Our take
Samantha Who isn’t revolutionary TV, and if you’re that kind of viewer, you’ll find many narrative holes to poke in the pilot alone. But Samantha Who stands the test of time: years after it first premiered in 2007, it’s still funny and endearing, all thanks to a deceptively smart script and an incredible cast. Apart from Applegate, there’s a pre-Bridesmaids Melissa McCarthy, and a pre-Hacks Jean Smart, all of whom delight in every single scene they’re in. The other characters and aspects of the show may not impress as much, but the show is like one of those fluffy crepe cakes. A single layer can feel tasteless and unsatisfactory, but taken as a whole, it’s blissfully delicious.
The story
Samantha Newly has been a bad, bad girl. But thanks to an 8-day coma, she can't remember a thing. Fortunately her best friend Andrea is by her side with a cocktail and the 4-1-1 on every dirty deed. But the more Sam pieces together her past, the less she likes her old self. Maybe this is a chance to start over and do it all again.
After losing her memories in an accident, Samantha Newly (Christina Applegate) realizes she can wipe the slate clean and be a better person, but her past self and awful actions stand in the way.
Applegate is a comedic gem.
It doesn’t reinvent the sitcom wheel, but it’s a great fun and a brilliant showcase for comedy heavyweights.
The details
Who picked it
Renee Cuisia is the lead curator at A Good Movie to Watch. In her spare time, she likes to watch K-dramas and analyze them to death. She's also seen You've Got Mail one too many times but is still convinced it's one of the greatest films out there.
