Amanda Smith
Lantern Staff
Everyone (well, most people) loves a quirky TV series that touches base on real lives with real issues. If this is what you’re looking for, Hulu’s new series, Shrill is a great choice. The six episodes dropped on Hulu on Friday, March 15 with a captivating pilot episode that draws its audience in to continue watching.
Shrill follows Annie (Aidy Bryant), an aspiring journalist who, for her entire life, has been dismissed and criticized for her weight. Whether it be in her job, in her social life or with relationships, Annie’s weight is always a barrier she, and more sadly–strangers, can’t seem to get over.
The first episode shows Annie in her daily routine– grabbing a coffee, going to work and seeing her “friend with benefits”– all of which seem to carry with it dirty looks, “I feel bad for you” smiles and the classic, “you remind me so much of Rosie O’Donnell!” comment from strangers in the coffee shop that overweight women get.
Annie has an epiphany and decides to demand her life back from her weight and the negative commentary that comes with it. Although she understands the importance of her health, she concludes that she will not let it control her feelings or actions and definitely not those of other people. This leads her to being more outspoken in her career and expressing what she wants in a relationship.
Shrill is the perfect show for comedy lovers with undertones of female empowerment. Even though I’ve only seen a glimpse of it through the pilot, I’m eager to see what else it holds. 8/10 stars.