I found some scenes hard to watch, but that's what makes this show great. Frankie Shaw is amazing and real. (Where did she come from??) The role of Tutu was made for Rosie O'Donnell; she's loud, sad, rough and incredible. I'm two episodes in and I believe this show has such promise...can't wait for more.
64 Reviews
It´s a solid 7.5 perhaps a 8
antoniocarisi22 January 2019
I'm actually really enjoing it , i was dubious about the name and the not really great imdb reviews so i had to read a few ...
Most of the critics seems to circle around the idea of what a single mom should be rather than how really good the show is . And it´s really good , at least that´s what i´m getting . Well written , well acted and well directed ... of course it´s far from perfect , but i think it´s a gem in it´s own little way .
It´s telling a story , it´s fun at times , a little drama , kinda raw , refreshing and new . Much better of many blockbusters nowdays . Ence the 8 ...
I really loved the Lola run reference in ep.5
Very Provocative New Series
wantsomeyou5 November 2017
Stumbled across this new series and watched the first episode out of curiosity. It was hilarious....to me at least. Very real life. It will definitely not leave you bored. The lead character is likable and honestly, we can all relate to her. I would recommend giving this series a try.
BRILLIANT!!
rsimkin24 February 2018
First - I don't care what anyone has to say about Rosie O'Donnell, she is still a terrific actress and comedian with AMAZING timing - and this show more than proves it. EMMY AWARD WINNING Performance, mos def.
Second - Frankie Shaw's acting abilities and gorgeous face made me melt WAAAAAAAY WAY WAY before SMILF even aired on Showtime. Brilliant barely scratches the surface when it comes to this girls talents, on screen and on paper. Wow! She wrote the perfect role for herself and its A Maze...zing!
Third - Truly, this show is great. I have never laughed so hard at moments in a comedic show before. It's brilliant, well timed, humor is fresh, slick, and often inappropriate. I love it!
I find myself already quoting this show - there's so many hilarious moments.
The more episodes I see, the more I like it. Kind of...
simonmoon24 November 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I was not a big fan of the first episode, but setting up the story for a series is hard to do. The acting by the entire cast is very good, even Rosie O'Donnell, who normally would annoy me, is excellent. The second episode is better than the first, but still held back because it's still introducing the characters. The third episode leaves me hopeful, that this series is really going to be good. One of the things I really like is that the child's father's new girlfriend is presented as a genuinely good person, and although successful, still struggles with issues. I do wish there were less shock value sex scenes, but premium cable... Edit: I'm going to knock my review down a notch, because of some things I like it a little less as it's gone on. But I have to note Some of the very negative reviews could be summed up with,"I hate this show, because I'm a right-wing hate monger and generally terrible person.". Why would a person like that watch this show in the first place ? Calling a bi-racial child,"political", is one of the most pathetic things I have read in a user review.
Better and better
bobatsdi9 December 2017
I honestly did not expect much figuring that this was a Shameless knockoff just trying to out-shock what shocking things Shameless brings us each week. But I was wrong. The writing is wonderful, bringing unexpected storyline twists in each episode and quickly building viewer empathy for the characters who are caught up in life, but have dreams, and making us care about them. The acting is great, delivering some of Rosie's best work. Gritty, edgy, whatever you want to call it, this is not the same old crappy filler between commercials that is delivered so often.
Progressive creator gets her show cancelled due to allegations of forced nudity, and abusive and racist set conditions
random-707789 March 2019
SMILF's entire narrative seems so fake and forced that I am not surprised it got cancelled. It is nothing like what most single mother's face and instead portrays single moms as desperate s1uts who endless repeat the same mistake that got them where they are in the first place.
Sorry most single moms are not drunken s1uts.
I am also not surprised to see the "progressive message" showrunner, creator and lead actress s herself abusive -- this is typical of virtue signaling hypocrites: "The cancellation followed a December story in The Hollywood Reporter that portrayed a production "plagued by allegations of abusive behavior and violations of industry rules..... "The Hollywood Reporter detailed complaints about the way Shaw managed actress Samara Weaving's nude and sex scenes for the show. Citing "several sources," it also said there were complaints that "writers of color were put in different rooms from Cauca sian writers and felt that their ideas were exploited without pay or credit."
