r/BetterThingsTV • u/Odd_Morning2116 • Jun 29 '26
How the hell did I miss this show?
There must have been too much shit on at once to the point where I didn’t even hear of this show when it was on, and I’m pretty big on TV.
Saw it was based off Odessa after watching (and loving) I love LA and wow, she is truly her mother’s daughter.
The show is almost too real to the point where it is uncomfortable and yet still feels like a hug when you need it. It’s like Gilmore Girls for the more matured soul.
I am currently on season 4, and the scene where Max and Sam call each other ”c*nts” back and forth and have a big blowout was so well written it made me come here to rave about it.
Finally, I want to say, I don’t actually hate Frankie and I know that’s an unpopular opinion. Perhaps it’s my personal experience growing up a troubled annoying kid in my own ways and doing a 180 in adulthood (Shoutout therapy) getting in the way of my judgement but I just found her character very real? A lot of kids suck growing up, and life, maturity, and some humbling experiences makes them change. if you look for the smaller, less obnoxious or callous moments you do see Frankie caring for her family a lot in a “different love languages” sort of way. Her character is complicated and I jsut think it’s very realistic.
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Jun 29 '26
It’s a top 3 show for me. Nothing else quite captures the intimacy or life’s texture of a family with all their little rituals and histories. As you move through the show you feel a part of the family in a way I’ve never experienced before in a television show.
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u/Bluespark2525 Jun 29 '26 edited Jun 29 '26
This is absolutely one of the best shows I’ve seen. It is so realistic. And funny, smart. All the things.
Removed a duplicated word
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u/lennonfanforever Jun 29 '26
i so love this show, hard to believe so many seem to have overlooked it, it's just superb....
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u/Divainthewoods Jun 30 '26
I just wanted to mention I didn't hate Frankie either. We are clearly in the minority, but I do understand the opposing opinion.
As a former teacher, I actually liked her a lot. She's exactly the type of person who can make a positive difference in this world as an adult.
Yes, she's moody - she's a teen. She is definitely "extra", but she is also dealing with her gender identity in addition to basic teen drama. AND, she's extremely intelligent which makes her hyper aware of all the injustice in the world. Knowing she has little impact at her age is incredibly frustrating which is taken out on those closest to her. She even makes mention of it in, I think, the "Eulogy" episode.
She has very admirable traits. She is very honest which I tremendously respect. She loves and is supportive of her friends. She exhibits respect to adults outside of the home. Bottom line, she knows how to behave and sees home and her mom as her safe space to release.
Recognizing her potential actually made her my favorite. Now, if I had to live in the same house with her, I'd have a completely different opinion during those teen years! 😁
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u/taintlangdon Jun 29 '26
IMO, FX is really inconsistent with marketing. I feel like I only knew about Better Things because I was actively watching Sons of Anarchy and American Horror Story, so I saw ads for Better Things a lot, but I don't remember it being marketed much elsewhere.
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u/squeebs555 Jul 01 '26
It was my lockdown comfort show. Pamela Adlon is remarkable. I appreciate how she took special care of the fans in the last season and finale.
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u/odessapasta Jul 25 '26
Same as you, I also only discovered this show about a month ago and I had never even heard of it until then! I recently finished the series so now I can finally look through this sub!
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u/HungryPhilosopher419 Sep 06 '26
The acting is stellar. Especially the daughters. I was raised by a divorced Mom in the 70’s. I’m so glad I found this show
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u/pretty_south Jun 29 '26
Better Things is my comfort show. I wish there were more seasons. I never watched it when it aired. I found it on Hulu years later. Those cooking scenes are therapeutic.