The Dramedy Hidden Gem Series That You Can Binge On HBO Max
While we love fantasy shows that let us immerse ourselves in a whole other world, sometimes we just want to watch something full of complex, relatable characters navigating their own crazy lives, and enjoying a few laughs along the way.
Acclaimed actor-producer-director sibling duo Mark and Jay Duplass are no strangers to hilarious, nuanced characters. The pair have been showcasing their filmmaking talent since the 2005 indie mumblecore hit, "The Puffy Chair," along with other well-regarded independent films, such as "Jeff, Who Lives At Home," starring Jason Segel, and the Sundance hit "Safety Not Guaranteed."
In their first outing as dual television showrunners, the brothers demonstrate that their knack for creating empathetic, engaging characters isn't only limited to the big screen, and that their talents work just as well on the small screen too. If you're looking for a nuanced and realistic look at the complexities of adult relationships, they made this hidden gem just for you.
Togetherness is a realistic look at relationships and family
"Togtherness," which aired on HBO from 2015-2016, follows two couples living under the same roof as they fight to keep their individual dreams alive. Mark Duplass also stars in the show as Brett Pierson, a man disillusioned with the rut of marriage and fatherhood. The show also stars the talented Melanie Lynsky as Brett's wife, Michelle, Amanda Peet as Tina Morris, and Steve Zissis as Alex Pappas. Child actor Abby Ryder Forsten, best known for her role as young Cassie Lang in "Ant-Man" and "Ant-Man and the Wasp," stars as Sophie, Brett and Michelle's daughter.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, the Duplass brothers shared their no-holds-barred approach to television directing, with Mark saying, "The dirty little secret of Jay and me is that people look at our stuff and feel like we are sweet little stoners trying to find emotional stuff. But we are f—ing terminators. We are ruthless when it comes down to getting what we want before we leave set — and not to the detriment of people's personal lives and well-being."
Though "Togetherness" may have only lasted for two seasons, its sixteen episodes are well-worth a watch. Brian Tallerico of RogerEbert.com called the dramedy "raw" and "honest," saying, "The Duplass brothers have an ease of concept and character, intermingling the two in increasingly believable ways."
"Togetherness" is now streaming on HBO Max.