never feels out of place or detached from the story’s emotional essence.
Charlotte Ritchie: George’s Journey of Sexual and Emotional Awakening
Charlotte Ritchie provides a nuanced portrayal of George, a reserved, middle-class English woman who meets Mae at a comedy club and begins questioning everything she thought she knew about herself. George’s character embodies the intricacies of sexual fluidity and the bravery required to embrace unexpected love.
Ritchie skillfully portrays George’s internal conflict between societal norms and personal desires. Her chemistry with Mae Martin is palpable, crafting a relationship that feels both fervent and genuine. George’s transformation from someone who never questioned her heterosexuality to someone open to exploring her feelings for Mae is treated with care and authenticity.
Lisa Kudrow: Maternal Complexity and Family Dynamics
Lisa Kudrow brings her signature wit and surprising dramatic depth to the role of Linda, Mae’s mother. Kudrow’s casting was a stroke of genius, as the creators sought someone with “the gravitas of Lisa” to embody this multifaceted maternal figure. Her performance enriches the show’s exploration of family dynamics and acceptance.
Linda’s relationship with Mae delves into themes of parental love, disappointment, and the difficulties of supporting a child through addiction and identity struggles. Kudrow’s portrayal avoids clichés, presenting a mother who is imperfect but ultimately loving, even when she doesn’t fully grasp her child’s path.
The Manchester Setting: Authenticity and Connection
The series tracks 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 more than just a location; it becomes part of the series’ identity, reflecting the working-class authenticity that defines the show.
The comedy club scenes are particularly compelling, showcasing Mae’s professional life while also serving as the venue for their personal transformation. The show captures the intimacy of the UK comedy circuit and how it can become both a haven and a source of vulnerability for performers.
Critical Success on Netflix: A Hidden Gem
Feel Good garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews upon release, with critics applauding its authentic depiction of LGBTQ+ experiences and addiction recovery. The series was renewed for a second and concluding season on December 7, 2020, which premiered on June 4, 2021. Netflix managed its global distribution, making it available to audiences worldwide.
The show’s approach to portraying complex relationships and identity issues has distinguished it within Netflix’s selection. With each episode lasting around 25 minutes, Feel Good provides an ideal format for binge-watching while allowing viewers to absorb its emotional content. The series has been lauded for its natural humor and the way it tackles serious topics without losing its warmth and relatability.
If you appreciate genuine LGBTQ+ narratives that blend comedy with deep emotional insight, Feel Good is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. Mae Martin and Charlotte Ritchie’s performances, complemented by Lisa Kudrow’s supporting role, offer an experience that is both entertaining and deeply moving.
Summary: Feel Good offers a candid, humorous, and profoundly moving exploration of love, identity, and recovery, making it essential viewing for anyone seeking authentic queer storytelling.
Series Details:
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