Watch Forever 31

Forever 31 is a short-lived series from ABC that provides both entertainment and introspection for audiences dealing with contemporary life crises. Premiering in 2016, the hilarious series intelligently navigates adulthood themes which resonate with many individuals embarking on what is often dubbed as ‘the dirty 30s.' The show demonstrates how chaotic life can get when one tries to fit societal standards while still trying to figure things out themselves. With the theme carefully curated from the lens of every thirtysomething, Forever 31 is an excellent show for anyone who is in love with “slice of life” comedies that are relatable, fulfilling, and exceptionally playful.

The series follows the life of its lead character, Iliza Shlesinger, who is an accomplished author and comedian in real life. Iliza plays a version of herself in the show, giving it an autobiographical feel and allowing a certain level of authenticity and familiarity that has proven to be a hit amongst viewers, in particular, those that resonate with the struggles of growing older and the pitfalls of adulthood.

Iliza is shown as she grapples with her everyday life, career, and relationships, and the ‘strange, perplexing’ lifestyle of being single in your 30s. The series sets out to understand how, despite having a successful career and being financially independent, Iliza struggles to come to terms with societal expectations, including traditional norms such as marriage, motherhood, buying a home, and settling down. Her life includes an array of odd and delightful characters, including her friends, family, and coworkers, brilliantly painting a portrait of the chaos and confusion, but also humor and warmth, that can be found in everyday adult life.

Forever 31 cleverly integrates various comedic sketches inspired by Iliza’s stand-up material. This stylistic choice sets it apart from traditional sitcoms, blending different comedic elements to add depth and layers to the storytelling. These scenes contribute to the mosaic of Iliza’s life and the universal struggles of navigating adulthood. They are instantly recognizable and relatable and make for a show that is always lively and engaging.

Iliza’s performance is commendably genuine, making her an easy character for viewers to connect with and root for. Her stand-up comedy routines are seamlessly worked into each episode, providing a series of unexpected laughs that act as insightful commentary on the roundabouts of life. The delivery of her fast-paced wit and candid, relatable observations offer both comic relief and moments of heartfelt sincerity. Her humor is subtly piercing and immensely entertaining, making each episode a joy to watch.

A unique aspect of Forever 31 is its engagement with its viewers through ‘Facebook chats.’ In these unique segments, Iliza interacts with her fans, answering their questions about growing up and juggling professional and personal challenges. This structure further elevates the show's feel of authenticity and relatability.

The series is created by Iliza Shlesinger herself and directed by the capable hands of Laura Murphy, a known figure for her work in Girl Code and Broad City. The series is a part of a digital-only segment of ABC, accessible through ABC's app or their website.

While the series does focus on the transition phase into the 'decade of consequential decisions,’ it isn't restricted to that audience alone. The themes are universal and extend to people from different age brackets. Forever 31 has a wide demographic appeal, thanks to its intelligent humor, engaging storyline, and the relatability of its lead character.

In essence, Forever 31 is a relevant, intelligent, and tremendously entertaining series. It doesn't simply appeal to an age group – it goes beyond that, striking a chord with anyone who has ever struggled with the concept of 'adulthood.' It's a refreshing take on one woman's journey through her 30s and the reprisal of her real-life experiences, injected with a delightful dose of humor and honesty. Despite its short run, Forever 31 proves to be an authentic, insightful, funny, and downright enjoyable series showcasing the path of life through hurdles, societal pressures, and the pursuit of happiness.

Forever 31 is a series that ran for 1 seasons (7 episodes) between June 22, 2016 and on ABC