Kimmy is cute, strong, and compassionate, a great blend. She is gullible, but she is also wise and vigilant. Tina Fey's touch of intelligent and strikingly blunt comedy shines through.
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hacks-5663531 January 2019
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HermanGomez957 March 2015While not as funny, binge worthy, or all together accessible as her first sitcom, 30 Rock, Tina Fey's second outing as head writer proves to have its own charms. The series may be slow at first, but give it three to four episodes and you'll be hooked. With a cast that gets better with age, writing that goes from zany and out of this world to surprisingly profound and sweet, and a stellar sense of humor, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is the kind of series that improves over time, much like Ms. Fey's first sitcom. The cast includes a zesty Carol Kane, the funny as always Jane Krakowski, 30 Rock Guest alum Tituss Burgess, and our lead Ellie Kemper; these four hilariously colorful players take the normal NBC formula for comedy and make it into something far smarter and much sharper. The writing also manages to succeed beyond my expectations. As a HUGE fan of 30 Rock, I know Ms. Fey can write up a storm. However, I thought it was the comedian perception of Television that made it so fresh. No it's her perception of diversity and identity and all their wonderfulness that makes this show work so well. As I mentioned earlier, the show is funny yes, but also much deeper than the common person will perceive. I'm glad to know that Netflix went for the full two seasons, for this show demands at least that many to get into its full rhythm. Remember, 30 Rock wasn't a masterpiece till season 3 I can't wait to see where the shows is when it hits its third season and trust me there will be a 3rd season.
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I'm a little late to the party as I've only watched Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt this year, but I figured it was time to watch it since I'm a fan of Tina Fey and 30 Rock. I like all of the characters, with my favorite being Titus since he has some of the most memorable and hilarious lines of the show. I quickly binge watched seasons 1 and 2 in the matter of days, but it took me a few weeks to get through season 3. I wanted to like it and I was very excited to watch it, but it was honestly a big let down compared to the previous two seasons. The jokes felt forced and I was very unhappy with some of the plot decisions. It felt like major story lines were built up only to be torn apart and it was disappointing to see that happen after spending so much time invested in them. The season 3 finale was a little better and I was relatively happy with how they set up the plot for season 4, but I'm worried they'll just repeat the same mistakes as this time around. Overall, this show is an amusing, feel good comedy and it does bring a smile to my face, I just hope that the writers will have some more focus and direction in the coming seasons.
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decster98-645-4536736 March 2015What a brilliant, brilliant show. I'm surprised that I'm the first reviewer on here! Seriously though, I began streaming this show just about an hour ago, with netflix's system of 'single-day-season-releases' I've just kept streaming. I'm now up to the third episode and I'm blown away with how funny this show is. Tina fey has always been hilarious to me, and same with Ellie Kemper, so i've been intrigued by this show since it's announcement. This show is, at it's roots, a very funny show, chances are you will laugh a lot during this show. But it's not all about that, this show has several layers, it's got lots of heart and fantastic characters. As I mentioned before, I'm only up to the 3rd episode but this show is showing fantastic promise, I haven't been this invested in a show's pilot in a while. Hilarious story, fantastic acting, great writing, great direction. This looks like a good one, stream it when you get the chance! 9/10 (so far)
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I've never been a big binge watcher, but I was so grabbed by this show right from the first episode that I just couldn't stop.
This show is full of beautifully gleeful charm, with a central character who can't stop smiling and no mean-spirited jokes anywhere in sight. The whole thing is just consistently happy and can really cheer you up within seconds.
I admit that the story does get a little tiresome at some points, where there isn't as much joking, but the series manages to keep reinventing itself in new and fun ways that brings back your interest immediately.
It's also a very subtly clever satire. Whilst the majority of it may seem like silly fun, the back story of the doomsday cult, the theme song and a whole host of other stuff is actually very intelligent, and of course, a lot of fun too.
