In spite of the horrid title I am growing ever fonder of this little gem of a show with each passing episode. Based on the title and the marketing I feared that this show would embrace those with their heads so surgically attached to a little glowing screen that they wouldn't even notice their own imminent demise. However this show cleverly winnows out both the pluses and minuses of SMOD ( social media obsession disorder - I'm just making that up but if you want to tweet it knock yourself out ) for this very unique take on Pygmalion. The leads are solid (who would have thought John Cho would be right for this but he just is) and at episode 4 the strength of the supporting cast is beginning to emerge. And it is funny. I love the rapid fire swipes at meme-du-jour sprinkled in each episode but now as the characters and situations become more a little more complex, it is truly becoming laugh out loud funny. Yep, out loud. Do yourself a favour and watch it.
Add a Review
-
moondancer27 October 2014
-
SnoopyStyle7 November 2014Eliza Dooley (Karen Gillan) is a self-obsessed pharmaceutical sales rep who seems to annoy everybody at work and is more interested in online relationships than real-life ones. Henry Higgs (John Cho) is the marketing genius of the company. Eliza needs help to make friends and she seeks Henry's help at rebranding. It's a modern rebranding of 'Pygmalion' and 'My Fair Lady'.
Let's face it. The stupid name is tough to get over. It doesn't help that the show has to bent and twist to fit the premise. It would be so much easier to have Emily Kapnek write something completely original. The good part of the show is the pairing of Gillan and Cho. They are two of my favorite actors. She's got the wacky energy. He's the straight man Harold while she's perfect as a version of Kumar. It just takes some time to get there and the other characters/actors aren't as compelling. Gillan's American accent does fall flat once in awhile and I do miss a word or two. Nevertheless, I would love to see them do something else together. -
michaelcollins10-991-40692815 December 2014I just can't believe that I didn't click to the connection of this show being a modern version of the 1964 movie My Fair Lady with Professor Henry Higgins teaching Eliza Doolittle to be more lady like and ending up falling in love with her just the way she is. It suddenly hit me in the middle of the 5th episode and happily they even kept the first names Henry and Eliza.
Unfortunately I also found out at the same time that the show had been canceled and would only have the 13 episode first season. This is a good concept but needed a wider broadcast base to get the audience it deserved. -
dixthunder15 August 2015I wasn't expecting much from this show but after reading a few reviews I gave it a try. This quickly became one of my all time favorites and I just can't believe I won't see any more of it! There are a few series that I would expect to be canceled before this one. I am disappointed because ABC gave up so quickly, they didn't give it a chance it deserves..Shame on you ABC! Of course it isn't pure perfection but it is SO entertaining, funny and perky like its main character. Eliza and Henry are an unusual but very likable combination. ABC should've finished the season properly at least. Now I have a feeling of unfinished thing and I hate it. Watch this show because it will make you happy in just a few minutes. The only problem is that you'll be sad after you finish watching it ...
-
Dr_Sagan8 October 2014This series is presented in many ways as a modern adaptation of "My fair lady". If nothing else the 2 main protagonists names are derived straight from those of the well know musical and later film. Eliza Doolittle has become Eliza Dooley, and Henry is an obvious reference to Henry Higgins!
To be honest this connection wasn't necessary if you check the first 2 episodes of "Selfie". It could have worked with any names since the actual premise is completely different.
The 2 stars are Karen Gillan who is very photogenic and pleasant to watch and John Cho who after the first 2 episodes has proved himself as very suitable for the part.
The series it is basically a satire of the social media and the modern way (young) people communicate. Tweeter, facebook, are constantly mentioned and can be seen in screens in most of the scenes. Loose sex attitude, casual relations, the addiction of the social media themselves are a prominent theme of the show.
It's not hilariously funny, despite some strong off-beat humor, but will make you smile to say the least.
The work place is an ...advertising company (again?? gimme a break!! isn't any other business out there for a new series) and that is the only thing that actual bothered me. Well that, and the fact that Eliza is presented like a total ho!
