Watch Casual

Casual is a dramedy series that aired on Hulu Originals from 2015 to 2018, spanning four seasons in total. The show primarily revolves around the lives of three members of a dysfunctional family: Valerie, Alex, and Laura. Valerie (played by Michaela Watkins) is a recently divorced woman in her forties who begins dating again after her marriage falls apart. She moves in with her younger brother Alex (played by Tommy Dewey), who is a serial entrepreneur and chronic player, as she tries to rebuild her life. Laura (played by Tara Lynne Barr), Alex's teenage daughter, is a rebellious high school student who moves in with her uncle and aunt after getting kicked out of school for selling marijuana.

The show's premise centers around the trio's attempts to navigate their complicated relationships with each other while dealing with their individual struggles. Valerie is constantly trying to make sense of her newly-found single life while trying to maintain a good relationship with her teenage daughter. Meanwhile, Alex is trying to start a new business venture after a string of failed ones, all while juggling his sexual escapades and growing feelings for his assistant, Rae (played by Nyasha Hatendi). Laura, on the other hand, is struggling to adapt to life in a new environment and find her place in the world.

Throughout the series, the characters are forced to confront their past traumas and insecurities in order to move forward with their lives. The show deals with themes such as love, relationships, family dynamics, sexuality, and mental health with a witty and irreverent tone. The writing is intelligent and insightful while maintaining a sense of humor about the characters' situations.

One of the strengths of Casual is its nuanced depiction of its characters. Valerie is a flawed but relatable protagonist who struggles to balance her desire for independence with her growing feelings for the men she dates. Alex, while initially portrayed as a womanizer, is revealed to have underlying emotional issues that he's been burying with his behavior. Laura, too, is more than just a bratty teenager, as her rebellious behavior is ultimately revealed to be a defense mechanism against her own insecurities.

The show also features a strong supporting cast, including Frances Conroy as Valerie and Alex's mother, who suffers from bipolar disorder, and Eliza Coupe as Emmy, Alex's ex-girlfriend and business partner. The show's ensemble cast works together seamlessly, creating a sense of authenticity and depth to the relationships depicted on-screen.

Casual is a show that is both hilarious and heart-wrenching, as it deals with the complexities of modern relationships and family dynamics in a relatable way. It's a refreshing take on the romantic comedy genre, one that eschews cliches and tropes in favor of a more realistic and nuanced portrayal of life and love. With strong performances from its cast and sharp writing, Casual is a must-watch for fans of character-driven drama and comedy.

Casual is a series that ran for 4 seasons (44 episodes) between October 7, 2015 and on Hulu Originals