Many (if not most) recent comedies deal with depression, from Bojack Horseman to The Bear, from Fleabag to Euphoria. What How to Die Alone brings new to the table is that it’s more hopeful than these shows, or at least more hopeful than what the title would have you believe. Melissa (Natasha Rothwell) genuinely wants to get better, and the show follows her as she digs her way out of the self-sabotaging rut she’s been in for the last decade. The show is sympathetic, relatable, and comforting in how it frames Melissa and her developing sense of self, but it’s also a funny workplace comedy and a refreshingly honest look at the rockiness of adult friendships. There’s a lot to love here, in other words, and I do hope Rothwell is given the chance to showcase more of her talent—not everyone can balance vulnerability and joy the way she does—beyond eight episodes.

I love how Melissa’s relationship with Rory isn’t presented as immediately rock solid. We’re privy to the unattractive but unavoidable knots of adult friendships, like what it feels like to borrow money or choose between hanging out or going on a date. Childhood and college friends might consider these as no-brainers (ride-or-die, baby!), but there are plenty of other factors to consider when you’re older.