11 underrated shows you probably aren’t watching but should be
By Sundi Rose
Playing House, USA
The premise: Two best friends, Emma and Maggie, played by Jessica St. Clair and Lennon Parham, respectively, come together to raise Maggie’s baby after she catches her husband cheating on her while she’s pregnant. Real-life best friends, St. Clair and Parham, are totally believable as best friends, and they work in and around an ensemble cast that makes this half-hour comedy lively and totally watchable.
Emma leaves her very successful corporate job to move home to their small town, to co-parent with Maggie after her man-child husband has a string of weird, online affairs. Emma reunites with her high school sweetheart, Mark, played by Keegan-Michael Key. The bulk of the show revolves around their antics and shenanigans, and there is quite a bit of physical and slapstick humor.
Why you’ll love it: It’s like a Lucy and Ethel mash-up for the modern age. The chemistry between the two actresses is so sparkling and charismatic, you can’t help but adore the two together. Since it’s written and created by St. Clair and Parham, there’s a uniquely feminine voice that resonates through the entire show. And they’re so, so funny. There are a ton of running gags through the three seasons, and it genuinely feels like you’re hanging out with two hilarious best friends that want you to be part of their clique.
How to watch: You can catch up on USA.com, or watch all three seasons in their entirety on USA OnDemand.