State of the Union (2019–2022) User Reviews (35)

Short but sweet! Definitely worth a watch in my opinion.

[danielxkim · 9/10 · 14 May 2019]

I feel like in this day and age when the traditional family is so apparently going into decline, where so many people are prone to the mentality that "if it doesn't work, I'll just start anew and find something that's better," this short little series is extremely refreshing and might provide a cause for some relevant and meaningful reflection.

What I really love about the series is how real the characters feel. Even though we only get to see a short snippet of their lives, the episodes do a great job of showing us how broken they are and the struggle that they are going through.

I don't think I would have enjoyed the series as much if they actually showed the conversations/therapy sessions that they had. Frankly that would have just been predictable/boring drama that I can certainly do without. What the short 10 minute style so brilliantly depicts is the internal struggles that they are grappling with, without any added meaningless cliches and drama.

Also Chris O'Dowd and Roasmund Pike are very likable and have great chemistry together. The conversations they had were quite witty consistently funny throughout without feeling too overly pretentious.

I couldn't recommend this enough to anyone who is even remotely interested after reading the synopsis.

State of the Union: 1 good season 1 bad season

[solojere · 7/10 · 4 March 2022]

State of the Union follows a couple who meet in a pub immediately before their weekly marital therapy session. Each episode pieces together how their lives were, what drew them together, and what has started to pull them apart. Season 1 is pretty good. It follows Tom and Louise, who are trying to figure out how to do their marriage work if they even can. Both characters are complicated and relatable. And Chris O'Dowd and Rosamund Pike have great chemistry. Season 2, on the other hand, is hard to watch. It is just two people fighting. I didn't like the characters or care if they made it work or not. Plus, it was basically the same every episode. They also tried to add in extra characters, and there just isn't enough time in ten-minute episodes for more than two characters. Brendan Gleeson is a great actor, but he doesn't have much to work with. It was so bad I don't imagine I would watch a third season.

Season 1: 8 Season 2: 4.

Total rating : 7.

Very Nick Hornby.

[swordsnare · 8/10 · 2 June 2019]

Well acted and engaging. The shear simplicity of the premise and the varying tones of the dialogue really highlights how little we really know each other in relationships. Big fan of Nick Hornby's writing, so I was quite happy when stumbling upon this.

Pleasant surprise

[louisescott-45355 · 10/10 · 12 May 2019]

Great realistic dialogue and great chemistry between Rosamund Pike and Chris O'dowd. Half of me wants more episodes that are longer and where we follow them into the counseling session. The other half of me is satisfied with these short snapshots into the life of a married couple trying to save their marriage.

lovely

[Kirpianuscus · 7 December 2019]

A couple therapist,another couple- venerable - , beer and white wine and embroidery of talk. A couple crisis and the long, not easy, complicated, absurde in many scenes, amazing game of thoughts and words and splendid job of Rosamund Pike and Chris O*Dowd. Short, something between Ingmar Bergman and Woody Allen. But , in each episode, an obvious experience for viewer. So, just lovely.

Hilarious & Brilliant.

[palewook2006 · 10/10 · 9 May 2019]

Fast paced and purely entertaining from start to finish. The moment an episode ends, it'll leave you wanting more! Great performances and brilliant writing.

Really Quite Brilliant

[martimusross · 10/10 · 6 October 2019]

State of the Union

This was masterful writing, whilst we had two actors on screen seemingly representing two characters, there was in actuality very little or no differentiation between them, this was in fact, a soliloquy for two (duiliquy), or if you like a "talking head" in the form of an Alan Bennett monologue.

There was one single stream of sparkling undifferentiated thought ruminating over trust, betrayal, relationships and the human condition, split equally between the two protagonists. It was all served up using the device of metaphors often instigated by a single simple incident.

The chemistry was palpable between the two leads it was endearingly delightful, and they emanated the half of a whole relationship throughout.

Of course this is aimed at a very sophisticated viewer, the concerns expressed were the anxieties of the metropolitan bourgeoisie.

Brilliant writing, brilliant acting, brilliant directing 10/10

Really Enjoyable

[bilsantwho · 9/10 · 19 May 2019]

Everything about the show is great but one thing that kind of bothered me is the low amount of sequence shots and crazy amount of cuts in the cafe scenes. Considering the episodes are only ten minutes long, I don't know why didn't opt in for more continuity. The cuts honestly distracted me a lot. But at least this gets better after episode seven.

Regardless, everyone should give the show a try, whole season is 100 minutes and worth every minute.

