Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

       A new comedy show, called Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, recently arrived on Netflix as part of its original content. 

       Much like other shows produced by Netflix Kimmy Schmidt is able to be what the creators plan without the limitations of television, and to great effect. What’s more refreshing is that this is probably the first Netflix show that the entire family can enjoy.     

       Starring Ellie Kemper from The Office as an optimistic country bumpkin from Indiana who, after being liberated from an underground cult where she was being held captive by a crooked preacher in a bunker for half her life, making the phrase, “living under a rock,” much more poignant. After news coverage of her dilemma Kimmy decides to stay in Manhattan to try and experience life to the fullest.

       Given the unusual premise, the show abides by a standard of fish out of water jokes. This makes it more hilarious since not only is the main character of Kimmy Schmidt reasonably naïve to the new world she’s entered, she’s also not completely helpless. Since she has lived in the world before and understands things enough to not make her completely stupid.

       This seems crucial to the comedy the show presents since Kimmy must act as the straight man to the nonsensical future she’s found herself in. Kimmy pays attention to her surroundings in order to come up with reasonable and often clever solutions to the problems she or her friends find themselves in.

       Another great factor to the shows credit is that Kimmy is not a Mary Sue, displaying flaws and character growth after her previously isolated existence. Paralleling a character such as Anna from Frozen in that since both have been separated from a community they are desperate to explore and interact with it without thinking about the consequences too much.

       This factor more often than not is what leads into the conflicts Kimmy deals with on a daily basis as well as the people around her. Speaking of which, the supporting cast is composed of great actors, some familiar and some new who bring a lot more life to the show. At first the characters are introduced as “seen it before” stereotypes, such as her flamboyantly gay roommate or her “50 is the new 25” boss.

       Despite this the show doesn’t just stick to their stereotypes and can allow them to have their own depth and layered personality which is the source of heart and cleverness in the show. As if cut from the same cloth as golden age NBC shows such as Parks and Recreation, not surprising since it was created by Tina Fey, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt does well to keep its own identity and make a comedy that is both funny and memorable.