I am also not surprised to see the "progressive message" showrunner, creator and lead actress s herself abusive -- this is typical of virtue signaling hypocrites: "The cancellation followed a December story in The Hollywood Reporter that portrayed a production "plagued by allegations of abusive behavior and violations of industry rules..... "The Hollywood Reporter detailed complaints about the way Shaw managed actress Samara Weaving's nude and sex scenes for the show. Citing "several sources," it also said there were complaints that "writers of color were put in different rooms from Cauca sian writers and felt that their ideas were exploited without pay or credit."
great character
SnoopyStyle18 March 2019
Lifelong Boston Southie Bridgette Bird (Frankie Shaw) is a struggling single mom. Her old dream of playing basketball has faded. Her baby daddy Rafi (Miguel Gomez) is dating hot Nelson Rose (Samara Weaving). Her mom Tutu (Rosie O'Donnell) is unstable. She tutors Ally (Connie Britton)'s kids. Eliza is her best friend.
This is a great character. Her overt sexuality is unusual for a single mom role. She's a terrifically flawed character. She's best when she's striving to be better like when she's trying to stay with basketball. Otherwise, it's wallowing for wallowing's sakes and that happens a lot in the second season. She can't win or the show is not the show but she can't just drift either. The second season is a bit of the sophomore jinx. It seems to be a show in transition. Connie Britton is fazing out of the show. I didn't know why it got cancelled after only two seasons until I read about the controversy. It's a shame especially since Samara Weaving was never meant to be that sexualized character. She's a hot model but she's reserved in that aspect. I hope that Frankie simply let the pressure of show-running get to her.
This is a great character. Her overt sexuality is unusual for a single mom role. She's a terrifically flawed character. She's best when she's striving to be better like when she's trying to stay with basketball. Otherwise, it's wallowing for wallowing's sakes and that happens a lot in the second season. She can't win or the show is not the show but she can't just drift either. The second season is a bit of the sophomore jinx. It seems to be a show in transition. Connie Britton is fazing out of the show. I didn't know why it got cancelled after only two seasons until I read about the controversy. It's a shame especially since Samara Weaving was never meant to be that sexualized character. She's a hot model but she's reserved in that aspect. I hope that Frankie simply let the pressure of show-running get to her.
She is a freakin' genius
legspelman20 July 2018
Just watch it-
It is darkly beautiful, tragic, hilarious, real, fantastic, and genuine in the cinematic sense. It is a dichotomy all around, and it is a much needed thing in the world of entertainment; female powered!
Frankie Shaw is a force to be reckoned with!
Too little too late- Cancelled
philpip31 March 2019
I have not seen so much ambiguity with the reviewer ratings like you see here- I guess some enjoyed it while others hated it. I just finished watching season 2 and I liked the development of the actors and felt that SMILF had a solid base, and a direction to move towards, so I went looking to see if there were any teasers for season 3 and BAM- it's gone! The stand out of the show was Rosie O'Donnell. I'm hopeful that she will find (or that someone will write) a dramady around her. She really hit the nail on the head with her character, and I'm sorry to see her and the other characters go.
Dull as dishwater
speaktomenow28 December 2017
Supposedly inspired by the actual experiences of the lead character who originally created this as a short film. That's where she should have left it. It feels a little like a Shameless character the writers decided to cut, almost like a test for a spin off from Shameless. However it lacks the pace, or the charm or even the ability to shock like Shameless does. An easy one to skip over and wait for something better to come along. It's slow, dull and uninspired, and she's really not a strong enough actress or writer to carry this idea herself.
I tend to worry when you see the lead actor is the creator, writer and exec producer. This usually means they have far too much control and there's not enough quality control and oversight on the production. That's what you get here - her fairly dull and plodding view of the world, and no way to really connect or empathize with her. Tighter direction and scripting might have helped, but clearly this is her passion project and there isn't anyone wrangling this lumbering mess into a coherent half hour.
This will not be something that is around for long, if it isn't cancelled by the time you read this review, it will be soon.
I tend to worry when you see the lead actor is the creator, writer and exec producer. This usually means they have far too much control and there's not enough quality control and oversight on the production. That's what you get here - her fairly dull and plodding view of the world, and no way to really connect or empathize with her. Tighter direction and scripting might have helped, but clearly this is her passion project and there isn't anyone wrangling this lumbering mess into a coherent half hour.
This will not be something that is around for long, if it isn't cancelled by the time you read this review, it will be soon.
Unique & wonderful!