Overall: Good intentions, a very cute leading lady. Check it out. -
dauntlessleader29 August 2014Karen Gillan is what attracted me to this show because of her phenomenal acting; however I was turned off by the title of this series. The show is open to more audiences than the title will attract. I hope that more people see the commercials/hear about the show and realize that this show is more than just "pop culture". I sat through the pilot and genuinely liked the script/comedy.There were some parts that needed to be explained more, but that's why there is a whole series! As far as acting, the actors captured their characters well. This show's pilot,I feel, did not set up the rest of the season.Hopefully the plot will develop more elaborately as the series moves forward. I see potential in this show and will continue to watch it!
-
melodyso13 March 2022This show is fun and self aware. I really enjoy the dynamic of the characters and it was a very nice heartwarming piece. I'm really curious about how it's gonna develop. Such a shame that it is not renewed.
-
Amari-Sali2 September 2014Anyone who goes to an AMC theater early has probably seen a trailer for this program during the "AMC First Look." Which, to me, presented an interesting story about a young girl trying to reinvent herself. However, after watching the premiere, I feel like the girl we actually get is a mix of Paris Hilton, Elle Woods from Legally Blonde, and a bit of Amanda from Ugly Betty.
Topic 1: Meet Eliza
From the start, Eliza (Karen Gillan) seems like someone a bit too obnoxious to be the lead character. However, the show continuously tries to humanize her and make her either likable, or someone you feel bad for her, by showing that pretty much everything is superficial. For one, Eliza seemingly is still that socially awkward, ugly duckling she was in high school. It's just now she gets her hair done, knows how to use makeup, and after years of emulating some cheerleader in high school, thinking she was the ideal, she has found herself becoming the worse version of said cheerleader.
But, in order to try to rebound from what seems like a vapid character, the writers try to give Eliza depth by saying she is one of the top sales people at the children's pharmaceutical company she works at. However, her co-worker Ethan (Tim Peper) quickly erases any sense that she may be like Elle Woods. If just because he says the reason she sells so well is because of her tight mini-skirt. Something which, throughout the episode, she doesn't give you any real reason to refute.
Topic 2: The Fall of Eliza Dooley
Then, once more, the show tries to quickly win you back by having one bad thing after another happen to her which I think was supposed to inspire sympathy. Thing is, if anything you think she deserves finding out the guy she likes is married, getting puke all over her, and being embarrassed in front of the company. In a way, you almost end up hoping it will humble her. But, with this show being about Eliza, it seems her humiliation only opens her eyes to the fact she doesn't have friends and makes bad decisions when it comes to men. Not so much that she herself has a rather obnoxious personality.
Topic 3: I Wanna be Made Over – Eliza and Henry
So in order to possibly turn all her Facebook and Instagram likes and friends into perhaps real people, she decides to seek out the company's top marketing guy Henry (John Cho). Someone who is a bit condescending toward her, if just because he is old fashioned and practices respectability politics. For, with Eliza's style being very Elle Woods like, it makes it hard for the hound dogs of her work place to take her seriously. Him especially. But with him turning around a nasal drug which made kids hallucinate, Eliza is hoping with her little stiletto clad heart that he will make her over. Something which he hems and haws about at first, but then he gives in.
Thus leading to the likely story of the series which deals with Eliza learning to dress and look more traditional and perhaps act like a lady, and Eliza in turn helping Henry become more fun and exciting. As opposed to how he is now which is far too straight laced. And, as you can tell by one of the last scenes in the episode, eventually these two are going to hook up if not date.
Overall
Honestly this show is the type which will either get canceled its first season, or with time get better and justify why it was green-lit. The thing is though, unless you are the type who is patient and gives a show a chance past its pilot, or you are a fan of one of the actors, I'm unsure why you would even stick around for episode 2. Gillan isn't that great of a comedian, and the jokes written are all pretty bad. The story is predictable and according to the Wikipedia page for this, it is supposed to share a premise with My Fair Lady, and yet as much as you can see it is inspired by that movie and definitely Legally Blonde, at the same time I don't think there were notes taken on why those two films are culturally significant.
