Watch Mr. Mayor

Mr. Mayor is a political satire series that follows the story of Ted Danson's character, Neil Bremer, a wealthy businessman who decides to join the mayoral race in Los Angeles. Holly Hunter co-stars as Arpi Meskimen, a no-nonsense city councilwoman who becomes Bremer's deputy mayor, and Vella Lovell plays Mikaela Shaw, the new mayor's chief of staff.

As the show progresses, Neil Bremer finds himself struggling to take charge of the city's problems as people constantly approach him with various concerns. The plot focuses on Bremer's many attempts to fulfill his promise of bringing change to the city while managing his troubled personal life at the same time. Viewers can expect plenty of witty banter and thought-provoking situations throughout the series, as well as an appearance from other recurring characters such as Brianna (played by Kyla Kenedy), Neil's ex-wife, and Tommy (played by Mike Cabellon), Neil's best friend and campaign manager.

Throughout the series, viewers get to see Neil Bremer's evolution from a somewhat clueless politician to a thoughtful, hands-on mayor who truly cares about the people he serves. In every episode, the cast masterfully brings a fresh take on different aspects of politics, specifically those seen in big cities like Los Angeles. As the show progresses, viewers get to see how the city's power dynamics shift and how the characters navigate their roles in it. Through this, Mr. Mayor paint a witty, albeit cynical portrayal of how local politics, and their insider operating systems, play in the interactions between government officials, interest groups, and ordinary citizens.

The chemistry between the main cast is undeniable - Ted Danson is perfect as the affable but bumbling Mr. Bremer, and Holly Hunter is hilarious as the quick-witted councilwoman. Vella Lovell also shines as the smart but highly-strung chief of staff, managing to convey an impressive mix of wit and vulnerability as she juggles her conflicting roles as a mother, a professional, and a friend to her colleagues.

In addition to its entertaining plot, Mr. Mayor can also teach viewers some valuable lessons on politics, leadership, and civic engagement. The show's take on current events - from police brutality to climate change to pandemic response - are both grounded in reality and omits significant details that highlight and subvert real-life situations without making light of their gravity.

Overall, Mr. Mayor is a show that effortlessly captures the absurdity and complexity of municipal governance, offering viewers an irreverent, heartwarming portrayal of a group of people working to make a difference. Over the course of the series, the show's signature humor makes for great entertainment, though the show's biggest draw comes from its nuanced portrayals of politics and other social issues. By the end of each season, viewers can be left satisfied with the complete arc of the characters' growth and intrigued to see where Mr. Mayor will go next.

Mr. Mayor is a series that ran for 2 seasons (41 episodes) between January 7, 2021 and on NBC