*I'm Sorry* (TV series)

*I'm Sorry* (TV series)

*I'm Sorry* is an American television sitcom that premiered on TruTV in 2017. Created by and starring Andrea Savage, the series is a semi-autobiographical comedy that explores the awkward realities of marriage, parenthood, and modern life. It blends cringe humor with heartfelt moments, drawing comparisons to shows like Curb Your Enthusiasm and ''Louie'' for its unflinching and personal comedic style.

Premise and characters

The series centers on Andrea, a successful Los Angeles comedy writer and performer navigating her chaotic personal and professional life. She lives with her patient husband, Mike, a television director, and their young daughter, Amelia. The show's humor derives from Andrea's unfiltered and often inappropriate reactions to everyday situations, frequently involving her eclectic group of friends, her Jewish parents, and the other parents in her social circle. Key supporting characters include her best friend, Jenn, a fellow mother with a more cynical outlook, and her agent, who deals with her professional mishaps. The narrative structure often involves Andrea's stand-up comedy sets, which bookend episodes and comment on the preceding events.

Cast

The ensemble cast is led by creator Andrea Savage in the titular role. Tom Everett Scott portrays her husband, Mike, and Olive Petrucci plays their daughter, Amelia. The main supporting cast includes Kathy Baker and Martin Mull as Andrea's parents, and Judy Greer as her friend Jenn. Recurring actors feature prominently, such as Jason Mantzoukas as a wildly inappropriate friend, Paul Walter Hauser as a socially awkward acquaintance, and Nelson Franklin as a fellow parent. Guest stars throughout the series include notable comedians and actors like Allison Tolman, Timothy Olyphant, Rob Corddry, and June Diane Raphael.

Production

The series was created by Andrea Savage, who drew heavily from her own experiences as a comedian and mother. It was produced by Avalon Television and Anvil Entertainment, with Savage serving as an executive producer alongside others like Nick Wiger. The show was part of TruTV's push into original scripted comedy programming during the mid-2010s. Filming took place primarily in Los Angeles, with the show's aesthetic aiming for a grounded, realistic feel that contrasted with more traditional multi-camera sitcoms. The writing staff included several veterans of improvisational comedy, which contributed to the show's natural, conversational dialogue.

Episodes

The series ran for two seasons, comprising a total of 20 episodes. The first season, consisting of 10 episodes, debuted on July 12, 2017. The second season, also 10 episodes, premiered on August 8, 2018. Each episode is titled descriptively, often referencing the central comedic conflict, such as "The List" or "The Surrogate." Story arcs across the seasons include Andrea's struggles with infertility, navigating the politics of her daughter's preschool, and various professional misadventures in Hollywood. The series finale, "The Wedding," aired on October 10, 2018.

Reception

*I'm Sorry* received critical acclaim for its sharp writing and Andrea Savage's fearless performance. Reviewers from publications like The New York Times and The A.V. Club praised the show's honest and relatable portrayal of parenthood and its willingness to explore taboo subjects with humor. It holds a high rating on Rotten Tomatoes and was nominated for a Critics' Choice Television Award. The series developed a dedicated cult following, with particular appreciation for its ensemble cast and cringe-comedy style. However, some critics noted its niche appeal and the potentially polarizing nature of its protagonist's blunt personality.

Release

The series originally aired on TruTV in the United States. Following its cancellation after two seasons, the complete series became available for streaming on Netflix in multiple territories, significantly broadening its audience. The show is also available for digital purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and iTunes. Its release on Netflix in 2020 sparked a renewed interest and online discussion, solidifying its status as a beloved, albeit short-lived, cult comedy.

Category:2017 American television series debuts Category:2018 American television series endings Category:American sitcoms Category:TruTV original programming