For, speaking on Legally Blonde since it has been years since I've watched My Fair Lady, while you are told Eliza is supposed to be good in her profession, she never shows you. Then with the jokes, they try to bring some sense of social commentary, but there seems to be a lack of recognition that selfies aren't done just to be vain, nor using social media to document your life. Sometimes it is because you want to share your life, get a nice esteem boost, or similar things. All of which is ignored for Eliza seems more geared to be mocked than to actually be a likable lead you wish to follow episode after episode. -
yk-763-31489316 June 2021I can't believe ABC canceled this show. What more does a network want in a TV show? Great lead actors with amazing chemistry, great supporting cast, great writing. Wtf.
-
ankitasach16 March 2015You can totally binge watch this show on a Sunday afternoon. Though, it does look like a show you would have watched earlier. Some of the sequences in the show is like déjà vu. Besides all the repackaged content, the show is fun to watch.
The chemistry between the lead pair keeps you going for the next episode.
Too bad that the series was canceled! Would have loved to see what happens between Eliza & Henry. Totally agree that the title of the show does throw you off from putting this show on your to-watch list. All in all it is super mindless, time pass and fun show to watch. It is a TV equivalent of a chick flick. -
I was curious about Selfie when I saw the teaser. Hadn't we seen this before? An unrefined Eliza Doolie seeks out the help of a dull, but polished Henry by appealing to his zest for a good challenge.
We all see where this is going. A show that has a dated title, relying on a single conflict that couldn't possibly carry a story over the course of seasons. One of two things will happen: you will either find Miss Doolie constantly making the same mistake over and over through seasons, such that no one could possibly tolerate watching a character that fails to grow. And the show will be cancelled. The second, and more likelier option is this: the charming leads will both grow. She, becoming more personable, he, becoming more fun, and the show (even with the greatest efforts to incorporate episodic challenges for the protagonists) will have exhausted all of their source material by the season's end, such that the title, Selfie, will no longer fully apply to our now-enlightened heroine. And the show will be cancelled.
Clearly, the creators identify strongly with the Henry "Higgins" character, as the pilot was an absolute essay on the state of social media, a critical judgment of modern, hi-tech- driven, narcissist culture. Any attempt to show a balance in the vulnerabilities of the two leads was poor, as one didn't leave the pilot believing Higgins had any true shortcomings, save being slightly "unfun". John Cho, sadly is too charming to truly feel sorry for. Selfie also subtly praises the hipster DIY community, but the show failed to address why the hipster neighbors would be so giving of their time and talents in an almost turn-the-other- cheek fashion. In attempt to show how easily friendship can be achieved, Selfie reveals the biggest reason it is doomed for cancellation. The premise is unsustainable. For whatever reason, the hipsters offer their friendship readily. So, either Eliza discovers friends and is happy or these hipsters are just pathetic and the show expresses the very judgment of others it is clearly reserving for those who judge others.
This story is better suited for that archaic vehicle, the television mini-series, where the writers won't have to manufacture what we all see coming: a slowdown in our heroine's personal development for the sake of stretching the show. Better yet, maybe this story could have been told in the format of a two and a half hour play... Or maybe a musical. That would have had me dancing all night. -
heatherjrock12 November 2014Okay, first of all, I will admit that I, too was thrown off by the name. Who wants to watch a show about a narcissistic twentysomething when I can just go on instagram?
BUT THAT'S THE POINT!!!
Henry Higgs (sexiest marketing guru alive) helps Eliza Dooley to realize that there's more to live besides taking selfies, getting "likes", and having adoring online fans. In the midst of it all, their relationship blossoms and their chemistry is CRAZY.
We're talking ovary-exploding sexual tension.
On top of that, this is the FIRST strong Asian-American male lead on television. And we're in 2014, people!
Please, ABC - renew this wonderful show that speaks to so many of us. We can't let Selfie die. #thestruggleisreal #saveselfie -
choralone4230 November 2020Karen Gillan's birthday was on Nov 28 and I decided to check this show out. It's not available on any of the streaming services and never received a physical media release (more on that later) so I in order to watch it I had to acquire it via "other" means.
It's a pretty decent show. Unfortunately the name turned a LOT of potential viewers off back in 2014. I'm sure when the show was initially conceived, cast & a pilot was done using the word Selfie sounded like a home run. However, over the course of 2013 & 2014 that word went from being a trendy to a liability. Does anyone remember the song #SELFIE by the Chainsmokers that was popular for a few weeks in the 1st half of 2014? I guessing no since most people purposely forgot about it like a bad hangover. Even before the show premiered it had one big strike against it due to the name.
