Name: Not Dead Yet
Genre: Comedy
Released: 2023-02-08T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Gina Rodriguez, Hannah Simone, Lauren Ash, Rick Glassman, Josh Banday

The image of Gina Rodriguez‘s Nell Serrano, wide-eyed and clutching a notepad, staring at Martin Mull‘s ghostly grin in her obituary assignment is the perfect encapsulation of Not Dead Yet‘s premise: a sitcom about death that’s trying desperately to be alive. Created by Casey Johnson and David Windsor, this ABC series is an adaptation of Alexandra Potter’s Confessions of a Forty-Something Fk Up, and it wears its influences—both literary and televisual—on its sleeve.

Not Dead Yet follows Nell Serrano, a broke and newly single journalist who finds herself writing obituaries for the SoCal Independent after her life takes an unexpected detour. The show’s hook is simple: Nell can see and talk to the dead, and they offer her life advice. This premise allows for some genuinely clever comedic moments, particularly when Nell interacts with Angela Elayne Gibbs’ Cricket, the widow of one of Nell’s first ghostly clients. Their budding friendship is one of the series’ highlights, with Gibbs bringing warmth and wit to her role.

The ensemble cast is where Not Dead Yet shines brightest. Rodriguez plays Nell Serrano, a recently single journalist who finds herself writing obituaries for the SoCal Independent after her life takes an unexpected detour. The show’s hook is simple: Nell can see and talk to the dead, and they offer her life advice. It’s a premise that allows for some genuinely clever comedic moments, particularly when Nell interacts with Angela Elayne Gibbs’ Cricket, the widow of one of Nell’s first ghostly clients. Their budding friendship is one of the series’ highlights, with Gibbs bringing warmth and wit to her role.

Rodriguez is charming as Nell, deftly balancing the character’s self-deprecating humor and genuine heart. Hannah Simone and Lauren Ash have strong chemistry as Nell’s best friend Sam and her nemesis-turned-boss Lexi, respectively. Rick Glassman’s Edward, Nell’s autistic roommate, adds a layer of depth to the series, with Glassman bringing both humor and sincerity to the role.

The series also boasts standout performances from its supporting cast. Angela Elayne Gibbs shines as Cricket, the widowed owner of a wine bar who becomes one of Nell’s closest allies. Gibbs brings a perfect blend of toughness and vulnerability to the role, making Cricket one of the most compelling characters in the series.

However, Not Dead Yet isn’t without its flaws. The series struggles at times to balance its supernatural elements with its more grounded workplace comedy. Some jokes fall flat, and the pacing can feel uneven, particularly in the first season. Additionally, while the show tackles themes of midlife crisis and reinvention, it sometimes feels like it’s treading water rather than diving deep into these ideas.

The series also struggles to find its footing tonally. At times, it feels like a traditional network sitcom, with laugh tracks and formulaic plot structures. Other times, it embraces its supernatural elements more fully, allowing for some truly creative and unexpected moments. This tonal whiplash can be jarring, making it difficult to fully invest in the show’s emotional beats.

That said, Not Dead Yet has its moments of brilliance. The series’ exploration of Nell’s relationships—with her friends, her family, and herself—is compelling and often touching. The dynamic between Nell and Edward is particularly well-executed, with their frenemy-to-friends arc providing some of the show’s most genuine and heartfelt moments.

The show also takes risks in its storytelling, particularly in its second season. The introduction of Brad Garrett as Duncan, Lexi’s father, adds a layer of complexity to the series. Duncan’s presence forces Nell and Lexi to confront their own personal demons, leading to some of the most emotionally resonant moments in the series.

Not Dead Yet is not just a comedy about ghosts; it’s a show about reinvention and second chances. It’s for viewers who enjoy a good laugh but also appreciate a story with heart and depth. The series is particularly appealing to those who enjoy workplace comedies with a supernatural twist, as well as fans of character-driven dramas.

In terms of direction, Not Dead Yet benefits from a consistent visual style that complements its tone. The show’s use of colorful cinematography and dynamic camera work helps to create a visually engaging experience that sets it apart from other sitcoms.

The series also stands out for its soundtrack, which features a mix of indie and alternative tracks that perfectly complement the show’s tone. The music choices add an extra layer of depth to the series, enhancing its emotional beats and comedic moments alike.

While Not Dead Yet may not be a groundbreaking series, it offers enough charm and wit to make it a worthwhile watch. Its strong ensemble cast, clever premise, and exploration of themes like midlife crisis and reinvention set it apart from other sitcoms in the genre.

Ultimately, Not Dead Yet is a mixed bag. It has a strong cast and some genuinely clever comedic moments, but it struggles to find its footing tonally and narratively.