Watch Less Than Kind

Less Than Kind is a Canadian television series that premiered on DirecTV in 2008 and ran until 2013. Created by Marvin Kaye and Chris Sheasgreen, the show stars Wendel Meldrum and Maury Chaykin in lead roles. It is a comedy-drama series that revolves around a dysfunctional Jewish family living in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The series is centered around the Blecher family, who own and operate a driving school in Winnipeg. The patriarch of the family, Sam Blecher, played by acclaimed actor Maury Chaykin, is a cantankerous and often abusive man who rules his family with an iron fist. His wife, Anne, played by Wendel Meldrum, is a neurotic and often insecure woman who struggles to keep the family together despite their various problems.

The Blecher family consists of three children; Sheldon, played by Jesse Camacho, who is the middle child and often the voice of reason in the family; Josh, played by Benjamin Arthur, who is the oldest and a struggling entrepreneur; and daughter Miriam, portrayed by Brooke Palsson, who is the youngest and struggling to find herself.

The show explores the various conflicts that arise between the family members as they jostle for position and struggle to gain their independence. Sheldon, for example, is constantly at odds with his father, who disapproves of his weight and effeminate mannerisms. Josh, on the other hand, is always trying to come up with schemes that will help him get rich quick, often to the chagrin of his family. Miriam, meanwhile, is trying to navigate her way through adolescence and figure out who she is in the world.

One of the strengths of the show is its ability to balance humor and drama. There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments throughout the series, but there are also many poignant and heart-wrenching scenes that will leave viewers with a lump in their throat. The show tackles a wide range of issues, including sexuality, mental illness, drug addiction, and family dysfunction, with a deft touch that never feels heavy-handed or preachy.

The direction and writing of the series are also top-notch. The show is shot in a cinematic style that makes great use of the Winnipeg backdrop, and the writing is sharp and witty, with clever banter and snappy one-liners that will keep viewers engaged from start to finish.

One of the show's standout features is the incredible performances by the cast. Wendel Meldrum and Maury Chaykin, in particular, deliver powerhouse performances as the feuding husband and wife. Chaykin, in particular, is a force to be reckoned with, bringing a fiery energy and charisma to the role of Sam Blecher that makes him both terrifying and endearing. The younger members of the cast, including Jesse Camacho, Benjamin Arthur, and Brooke Palsson, also give excellent performances, bringing depth and nuance to their respective characters.

Overall, Less Than Kind is an excellent show that is well worth watching for anyone who enjoys sharp writing, excellent acting, and a balance of humor and drama. It offers a unique perspective on the Jewish immigrant experience in Canada, but its themes are universal and will resonate with viewers of all backgrounds. It is a testament to the power of television as a medium for great storytelling, and it is sure to leave a lasting impact on anyone who watches it.

Less Than Kind is a series that ran for 4 seasons (48 episodes) between November 3, 2011 and on DirecTV