You've got to watch this series, whether you want to binge it or not, because it's such a refreshingly happy show that stands out amongst the crowd of idiotic sitcoms and burning dramas.
www.themadmovieman.com -
It started slow. I honestly only watched it because it was advertised on Netflix and I thought it was an interesting plot. The pilot had me cracking a smile but it wasn't great. But because I was lazy, I let the next episodes play. I have to say I was glad that I did!
I laughed out loud on multiple occasions. Though the characters were hard to relate to at first, by the third episode I was laughing like crazy! This show is full of one-liners that will be both hilarious and catchy. And the minute you think something is too serious, something unexpected makes you crack a smile.In short, it's silly and sweet and has just the right amount of drama.
Give this show a chance. As I always say: Never trust a pilot episode. -
jpismyname6 April 2019Four women are rescued from an underground bunker after being kept in there by a sinister man for fiteen years. Now, that might sound like the plot of a new suspense or dark series, but it's actually the premise of this sitcom.
Ellie Kemper gives life to Kimmy Schmidt, one of the "bunker women". Kept in that place for fifteen years, Kimmy retains her childlike innocence and positive vibe.
The premise is really inventive and kinda odd for a sitcom, but it works. Most episodes are really funny, sometimes in a weird way. Some episodes, I find tiring and bland. All the four main characters are hilarious. Kimmy's sunny aura and naivety to the world is funny. Titus Andromedon's melodramatic reactions are really hilarious, although at times he can be irritating because of his selfishness. Lillian is adorable as the eccentric landlady, and she is also savage! Jacqueline gave me the most laughs on this show. Her socialite frenemy Mimi is also very funny, and I was disappointed when she wasn't in the finale.
The "fairytale" finale is perfect. Everybody got what they want, which is fantastic. Will I miss this? A little...yes. -
Newest show from Netflix is a hit. A very enjoyable light series that keeps the comedy rolling while exploring a much deeper drama. This is your new "go to" show when you just need a reason to smile. As for smiles, Ellie Kemper's is as genuine and heartwarming as they come.
One should not expect to either be rolling on the ground or crying in their pillow while watching. There are some side-splitting lines though, and there are some dramatic portions that will allow you to connect with the characters on a deeper level. This is a light comedy / drama and makes for excellent light TV watching.
This show fills a void that has been much missed from recent TV. Today's comedies are often slapstick with canned laugh tracks, or deep drama that evoke hardly a giggle throughout. This show marries the best of both world together and provides a genuinely enjoyable experience. This show will not change the world, feed the hungry, or raise social awareness about anything except the plight of "Mole Women" everywhere. It will leave you smiling, and in today's times, that is enough for me. -
southdavid4 February 20192019 sees the end of the Netflix series that began with such fanfare and acclaim but ends with a whimper rather than a bang.
Ellie Kemper plays Kimmy Schmidt, held hostage in an underground bunker for much of her twenties, by a doomsday cult. She's given a new lease of life following her rescue, so moves to New York. She moves in with Titus Andromedon (Tituss Burgess) a struggling actor who dreams of Broadway and gets a job as a nanny for Jaqueline White (Jane Krakowski) an uptown divorcee whose husband has left her with a young son and teenage daughter to look after.
For the first couple of seasons, I felt like "Kimmy Schmidt" was essential viewing. Shorn of the restrictions of Network TV, Tina Fey created a warm but hilarious series with characters specifically written for most of the lead actors but also able to use her star power to pull in some dynamite guest stars. It's a touch sad then that I feel the show has dropped off a bit with each of his subsequent seasons. I'm not sure, because although her specific writing credits remain a couple per season, whether Fey's general involvement has waned as the show has run on, or if some other creative force moved on but although the style of humour stayed the same, it just didn't seem to land as well.
