Not Dead Yet: Ghostly Premise Fails to Rise Above Mediocrity

The opening scene of Not Dead Yet‘s pilot episode sets the tone with Nell Serrano (Gina Rodriguez), mid-meltdown, standing in her best friend Sam’s (Hannah Simone) apartment, clutching a bottle of wine and declaring herself a “40-something disaster.” It’s a moment that should be relatable, but instead feels like it’s trying too hard to be. Created by Casey Johnson and David Windsor, this sitcom attempts to blend the supernatural with the mundane, but ultimately stumbles in its execution.

Based on Alexandra Potter’s book Confessions of a Forty-Something Fk Up, Not Dead Yet follows Nell as she navigates her newly single life and restarted career. The premise—Nell can see and communicate with ghosts while writing obituaries—has potential, but the series struggles to find its footing between heartfelt drama and ghostly comedy. The show’s saving grace is Rodriguez, who brings a palpable energy to Nell’s chaotic journey.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qqSdyg57sk

What works best are the moments of genuine emotion, particularly in the dynamic between Nell and Cricket (Angela Elayne Gibbs), the widow of one of the ghosts Nell encounters. Their friendship feels authentic, grounded in shared loss and the struggle to move forward. Similarly, Rick Glassman’s portrayal of Edward, Nell’s autistic roommate, adds a layer of warmth and humor that elevates the series.

However, Not Dead Yet often feels tepid, as noted by some critics on Rotten Tomatoes. The supernatural elements are underutilized, reduced to a gimmick rather than a driving force behind the story. The show’s attempt to balance Nell’s personal growth with ghostly interventions often falls flat, leaving key plot points feeling contrived. For instance, Duncan (Brad Garrett), Lexi’s father, appears as a ghost in Season 2, but his storyline feels more like a forced plot device than a natural progression of the narrative.

The series also suffers from tonal inconsistency. One moment, it’s a heartfelt drama about divorce and fostering; the next, it’s a sitcom about ghosts and obituaries. This whiplash effect makes it difficult to fully invest in any single storyline. Additionally, the humor often misses the mark, relying too heavily on clichés and predictable punchlines.

Despite these flaws, Not Dead Yet has its moments of brilliance. The emotional core of Nell’s relationships with Sam, Cricket, and Edward provides a solid foundation. And Rodriguez’s performance is a standout, bringing depth and nuance to Nell’s character.

In the end, Not Dead Yet is a series that tries to be many things at once but ultimately fails to fully realize any of them.