I'm sure ABC cancelled it so quickly after they did a massive amount of promotion for show, gave it the prime Tuesday evening time slot, and had the 1st episode debut to a little over 5 million viewers which is not great. The 2nd week it dropped by almost 40% and never got any better. There were other shows ABC cancelled that season that averaged more than 5 million viewers per episode so this one never had a chance being significantly less than that on average.
That's a shame because the show itself is enjoyable. The principal actors were mostly well cast. The show was relatively funny but also had a fair amount of heart, especially later on.
Had this show launched with a different name or in the fall of 2013 (when the term selfie wasn't as overused) it might have had a chance to succeed.
I mentioned earlier that watching the show now is very difficult to do. It will probably NEVER see an official release due to one big reason. Licensed music. Almost every episode has one or more licensed songs in it. Anyone who wanted to release it after it's initial TV run would either have to remove all of the licensed music or pay significant royalties. Since the show was cancelled so quickly that means it will probably be lost forever except to those who obtain it via less than traditional means. -
erik-smomma24 September 2014I did not care for this show, at all! Shallow, boring, and lowest common denominator. Can't see this show being anything beyond a vapid remake of My Fair Lady. Meant to appeal to the latest and weakest generation. I hope it gets canceled right away to make room for something with more substance. Apparently I can not add this review with out more lines. I really don't have anything else to add. It's terrible, and there is nothing they can do to make it good, the premise is weak. I care nothing for the characters. Don't care where the story is going. Don't care, hope it's canceled soon. I like the actor from other things they have been in. Don't care for this.
-
DariusKoi1 October 2014Look, I won't bore you with the obvious slightly sketchy sketches. I'm only here to make a single point. Why doesn't a show named "Selfie" cater to its online audiences (of which I am a part) instead of only counting its television watchers? I guarantee this show will not make it to season 2 because of the flawed system of Nielsen ratings. Disgusting. Too many fantastic shows have fallen victim to the corrupt, outdated system.
We need to account for the online traffic in this day and age. There needs to be a new system of rating television shows, or we must adopt the "Legend of Korra" means of going about business and post shows strictly to the Internet.
Television is a thing of the past. -
TheWatcherSon8 November 2021Slow start but ramps up quickly. The Chemistry between the two leads was off the charts. A quick binge. First American TV show with an Asian American Male lead (geez..finally) Such a shame it was only one season.
-
ScottieEbright26 August 2014Good idea, I hope it gets better.
Lead character is kind of annoying and I hope she becomes more likable.
John Cho is funny as usual and there is no way you will not love him!
Most characters are recycled from other shows, but the actors try to portray them with heart.
I hope they continue to use the neighbor girls as regulars, because they will truly build the comedy in this comedy.
I will give this show another chance when it actually airs the second episode.
Josh Cho seems to be the only reason to watch this show at this point, but if they start using the neighbors of Eliza I think this could be one funny show. -
carmendunford12 September 2018Cho and Gillan are perfection in their roles. Sides characters are also funny but occasionally over the top.
-
van-harris16 October 2014So let's talk about Selfie.
It's a retelling of the My Fair Lady story with a modern twist. I like that. It's a classic story that SHOULD be on TV. I love Karen Gillan (Doctor Who, Guardians of the Galaxy)and John Cho (Star Trek, Sleepy Hollow, all those raunchy comedies)from their previous works. Their both talented and genuinely funny people.
So why such low ratings? Why don't people like this? First off, THE NAME. If you're going to name a sitcom, don't call it a word that a large percentage of the population can't stand. Secondly, THE LANGUAGE. Gillan's character Eliza talks like a middle-school girl, which some viewers find extremely obnoxious.
Me? I'm only find it mildly obnoxious, probably because I like Gillan so much. Right now it's decent. But I feel like as the show moves forward and Cho's character makes Eliza more likable, it has the potential to be a genuinely great show.
