25 shows that will make you happy to be single this summer
By Sundi Rose
Playing House
Since families come in all shapes and sizes these days, it’s fitting that this half-hour comedy would feature a family made up of two single best friends raising a baby. Lennon Parham and Jessica St. Clair, real-life besties, play onscreen friends raising Parham’s characters baby after she catches her husband in an online affair. But the show is not as bleak as it sounds.
In fact, the show is pretty hilarious and absolutely heartfelt. Parham plays Maggie, single mom and recent divorcee and her childhood best friend, St. Clair’s Emma returns to their hometown to help raise her baby. Both are single and not quite ready to mingle, and watching them evolve through the phases of readiness is the most relatable thing I’ve ever seen.
Of course, Emma has a more complex transition to make, having just had a baby and lost a deadbeat husband. She tries to navigate dating as a new mom, and frankly just gives up on it when she discovers she’s not as ready as everyone wants her to be. Emma’s return home poses some challenges as well, as she suffers a bit of a culture shock after living in the big city with a big, fancy job.
What I love about this show the most is that these characters offer themselves so much grace. They are so self-aware about what they can and can’t manage, and forgive themselves their stumbles. It’s really kinda beautiful to offer yourself so much forgiveness.
Where to watch: The show is so smart and funny that it is downright criminal it only got three short seasons. You can stream them all on the USA Network’s website. And if you need more of this hilarious pair, you can check out their podcast, Womp It Up!