I think, on the whole, if asked whether or not to recommend the show to someone, I'd still say that I would. There are only 51 episodes and of those the vast majority are very good - it's just a little unfortunate that it couldn't maintain the high standards that the early seasons set. -
matt-silesia7 March 2015Firstly a heads up: I like Tina Fey. I like her way of seeing the world and her ability to make fun of very subtle things in a very blunt way. And I love 30 Rock. If you do too you'll appreciate Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. If you don't you'll fall in love with Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and watch all 7 seasons of 30 Rock in one sitting.
You'll know the story of Kimmy Schmidt by now, so I'll not get into that. What I'll rather talk about is the magnificent performance of Ellie Kemper as Kimmy. I've first seen and enjoyed her in The Office but that's the first time I've seen her as a lead actress. And I must say, she does a really good job as the girl who shields the cruelty of life with a big smile and an almost childish appreciation of the world.
As in 30 Rock there is no room for subtlety in the way the characters are portrayed. Apart form Kimmy, Jane Krakowski as Jacqueline plays the rich, pretentious snob (very similar to her role as Jenna Maroney in 30 Rock), Kimmy's room mate Titus is a giant singing gay man with an unfulfilled dream. It's not that the characters don't have depth, they do, but it's the almost comical exaggeration of character traits I've enjoyed so much in 30 Rock that carries this show as well.
But again, even if you weren't a great fan of 30 Rock, give this show a try. It's full of wit with a lot of social criticism between the lines. But what makes this show really fun is Kimmy's 90s humor and her naivety with which she approaches the world.
I've never felt so optimistic about a new sitcom since New Girl and it sure is one of the best new comedy shows in both 2014 and 2015 and after a whole lot of amazing drama series the first netflix comedy that is worth the watch. -
aprilsfriendorin26 August 2020If you like a 30 Rock style of humor, you'll enjoy this show. There's a lot of fourth wall breaking and just bizarre humor involved. If that's not your style, then obviously don't watch. But if it is, or if you're just looking for a comedy that's different from things you've seen before, then you'll enjoy this one.
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juliankrive6 March 2015This show is so fun! You can tell it's written by Tina Fey because it's got a (perkier) 30 Rock vibe. UKS utilizes many aspects of New York (Today show, times square, pick pockets).
I think it's funny when Kimmy's lack of education comes into play (e.g. proclaiming "Urethra!" instead of "Eureka!") She also uses lingo from the 90s/00s that really clash with modern day.
I know many people are comparing UKS to other shows (that I have not seen). However, it seems original to me. I mean, doomsday cult member trying to make it in the big apple?
It's worth a watch! -
corymauricejohnson15 February 2016After watching the first episode, I was disappointed but wanted to give it a couple more episodes. The show felt empty and oh so clichéd. If you watched the first episode and didn't laugh a single time, don't give up. After the very mediocre first episode, the quality increased exponentially throughout the season. The second through forth episodes are decent, but everything after #4 is pure gold. If I was rating solely based on the first episode, I would give this show a 5/10. If I was rating solely based on the first four episodes, I would give this show a 7/10, but the rest of the season is strong enough to give it an 8. The show is approachable enough for basically anyone, but quirky enough to keep you interested. This is a good example of how to make a family-friendly comedy show with some bite, it would be a perfect PG-13 if it was a movie.
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shrutisaf12 September 2021Besides the first few episodes, this series got irritating too fast with over acting by titus, seriously offensive stereotyping of gays, and stagnant story line.
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Honestly, the two reviews that have been written so far are unreasonable. Unbreakable Kimmy Schimdt is by no means average, poor or unfunny. It shines through in it's originality, tactful balancing of humour and satire and it's absolutely endearing. The premise is strange and does not suggest it's a comedy even for a black comedy it seems like a stretch. A woman escapes a cult after being imprisoned for 15 years and starts a new life in New York City. The pilot begins as the women are being rescued and brought back out to the world after 15 years of imprisonment. It's a very unconventional idea for a comedy yet it exceeds expectations. Ellie Kemper, the subject of this show, is wonderfully quirky, sweet and her performance is enjoyable to watch.
