Netflix’s new sitcom, “Leanne,” offers a blend of humor and relatable themes, showcasing the talents of Leanne Morgan and a strong supporting cast.
Netflix’s “Leanne”: A Predictable Southern Comfort
The new Netflix comedy “Leanne” is … fine. The Chuck Lorre sitcom stars Leanne Morgan, known from the Netflix stand-up special, “Leanne Morgan: I’m Every Woman.” Fans of that hour will find many of the same themes and even some of the same jokes in the 16-episode first season, with the first eight episodes available for critics to screen.
A Relatable Voice
If you enjoyed the stand-up, it’s likely due to Morgan’s unique and relatable takes on aging, marriage, and parenting. That voice resonates throughout “Leanne,” contributing to the series’ frequent successes.
Initial Impressions
As someone new to Morgan’s work and not entirely within her demographic, it took me until the end of the second episode to crack a smile. Forty minutes is a long setup, but the show improves, eventually appealing even to those who might find Leanne’s suburban Tennessee setting foreign. Initially, Leanne and her fictional sister Carol (Kristen Johnston) open the series with exaggerated expressions that feel unrealistic and unfunny. However, as we get to know them, their antics become less distracting and more integral to the show. Leanne’s character evolves beyond the one-note jilted housewife stereotype as she begins to explore and enjoy her newfound freedom.
Charm and Humor
Once you attune to the show’s wavelength, Morgan’s charm and presence shine through. After the initial setup, the series picks up pace with quick jokes and humorous scenarios, finding laughs in situations like people in their late 50s getting high.
Supporting Cast Dynamics
While none of it is groundbreaking, it offers a comforting feel. Morgan’s sometimes self-conscious performance is supported by a strong cast. Celia Weston and Blake Clark play her quirky aging parents, inviting viewers to enjoy their eccentric characters. Ryan Stiles portrays Leanne’s wayward husband, balancing resignation and mischief perfectly. Jayma Mays plays Leanne’s busybody neighbor, delivering a performance that is both grounded and exaggerated, achieving what Morgan and Johnston strive for but don’t always succeed in—creating a character who invites laughter both with and at her.
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Character Challenges
Annie Gonzalez, as Leanne’s daughter-in-law Nora, also adds depth. Although she fully engages with her material, her character highlights some flaws in “Leanne.” Nora often dampens the fun by pointing out serious issues, like football-related concussions, making her come off as a party-pooper. The show seems to side against her, portraying her husband as henpecked, which feels both retrograde and unfunny.
Body Image Jokes
Moreover, while Morgan jokes about her body both in the sitcom and her stand-up, the fictional Leanne’s insecurities about her appearance feel fraught rather than humorous. The jokes about aging and beauty feel stale, lacking fresh takes on menopause despite the cultural relevance of the topic. This sitcom misses the opportunity to explore new comedic angles, favoring a traditional broadcast TV sense of humor instead.
Final Thoughts
“Leanne” may not reach the heights of “Abbott Elementary,” “The Office,” or “Roseanne,” and I doubt it will enter any awards conversations. However, it doesn’t aim for that. Its goal is comfort TV, and “Leanne” mostly achieves that. Bless its heart.
