Watch On Becoming a God in Central Florida

On Becoming a God in Central Florida is a satirical comedy series produced by Showtime that highlights the story of Krystal Stubbs (Kirsten Dunst), a water park employee in Florida in the early 1990s who is desperate to climb the ranks in Founders American Merchandise (FAM) - a pyramid scheme that has destroyed her family's financial security. The series premiered on August 25, 2019, and has since been renewed for a second season.

Ted Levine plays the role of Obie Garbeau II, the founder of FAM, who Krystal idolizes and wants to impress. Although the character only appears in select episodes, his presence sets the tone for the entire show.

Krystal's husband, Travis (Alexander Skarsgard), is a believer in FAM and dreams of becoming wealthy. He goes as far as quitting his steady job to work full-time in the business, leaving Krystal, who doesn't believe in the system, to support their family on her low salary. When Travis unexpectedly dies in a freak accident, Krystal discovers that he had indebted his family to the company, crippling them financially.

Determined to rise above her lowly status in the FAM structure, Krystal uses her guile and wit to infiltrate the company and take revenge on those who wronged her and her family. As she learns more about the inner workings of FAM, she becomes increasingly disillusioned with the company and its leaders, and begins to devise a plan that will bring them all down.

The show is set in the early 1990s, and the producers use the time period to great effect, building an immersive world that is both familiar and foreign. The old fashioned life of suburban America is captured perfectly, and the costumes and hairstyles of the characters reflect the era impeccably. The show's opening credits boast a quirky tune that sets a playful tone for what follows.

One thing that sets On Becoming a God in Central Florida apart from other shows is its unique tone. It has a dark humor that is both uncomfortable and hilarious to watch. The series routinely pokes fun at the absurdity of pyramid schemes and takes a cynical view of American capitalism. The characters are flawed, but they're also endearing and wholly relatable.

Ted Levine's character, Obie Garbeau II, is corrupt and manipulative, but he is not portrayed as a one-dimensional villain. He genuinely believes in FAM's mission and is deeply committed to the company, making him a complex and often sympathetic figure.

Kirsten Dunst's performance as Krystal is another highlight of the show. She plays the character with a balance of toughness and vulnerability, making her both credible and relatable. The show also highlights the idea of female empowerment, as Krystal becomes a self-made woman who charts her own destiny and liberates herself from the constraints of a patriarchal society.

In conclusion, On Becoming a God in Central Florida is an engaging, witty, and thought-provoking comedy-drama that offers a fresh take on the pitfalls of capitalism and the workings of pyramid schemes. It is elevated by strong performances from its cast, and its unique tone and setting make it stand out among other TV shows. Fans of dark comedies and satires will find plenty to love in this show.

On Becoming a God in Central Florida is a series that ran for 1 seasons (10 episodes) between August 25, 2019 and on Showtime