Tina Fey's writing is clearly asserted as the main character, Kimmmy, is a strong, powerful, determined and unbreakable. Co-writer and producer, Robert Carlock, also deserves some credit in this. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is not hidden in 30 Rock's shadow and does not attempt to duplicate results. It works in it's own right and is brilliantly executed. It's tone is gleefully upbeat and light-hearted yet it hints at darker themes and it's implementation of dark comedy is succinct and rewarding. So please don't be so quick to judge. Definitely give it a watch it's worthwhile. -
plargreg2 July 2018I loved this because i could laugh and forget about contemporary politics but season 4 seems to try to make up for all the other seasons not saying anything which makes it super annoying. Whether you agree or not isnt the issue i just dont watch comedy to be reminded of annoying ass reality so thanks for ruining one of my old fav shows you dumbasses
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kleemannmax7 March 2015There's a lot to what seems to be a simple story of an Indiana Mole Woman moving to New York to finally experience life how she wants it. Tina Fey and her writing team already proved themselves with 30 Rock which had some of the best written comedy of all time with what is in my opinion one of the best television characters of all time, Jack Donaghy, and while Kimmy Schmidt is a different approach to her formula it still very much feels like something from the minds of the creators of 30 Rock. The Jokes are still fantastic and smart, with Pop Culture references to an extreme and quirky humor that goes along very well to the silly tone of the show itself.
The Performances here are all top notch. Ellie Kemper sticks out the most, she has her award win down right here, with a lovable sweet and honest performance as an ever grinning oblivious girl with a big heart. But even the supporting cast is perfect. Titus Burgess nails it at what is basically his character from 30 Rock just without the success. While he starts off as annoying he gets to be one of the most hilarious parts of the show as a desperately trying actor. Jane Krakowski is basically Jenna from 30 Rock, still as perfect as an actress can get for a role like that. Carol Kane as the freaky weird landlord of Kimmy's and Titus' delivers just as much and is just as lovable as about every aspect of the show.
But the smaller things stick out just as much, the costume design is fantastic with the glowing colorful wardrobe of Kimmy's or Titus' long 70's like shirts. The sets stick out as well, Kimmy's appartement always seems to look different and kind of progresses since she moved in there with Titus', the apartement becomes a part of Kimmy herself in a way. Jacqueline Vorhees' house just as much encompasses exactly for what she stands with something like a huge fridge just for diet water.
All in all, can not praise this show enough. It's lighthearted silly and at the same time smart and sometimes sophisticated fun with extraordinary writing, characters you WILL fall in love with, dedication from the whole crew in terms of lighting, set and costume design, cinematography, original score. It makes for what is one of Netflix' best orginials now and seeing that the first season was made for NBC we can only suspect that the show will get even better now that they can work under the free creative environment Netflix offers them. I absolutely cried from laughing here and at the next time I admired the creativity Tina Fey once again brings out here.
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SnoopyStyle23 May 2019Kimmy Schmidt (Ellie Kemper) was in the 8th grade when she was kidnapped by Reverend Richard Wayne Gary Wayne (Jon Hamm). She spends the next 15 years in an underground bunker in Indiana with the Reverend and his other captive wives. They are rescued by the police and become media sensations known collectively as the Indiana Mole Women. While doing media in New York, Kimmy leaves the group to strike out on her own. Lillian Kaushtupper (Carol Kane) rents her a basement apartment which she shares with Titus Andromedon (Tituss Burgess). She starts working for rich Jacqueline White (Jane Krakowski) to care for her stepkids.