The question is how long is ABC going to let it do that? -
emilymariagildea13 February 2015Basically i know im only 13 but thes show kinda represents the play called Pygmalion. Pygmalion is about this man called Henry Higgens and this your girl called Eliza Doolittle. Eliza asks Henry to help her speak and act like a lady, hes basically her teacher, now in selfie, the main characters are Henry Higgs and Eliza Dooley, and shes too obsessed with twitter and selfies and followers and asks Henry to help her change, in the story if Pygmalion there are two different endings, one where Eliza says good bye to Henry and never sees him again or one where they fall in love, hopefully the writers choose the love one because they are soo good together, so, Selfie is a 2014 style of the play write Pygmalion. :3 lawl
-
cherold13 July 2021There are some good things about the pilot for this series. John Cho is good, some of the jokes are funny, it's got a good pace and some quirk.
But the premise is dumb in multiple ways. The whole rebranding thing makes no sense. The girl who used to be Amy Pond is such a self-absorbed, blithering idiot that it is unimaginable she could be a company's top sales rep. Also, she's cartoonishly self absorbed, but since none of the other characters are as cartoonish, she just seems like a buffoon. She and the show both sometimes feel like they're just trying too hard to get your attention.
If there weren't so many good shows on TV I might give this a second chance. If the show could shake it's dumb premise and just focus on the odd-couple romance it might work. But I'm not hopeful about this one. -
bgmadden30 September 2014The premise of this show sounded great. Yet, as often is the case, theory doesn't work out in practice. The characters are flatly drawn and don't even rise to the level of "stereotypes." Doing a total makeover of a social klutz has failed numerous times on TV. The only time this premise has worked well is in My Fair Lady. This hackneyed plot failed in 2011 when they attempted it with How to be a Gentleman, which got canceled after 3 episodes. Be forewarned, stories in this genre take time to develop, and one does not want to invest any time beyond the first episode of Selfie. Granted, the American version of Ugly Betty developed speed after the first few episodes, but the character Betty was interesting and succeeded because of her inner beauty. None of the characters in Selfie are that appealing. I hate science fiction and musicals, but I would sit through a musical version of Star Trek rather than watch another episode of this dreck.
-
zoejiazheng26 October 2014As an Asian woman, I am super excited to see an Asian American being the leading actor. I'm in love with this show (and John Cho, he is smoking hot!! <3) that I have seen every single episode three times already, though I strongly agree with some other comments that the title sucks not attractive at all, so minus one star for choosing selfie as the tile. Please do not cancel this show, it is fun, interesting, cute, and it is the very first American romantic show that has a male Asian American playing the leading role. I have a feeling that if this show gets canceled, we will have to wait at least 20 years to see another Asian American actor as the leading role in a romantic comedy. So, please, keep this show alive!!
-
Man9920430 September 2014The worst thing about this program can be described in two words - Karen Gillian. Why would a "comedy" feature an actress who has absolutely NO ability to actually do comedy. She cannot even deliver a simple line without being dreadfully bad. She is like a big black hole that sucks all the energy out of the show every time she enters a scene.
The quality of writing in this show is also moronic. One of the early scenes features not one but two airline "vomit bags" failing and drenching one of the passengers. This has to be one of the most poorly written series to air in Fall 2014.
Better watch this turkey NOW - it will not be around by Thanksgiving. -
Jorgescarlisle10 September 2014As others have commented here, I'd seen the title listed before and had absolutely no interest in seeing this--until I saw it starred Karen Gillian and John Cho.
In watching the pilot I was delighted to discover this is a modern adaptation of My Fair Lady, without the singing and expanded to a series. Whether or not the writers can manage to make it work in this format is yet to be seen, but the pilot looks good. Gillian and Cho have a high standard to live up to with their modern versions of characters popularized by Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison, but these two may actually be able to pull it off. I don't believe there are many performers today that could.
In short, if you like Gillian, Cho, My Fair Lady, or Pygmalion (the original story on which My Fair Lady was based,) you have to see this show. If you are unfamiliar with any of them, check it out anyway, you may find the time watching it well worth it.
Honestly though, the worst thing I find in this show is the title "Selfie". It turned me off and I wouldn't have bothered watching had it not been for the stars. Rebranded, this show could be a winner.