Casual: Season One

The title of this delicious original comedy from Hulu refers to various attitudes about modern life and mores. Sex is the most obvious—and ripest for observation—but the devotion to a casual way of living for the quirky family unit at the show's heart is spot-on in its combination of honest comedy and sentimental drama. Alex (Tommy Dewey) is a thirtysomething Los Angeles bachelor who takes in his older sister Valerie (Michaela Watkins) and teenage niece Laura (Tara Lynne Barr) in the wake of Valerie's unpleasant divorce. The three roommates embark on a casual series of encounters with lovers, friends, co-workers, and extended family, while underscoring some of the absurdities of contemporary life. One of the show's creators is filmmaker Jason Reitman, who brings an imprimatur of American indie film authenticity and creative insight. Casual is not farce, but rather well-observed commentary on what it's like to be part of a culture that treats the politics of partner-hopping, generational differences, and family dynamics as the minefield of misunderstanding that it really is. Alex is a tech entrepreneur who created a dating app to advance his own sexual exploits. He and Valerie both support each other to the nth degree in their respective romantic aspirations, but both also become embroiled in the insanity of a teen girl's life as Laura asserts her own considerable personality. Presenting all 10 episodes from the 2015 first season, extras include a “making-of” featurette. A stellar comedy with a genuine heart, this is highly recommended. (T. Fry)