Ashlea-saggers6818 March 2018
Ignore the bad reviews
harmonyjb-9999730 July 2022
I'm really glad I didn't read the reviews before I watched this.
I can see why it's not to everyone's liking - it's a bit close to the mark at times and could be seen as distasteful. There is some dodgy parenting, no punches pulled; but it's honest and interesting, funny and human.
The second series is more mature and more rounded.
Episode 9 is particularly relevant from a female perspective.
Rosie O'Donnell is not one of my favourite actresses but I have new- found respect for her as she is excellent as the Bridgette's mum and in my opinion she makes the programme that much better.
I recommend you give it a try.
I can see why it's not to everyone's liking - it's a bit close to the mark at times and could be seen as distasteful. There is some dodgy parenting, no punches pulled; but it's honest and interesting, funny and human.
The second series is more mature and more rounded.
Episode 9 is particularly relevant from a female perspective.
Rosie O'Donnell is not one of my favourite actresses but I have new- found respect for her as she is excellent as the Bridgette's mum and in my opinion she makes the programme that much better.
I recommend you give it a try.
Terrible people behaving badly, little to no humor.
Heathonistt4 January 2019
I give this 2 stars solely for Rosie's performance. She's always great. However, I cannot enjoy this show. I am in the right age, demographic, from a similar upbringing, urban environment with a poor, messed up family, I'm not a prude, I even look a bit like the female lead (minus the 50lbs of makeup she wears to go work out). However, I can't watch this show without feeling incredibly annoyed and repulsed. Not by language, sex, or any of the other "bad" things that typically get uptight people to turn off a program like this. The characters are simply terrible people. They are rude, compulsive liars and cheaters who are intrusive and self-absorbed for no reason other than to cause shock for the tv show. I would not want to be stuck pumping gas at the same station as any of these people. There isn't any comedy in the show other than laughing at what a mess and how awful these people are - similar to watching MTV reality stars embarrass themselves on TV - which results in more eye rolls, cringing, and me exclaiming out loud to the tv, "What the f is wrong with you?!" I thought I was perhaps too rough on the first season and should give season 2 a chance. I was cringing and rolling my eyes 5 min into season 2. Reminds me of how I felt watching Girls. Yet another show about how terrible and messed up young women are, how none have any redeemable qualities or compassion for anyone but themselves. No life lessons. No moral to the story. Little to no entertainment in any of the 30 min episodes. Just more overly sexual young women wearing too much makeup and bad clothes running around causing chaos and misery everywhere they go. Definitely a big part of being a young dumb-dumb, though one I haven't seen many people over the age of 25 partake in, especially not parents.
With representations of young women like this, it's no wonder the world hates them. Hollywood clearly has a thing for green lighting programs that make the world hate women more.
In a show like Shameless, which is the only similar one that comes to mind I enjoy, the terrible, messed up kids grow up and become better people, they actually come off as though they care about people other than themselves. The stories grow and change. Characters have redeemable qualities. SMILF is merely a narcissistic exercise in vulgarity, and there is nothing in the story that compels me to watch another episode.
With representations of young women like this, it's no wonder the world hates them. Hollywood clearly has a thing for green lighting programs that make the world hate women more.
In a show like Shameless, which is the only similar one that comes to mind I enjoy, the terrible, messed up kids grow up and become better people, they actually come off as though they care about people other than themselves. The stories grow and change. Characters have redeemable qualities. SMILF is merely a narcissistic exercise in vulgarity, and there is nothing in the story that compels me to watch another episode.
It's such a hidden gem
kirbie-3448115 October 2019
Mediocre
UniqueParticle2 April 2019
A bit a of a mess a lot of unhealthy habits/poor parenting but Frankie Shaw does what she can with the best of her abilities which is highly respectable & the show is fairly entertaining! I loved Rosie O' Donnel the most; glad it ended though it's kinda like old cheese that you just wanna throw away. Shameless among other parenting movies or shows are much better. I'm still happy to give a reasonable rating!
