Shrill: a three-season comedy worth rediscovering on Netflix

Netflix has added Shrill, a three-season comedy that first premiered on Hulu in 2019. Adapted from Lindy West's memoir Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman, the series fictionalizes West's life as a plus-size writer and centers on Annie Easton, played by Aidy Bryant.

The early episodes put Annie in humiliating situations: she’s passed over for a promotion by her boss Gabe, played by John Cameron Mitchell; she’s embarrassed after a one-night encounter with Ryan; and she learns the morning-after pill isn’t effective for her because she weighs over 175 pounds.

One of the strongest relationships in the show is with her best friend Fran, portrayed by Lolly Adefope, who supports Annie and accompanies her when she terminates a pregnancy. Shrill’s strength comes from its frank, wry approach to messy, realistic life. Annie’s journey toward self-respect and joy—standing up at work, confronting internet trolls, and attending a pool party for plus-size women—feels earned, even when she makes painful mistakes.

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