Shrill is an empowering comedy that is a breath of fresh air on Hulu and stands out for its amazing performances, body positivity, sharp wit, and funny, relatable storylines.
Shrill follows Annie Easton, a plus-sized journalist who refuses to let preconceptions dictate her worth. Across three seasons, the show tackles themes other shows shy away from, including fatphobia, reproductive rights, toxic relationships, and self-worth, while remaining funny.
Unlike a lot of other shows that reduce plus-sized characters to sidekicks, Shrill places Annie at the center, allowing her to be messy, romantic, ambitious, and, most importantly, unapologetically herself.
For many people, seeing a protagonist who looks like them is a big deal, and the show’s refusal to make her weight the center of attention made it clear that she is not a project that needs fixing but a woman who deserves a good life on her terms.
Aidy Bryant was already popular thanks to her work on Saturday Night Live, and her work on Shrill helped propel her even higher as she was able to show off her skills in drama and introduce a mix of vulnerability and confidence, proving that leading ladies don’t have to fit Hollywood’s narrow mold.
She also served as executive producer and co-writer for the series, helping to ensure her character was more authentic. In interviews, she has spoken about how her own experiences partially inspired Shrill.
While Shrill will keep you laughing throughout the series, it covers some pretty serious topics, including abortion and fatphobia, with a matter-of-fact approach that critics and fans appreciate.
Though it ended after three great seasons, it still has a strong following and stands as a reminder that representation matters and that stories about plus-sized people should not be limited to weight-loss arcs or comic relief.
For anyone who has ever felt pressured to lose weight, Shrill offers permission to take up space and live unapologetically.
If you love Aidy Bryant’s comedic style on SNL, you’ll enjoy her in Shrill where she has more room to shine. You will also likely enjoy it if you love female-led, character-driven TV, like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Insecure, and The Bold Type.
Will there be more seasons?
No, Shrill will not be returning for more seasons. The show ended after three seasons when Aidy Bryant and the creative team felt that the story had reached a natural conclusion.
If you haven’t experienced the brilliance of Shrill yet, all three seasons are available to stream on Hulu.
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