‘Shrill’ Is Like ‘Girls’ But With A Leading Lady It’s Impossible to Dislike

Aidy Bryant is simply wonderful, and that’s mostly what you need to know about Shrill, the new 6-episode, half-hour comedy on Hulu inspired by executive producer and co-writer Lindy West’s 2016 book of the same title. And while the series may be frequently compared to HBO’s Girls, it’s because the lead characters have a lot in common: they’re both aspiring writers in their 20’s, trying to navigate relationships and friendships and this thing called “being a millennial,” except they differ in one major area. While Lena Dunham’s Hannah was polarizing, Bryant’s Annie is unifying and impossible to dislike.

It wasn’t long into her arrival on Saturday Night Live that it became abundantly clear what a mega-star Bryant is. She’s got the confidence of someone who knows exactly how hilarious and talented she is and yet the modesty and grace of someone who doesn’t take it for granted. This is precisely what makes Shrill as compelling to watch as it is, and what will have viewers pumping their fists in the air, no matter how much their arms may wiggle on the way.

You see, Shrill tackles the issue of weight, specifically, other people’s issues with Annie’s weight, especially that it’s a non-issue for her, the way perhaps no other show so bluntly has before. It’s not only relatable to anyone who has ever heard a disparaging remark about their appearance (on the internet or otherwise), but it’s refreshing. Shrill is unapologetically addressing a woman’s appearance with just as much empowerment and compassion as they are honesty and really, the shrug it deserves. Annie is too busy trying to figure out the guy she’s dating (Luka Jones) and how she can convince her boss (John Cameron Mitchell) to let her write more at her job and navigating the emotional landmine that is your 20’s to waste a single minute worrying about her appearance. She’s cool with it, so why isn’t everyone else?

The real beauty of Shrill is that the messaging here does not overpower the comedy, which is excellent, but also that it isn’t just trying to make viewers feel good about themselves for the half-hour they’re watching an episode. Instead, it feels as though Shrill wants to send you out into the world with more confidence in not only your appearance, but in the day-to day tasks of standing up to your boss and being crystal clear with that guy you’re texting with and also owning up to your mistakes to your friends. This show is provocative, not only in its inherent nature, but in a positive way: Annie is a role model because she’s not perfect (and mostly on the inside).

Shrill also provides Bryant with the A+ casting of Julia Sweeney and Daniel Stern as her parents, with whom she has a tricky but not unfamiliar relationship. Plus, be sure to stick around for Episode 4 where Annie attends the most empowering pool party to ever grace your screen, and the final episode which is silly and satisfying in so many ways.

With the recent success of Pen15, Hulu is quickly becoming the place not only for interesting or quirky half-hour comedies, but for female-led ones at that. Shrill is sure to get a lot of attention, partially for going there and partially because, again, Bryant is excellent, and for both of those reasons it’s worth watching.

Where to stream Shrill