Great start - no politics
jkemmery-753-7215186 November 2017
I watched the first episode after seeing the advertisements. So far, great acting, interesting story, sort of a peek in to the mind of a single mother, and as a man, that is refreshing. Another reviewer mentioned a "transparent political agenda" without explaining what that was, and I felt compelled to give my view on that. So far, there's no overt politics at all, politics isn't even mentioned. I can only assume that the other reviewer objects to seeing people of different races being romantically and/or sexually involved. If that bothers you then, I suppose you might want to skip this show, and if it does then shame on you! I'm curious to see where this story takes us. Hopefully it'll be another great under-the-radar series by Showtime similar to Episodes or Weeds. In any case, politics isn't mentioned in any form at all in the first episode. There's a lot of talk of sex and vaginas, as well as nudity and sexual situations, which if you ask me, isn't political, nor is representing racial harmony.
Check Yourself
scythertitus13 April 2018
This show both stands and falls by the fact that its lead wrote the script and it is based on their life experiences.
On the one hand this makes it a well acted and introspective look at the life and struggles of a single mother, with some original takes on everyday situations and it certainly has a lot to say. On the other hand though there are some things that are a little too self-indulgent or one-sided, and while this may be an unpopular opinion, the perceivable age difference between the creator and the character is somewhat jarring. It comes across like the lead should be a woman in her early 20s, but instead of casting someone of the age appropriate to the story she is trying to tell, she instead cast herself, which may be more ego in this case than anything else. (It was the initial noticing of this that made me question if it was written by the actress in the first place, as the choice would seem strange for any other reason)
Overall this is another example of good modern writing, giving a personal perspective that is interesting and generally entertaining. The show has a nice raw quality that is worth something, it's just possible that the creator should have taken herself out of the equation and cast a more fitting lead. (I'm the same age as the lead and if I was casting a young single father I would go for someone 10 years younger than myself, this isn't about gender, it's about accuracy)
On the one hand this makes it a well acted and introspective look at the life and struggles of a single mother, with some original takes on everyday situations and it certainly has a lot to say. On the other hand though there are some things that are a little too self-indulgent or one-sided, and while this may be an unpopular opinion, the perceivable age difference between the creator and the character is somewhat jarring. It comes across like the lead should be a woman in her early 20s, but instead of casting someone of the age appropriate to the story she is trying to tell, she instead cast herself, which may be more ego in this case than anything else. (It was the initial noticing of this that made me question if it was written by the actress in the first place, as the choice would seem strange for any other reason)
Overall this is another example of good modern writing, giving a personal perspective that is interesting and generally entertaining. The show has a nice raw quality that is worth something, it's just possible that the creator should have taken herself out of the equation and cast a more fitting lead. (I'm the same age as the lead and if I was casting a young single father I would go for someone 10 years younger than myself, this isn't about gender, it's about accuracy)
Brilliant!
JohnHoving23 November 2017
Frankie Shaw is brilliant, as a writer, director and star of a show that takes you inside the life of a young mother struggling to stay alive in south Boston. Any one who reviews this women's work here and is negative or critical clearly has no clue what the realities of life are for young women in this country. This show is right on the mark. Ms.Shaw shows a true ability to transcend the proclivity that other writers have to write and produce totally mediocre crap and there is no shortage of that out there. She on the other hand has chosen to take a risk, be brave and produce a show that has both substance and depth In the writing, in the character development and overall storytelling. This is a half hour that feels like an hour. Ms. Shaw has put her finger on the pulse of an environment only she could have created and then portrays in her fictionalized character who is just witty, attractive, charming and intelligent all rolled up into one. She brings this delightful character to life and it's just wonderful to watch the development and the story progress. Bravo Frankie!
Love this show!
glennaleigh-635-7382982 January 2018
Everything about this show is amazing! The writing is perfection and the cast executes the story brilliantly. Every episode is so smart, funny and moving. I was hesitant to watch because I found the title annoying, but I was hooked after the first episode. I just Watched episode 8. Oh my god! Brilliant. The opening scene was so well done, I laughed til my stomach hurt. I think the best comedies have a darkness to them. This show is honest. True comedy has to be.
Love seeing Rosie
dianemhanlon20 January 2019
Just horrible!
ryangale-1347427 October 2018
Original, irreverent, honest and funny
helloheather3028 March 2018
written to be provocative, not funny
Keed13436 November 2017
What a mess. No story, no laughs, just bad mothering, a lot of masturbation, bare tits, bare ass, and a naked guy I wish I had never seen All of this to tell us what? That our main character leads a hopelessly miserable life and that her child would be better off in foster care? All of this would be okay, I guess, if there was a reason for it in the form of a narrative or it was even slightly amusing. All of this is done with style, grace, and yes humor in Better Things.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