It's a funny ridiculous surreal Netflix sitcom. I like Ellie Kemper's unhinged comedy. Titus is the breakout character although he's a bit annoying to me. He's actually mean to Kimmy at first. I'm not in love with the introduction of Jacqueline White although I really like Kimmy's chemistry with the spoiled stepdaughter Xan. It's too bad that Dylan Gelula didn't become a main cast member. The serial aspect gets rambling. There are some really funny stories. There is something to be said about the catchy opening theme which always sets a good mood. It would be nice to settle upon a more set situation in the comedy. So much of this is random. The randomness can be funny but it's also random. -
chrisdye-765883 September 2017I know this show is getting a lot of crap but I adore kimmy shes sweet and too cute for words I like the humor the story is great too its a fantastic show and its really too good too miss you cant resist kimmy or titious they both work perfectly together and are hilarious you really need to watch this one
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inkthestreetac28 February 2019I actually liked the first 2 seasons. The 3rd season was ok and the last season is just horrible.
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gladysmutie3 May 2022I gave this show a 10 because I looove Titus. I mean how can you not? The main character, Kimmy is kinda forgettable but she's not as bad. I love Lillian and Jacqueline too they're so awesome. But Titus IS THE SHOW.
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ava79211 August 2020Well, I didn't like it at first, found it too overacted. But along the way I started to like it. And in the end it was amazing! Kimmy is great! So funny! She really is unbreakable.
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nicholaskutzin31 July 2020Unbreakable Kimmy Schmitt may not be the best show in the world, but it certainly gets the job done. It's hilarious and you can truly tell how hard the actors worked to make this show fun and likable. Sometimes the jokes may be a little dumb, but it certainly is worth watching. All the characters are so easy to relate to and they are so fun the watch. Some episodes deal with big issues, such as racism, so this is certainly a good show to watch if you need a good comedy that can be serious at times.
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etakyzzilvuli6 July 2020This show is ridiculously hilarious. It was a bit difficult to get into but if you continue watching, everything fits together brilliantly. Things you first think are just stupid gags come back several more times in big ways creating a crazy, ridiculous, unexpected, fun, spit-laugh inducing ride I'm glad I went on.
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I was a loyal fan of Tina Fey's 30 Rock, which was the reason that drew me to watch this show. I watched a few episodes, and was profoundly disappointed. Compared to the sharp wit and even emotional attachment Tina Fey was able to build in 30 Rock, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt feels like a stale pizza from a fast food restaurant.
It's definitely not the worst of comedies out there - the show is a light hearted, warm, and family friendly comedy. I, however, came in with expectations that this will be on 30 Rock's calibre, and was disappointed.
The characters here lacked depth. Kimmy Schmidt didn't feel at all like a real person - every 5 minutes or so she would squint her eyes and pout her mouth in an over dramatic expression of victory, and the plastered on theme of female power. She is framed as the strong independently woman, but in the short 13 episode of the first season, 3 men were romantically involved with her character. Cyndee is at best a non-descript friend of Kimmy's - at the end of a season, I don't know how to describe the character.
There's no developed storyline. Other than the main premise that Kimmy had been kidnapped and cut off from the world for 15 years, there's not much else to go on. The three on and off men of the first season made no sense to me. Titus's career transformations from robot to singer (or at least tried to be) to waiter to internet sensation, mixed with quite a few initiatives that led to nowhere felt like a circus show.
The show went for cheap jokes. I don't know how many times the show suggested Kimmy's anachronisms were suppose to be funny. Kimmy's stepfather plays dumb to a level where I am more annoyed than amused. All the way up to the last episode of season 1, there's a let me check my horoscope app joke. The wit in 30 Rock had very much been dumbed down.
The show, however, is not without its stars. Jane's performance as Jacqueline Voorhees is eerily similar to her character in 30 Rock, but regardless, maintains the same quality. Titus's character genuinely made me laugh, and certainly had a distinct personality.
Overall, I think the show was a let down. I referred to reviews here when I reached episode 6, and was encouraged to watch to the end for the pick-up in quality that never came. I finished the 1st season, and have no desire to go through the second.