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Today’s TV is all about the sadcom, comedies that are fueled by angst, sadness, and cringeworthy yet uncomfortably relatable moments. There are few actors and actresses who really shine in this specific comedy category, but Pamela Adlon is definitely one of them.

Even if you don’t think you know who Adlon is, you know who she is. The actress has provided the voices for many of your favorite animated characters, and her supporting character roles have been next level. Adlon is able to channel the hectic energy of someone who barely has their life together into her roles all while being the coolest person in the room. Nowhere does that energy come off better than in Adlon’s latest FX show, Better Things. In honor of this amazing comedy and Adlon’s incredible work throughout the years, we thought it was time to give you a formal introduction to this talented performer and creator’s work. Consider this your meet cute for everything Adlon, and get ready to fall in love.

Say Anything … (1989)

One of Adlon’s biggest breakout roles occurred in Cameron Crowe’s directorial debut. In this rom-com about high school love and boombox-fueled expressions of romance, Adlon played Rebecca, one of Lloyd’s female buddies. Though Adlon’s role was small, she was in one of the scenes you may remember best — Lili Taylor’s 65 songs about Lloyd (John Cusack).

[Where to watch Say Anything …]

King of the Hill (1997 – 2010)

Adlon has had quite an impressive voice acting career, starring in everything from Studio Ghibli masterpieces to classic Nicktoons to current cult hits like Bob’s Burgers. However, the animated role she is best known for, and which she deservedly won an Emmy for, is Bobby from King of the Hill. That poor, simple boy who was perpetually struggling through puberty stole our hearts, and we can thank Adlon’s talented performance for that.

[Where to watch King of the Hill]

Californication (2007 – 2014)

Adlon’s film and television career hasn’t been all light-hearted cartoons and sweet rom-coms. The Emmy winner is one of those rare actresses who dominates when it comes to self-hating comedy, and few shows are more self-deprecating than Showtime’s story about a womanizing, alcoholic novelist, Californication. Adlon played Marcy Runkle, Charlie’s (Evan Handler) cocaine-addicted on-again, off-again wife. Through this role, Adlon proved that she could blend genuine emotion with her own brand of sometimes vulgar, sometimes silly humor.

[Where to watch Californication]

Louie (2010 – 2015)

If you’re a devoted watcher of Louie, then you already intimately know Adlon for her role as Pamela, a fictionalized version of herself as well as Louie’s friend and love interest. There’s a lot of insanity in Louie, and Pamela is one of the few characters that can ground both the series and the show’s protagonist, all while being almost intimidatingly cool. It completely makes sense why Louie is in love with Pamela because we’re in love with her too.

[Where to watch Louie]

Better Things (2016)

The talented actress’ latest project celebrates the fact that sometimes life just sucks. Sam Fox, Better Things’ overworked and overwhelmed single mother of three, showcases Adlon at her most extreme. The character of Sam allows Adlon to delve into emotional depths the actress has rarely explored before while giving her the comedy spotlight, and the result is delightful.

Better Things premieres tonight, September 8, on FX at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT. You can catch new episodes of the series every Thursday.

[Where to watch Better Things]