Watch The Duchess

The Duchess is a Netflix original comedy series that premiered in 2020. Created, written by, and starring Canadian comedian Katherine Ryan, the show follows the life of a single mom, Katherine (played by Ryan), in London, as she tries to juggle her career, her daughter Olive, and her relationships. It is a dark comedy that tackles hard-hitting issues with humor and wit.

The show is set in present-day London and centers around Katherine, a fashionable and confident woman, who is struggling to find a balance in life. As she approaches the age of 40, Katherine is determined to have a second child, but not with the same person she had her first child with. As Katherine navigates the dating scene, she also has to deal with the challenges that come with co-parenting, including a difficult ex-partner, Shep (played by Rory Keenan).

Katherine's relationship with her daughter Olive (played by Katy Byrne) is at the heart of the show. Olive is an eccentric, yet wise-beyond-her-years child who is a source of both joy and frustration for Katherine. While Katherine can be dismissive at times, her love for Olive is evident in every episode. The mother-daughter dynamic is raw, honest, and often hilarious, making it one of the most endearing aspects of the show.

The characters in The Duchess are all flawed and complex. Katherine, in particular, is a multi-dimensional character who struggles with her own insecurities and resentment towards her ex-partner. She is unapologetic about her choices and often makes decisions that are detrimental to those around her. But despite her flaws, Katherine is also fiercely loyal to her friends and family, and shows a deep vulnerability that makes her a relatable and likable character.

One of the standout features of The Duchess is its frank and open discussions of topics such as dating, sex, and motherhood. The show unflinchingly tackles controversial issues such as abortion and co-parenting, and does so with sensitivity but also a refreshing bluntness.

The show also features a strong ensemble cast, including Katherine's best friend and business partner, Bev (played by Michelle de Swarte), who provides both comic relief and emotional support to Katherine. Other supporting characters include Katherine's mother (played by Steen Raskopoulos), who is often critical of her daughter's choices, and her daughter's father, Shep, who is a recovering drug addict.

The Duchess has received mixed reviews from viewers and critics, with some praising its unapologetic portrayal of a flawed female protagonist, while others have criticized it for perpetuating stereotypes of single mothers. However, the show has been widely praised for its humor and strong performances, particularly from Katherine Ryan herself.

Overall, The Duchess is a refreshing and hilarious take on modern motherhood and relationships. With its frank discussions of taboo topics and complex characters, the show is a must-watch for fans of dark comedies.

The Duchess is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between September 11, 2020 and on Netflix