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10 Reasons You Need to Watch Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt 

10 Reasons You Need to Watch Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

10 Reasons You Need to Watch Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Because "females ARE strong as hell!"

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Those of us who spend a good portion of our free time browsing Netflix for any new arrival to indulge in or show to feverishly binge were faced with a thrilling surprise this Friday. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, a new darkly satirical Netflix Original show created by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, arrived on Friday and immediately burrowed itself deep into our hearts. Truly, we couldn't have asked for anything more kooky, entertaining, and often laugh-out-loud hysterical to come into our lives and devour our weekend. Kimmy Schmidt, we totally love you, and here's why! 

 

1. This is not your average sitcom set-up: If you, like me, had absolutely no idea what this show was about, then the fact it focuses on a woman who has been released from a bunker 15 years after being abducted by a crazy preacher and convinced that the world had ended came as a bit of a shock. The disturbing nature of this premise is acknowledge and never goes away (if anything, every part of it is wildly embraced), and makes it all that much more unique. It's hard to come across a plot that seems genuinely original these days and well, it has happened and it is glorious. And now for an example of just how gut-punchingly satirical this show can get...

2. Ellie Kemper is radiant and amazing: There is not a single moment in this show when Kimmy Schmidt isn't lovable, mostly due star Ellie Kemper being so effortlessly believable, adorable, and dedicated to every second of this deliriously out-of-the-box show. Sure, the script is sharp and snappy, but many of the laughs come entirely from Kimmy's facial expressions as she attempts to navigate the completely foreign world around her. You knew Ellie Kemper most likely from The Office or as the one who says "You smell like pine needles and have a face like sunshine!" in Bridesmaids, but who ever knew we absolutely needed her to be the leading lady? Well, now we know. What did we do before she was front and center?

 

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3. Kimmy's life lessons are really important: There's a reason this show is called Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and it's actually completely inspiring. Having lived in a bunker for 15 years, Kimmy's picked up some pretty unique views on life that involve believing in yourself, not letting people tell you who you are and what to believe, loyalty to loved ones, and, maybe most notably, sometimes just getting through life 10 seconds at time. Her advice betters those around her, and betters us as well, as we watch from our couches at 3am because it's too addicting to turn off and go to bed.

4. Tituss Burgess is an absolute treat: It's time to talk about Tituss Burgess, who is so special that his role was pretty much written for him. Literally. His character's name is Titus. Of course, as a Broadway star, he's much more successful in real life than the desperately struggling very openly gay actor he plays in the show, but we love watching every moment of his tragic attempts at stardom. Two words: "Pinot Noir." And then several more words after that, but you'll have to watch on to know exactly what any of this means...

 

 

5. Broadway actors steal the show (and are most of it): Tituss Brugess isn't where the theater connection ends. In fact, the show is riddled with theater actors and references, and they're often the show's strongest moments. Carol Kane is near flawless as Kimmy and Tituss' sketchy landlord. Endless cameos by the stars of prominent shows like Aladdin, Book of Mormon, and Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder keep our Broadway-loving hearts full to the brim.The Spidermen Too: 2 Many Spidermen episode alone is enough to have hooked us on this show for the rest of our lives, and we're pretty sure we're not even speaking too soon.

6. The other guest stars are cool too: However, even we may have to admit Martin Short's appearence is actually closer to terrifying, though in the best possible way. Actually, "terrifying in the best possible way" is a pretty solid way to describe the entire Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt experience. We won't spoil you on the other guest stars, but let's just say you pretty much need to watch all the way up to the very end, as if you didn't already in one sitting.

7. The theme song will live in your mind for days: Or possibly months. Maybe even years, we can't know yet because this is all so new. Even better than being so catchy, the theme song (which is taken from what's supposed to be an auto-tuned newscast) is also entirely about how awesome, strong, and powerful women are. Damn straight it's about time there was a theme song about how great women are! We'll take it and sing it always. 

 

8. The dialogue truly is hysterical: To spoil this would be downright mean. Every episode is packed with little things that take you off-guard and keep you laughing for the rest of the episode. And there is a character named "Xanthrippe." Everything is great. 

 

9. Everything Jane Krakowski does is strange and wonderful: Jane Krakowski plays Jacqueline Voorhees, a bratty, wealthy New York housewife with a secret pass. While it would be easy for this character to slip into a painfully annoying stereotype, she's so odd and charming you actually end up loving her. There is a potentially controversial aspect to Jacqueline, but it's introduced in a calculated and clearly self-aware way that has and will probably lead to much discussion about why it was wrong/why it worked. This show makes some extreme choices in its social commentary as it explores stereotypes, but the risk is part of what has us hooked. Kimmy Schmidt does not avoid controversy, but instead points at it and says, "Here it is. We know what we did. What do you think?"

 

10. It's so weird. And that's awesome: While it appears this show takes place in present day in our universe, every once in a while things happen that make you question the reality of anything going on. Everything is just a touched heightened (and sometimes it's a really strong touch), which makes it easier to digest and move past the actual horror of the general plot line. Yet, at the same time, it can be deeply relatable and uses its absurdity to highlight real life issues in a powerful and effective way. It's an adventure that keeps you on your toes, captained by the utterly charming Ellie Kemper. We're excited to see where the journey goes next, but we're also perfectly happy to just watch what's been released over and over again. And over again. Maybe right now, in fact...

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