Pretty, but nothing earth shaking

[SexyActorsJunkie · 7/10 · 27 May 2019]

I think I watched this all the way through because I like listening to Chris O'Dowd's attractive Irish accent. I've always liked Rosamund Pike too, there's something very watchable about her because she's quite pretty, not that she's an earth-shatteringly talented actress but she does pretty good. So with these two attractive people at center stage, and these gimmicky short episodes (let's hope THAT doesn't catch on as the next new big idea in Hollywood) it was watchable. Sure, the dialogue was very British and witty but, nothing earth shaking happens during all these episodes. And it's all tidied up too neatly and hurriedly at the end, even the character Louise is kind of surprised things all wind up working out strangely seamlessly, at least on Tom's end. This series was mildly engaging and mildly entertaining. Although British series of any kind typically are much more visceral, intense, and brilliantly acted than anything on American television (and I'm an American saying that) this is so lighthearted it's too lightweight and simplistic. And seriously, what couple bickers endlessly with such clipped and endlessly witty repartee, like they're perfectly verbally fencing ? I just didn't buy it as authentic and it didn't really reveal anything of depth. There's one conclusion that Tom and Louise draw at the end that has any meaning to it- that two people can realize and acknowledge that they have a flawed relationship, yet choose to stay in it anyways and work on it. That is, at least, something of value to be gained from watching, if you don't happen to miss it amongst the otherwise flippant exchanges between them.

Season 01: Very satisfying

[neelsmail · 9/10 · 17 February 2022]

Both have done outstanding job. The separate life they have developed, and the chemistry that once those _characters_ shared but now don't is portrayed very beautifully _with_ chemistry between actors.

Have to say it: Rosamund Pike. Divine.

Will watch again.

Clever but doesn't fulfil its potential

[touser2004 · 7/10 · 12 September 2019]

First couple of episodes were excellent but the narrow scope of the writing strangles the potential of the show .Pike and O Dowd are believable and act really well ,but they need other characters too interact with.When she hears about him voting leave her reaction is priceless and it would have been lovely to see her torture him at some dinner party or the like - keeping just two main character was ok for a while but if the show is to grow new characters need introducing .

A quick but enjoyable snapshot of a failing marriage

[slowpulse · 8/10 · 24 May 2021]

The device of keeping each episode around 10 minutes of running time is absolutely brilliant, because it's definitely a show that you can have a bite at in-between more traditionally long shows, without getting burdened by its repetitive nature. And I say repetitive in a somewhat positive way: it features two characters talking to one another, mostly inside the same pub, and that's about it. Simple, but comforting.

And it works. Largely because the writing is sparkling; the two main characters deliver the dialogues with so much gusto, so much realistic ebbs and flows in mood that I couldn't help believing that they really had been a couple for many years.

First season is the most relatable sarcastic lovestory

[sifstormly · 7/10 · 5 January 2024]

I love the simple set up and the two actors are perfectly casted. What blows me off my tits is the organic, sarcastic and funny dialogue.

It's layered but not too much, it tells the story of their entire marriage, but more in the small details than the big ones. This is the marriage/love-story I have been looking for, realistic, but still with hope and laughter.

Love, love, love first season. Unfortunately, I can only give it 7 as the second season pulls it down.

It's relatable and when going through my own marital problems, this is a relief to watch. While also making good conversation in our relationship.

10 for season 1 ZERO for season 2 = 5 rating from me

[mstaffordca · 5/10 · 22 March 2022]

WHY!?!?! PERFECT season 1 + WOKE season 2 = RUINED my favorite series.

Why does Hollywood insist on destroying a great thing just to push liberal agenda down everyone's throat? It doesn't work. Disappointed. Sad. Another one bites the dust.

Brief Snapshots of a Stale Relationship

[giggsypower · 10/10 · 12 June 2019]

Much like everything is life relationships require maintenance and communication. Both authentic lead performance roles reflect the reality of a long term coupling. Occasionally partners & friends get lost in the fog of time. Some people decide that this is a sign of a terminal decline; whilst others voice their inner feelings and try to resolve the impasse. There are just two camps : (stay) putters and leavers. I can strongly empathise with both characters in this show. Neither wants to cast the other overboard. By talking things through most issues can be overcome. Sadly in reality some people don't want to make the effort. I'm glad Chris & Rosamund did. A ten episode ten minute snapshot of their journey ensues.

Brilliant to watch

[kallawrence · 9/10 · 26 September 2019]

Great comedy with heart and truelly reckognizable moments if coupleship. Great acting. Good humor. Could be any couple we know or meet in mirror

Outstandingly good

[Vindelander · 9/10 · 5 March 2021]

Superb performances by Rosamund Pike and Chris O'Dowd in very imaginative roles. It's wonderful to watch the episodes back to back if possible and the progress that this troubled couple make without actually receiving therapy is encouraging for others in the same boat.

These are two of our very finest actors at the top of their game, in much the same way as Tennant and Sheen were in Staged.

I'm Hooked!

[nkhynes · 9/10 · 31 October 2021]

Smart, tender banter between the 2 featured characters as they await their next counseling session in the pub across the street.

Only 10 episodes, each 10 minutes long. Irresistible. I binge-watched. We need more!

It is not a masterpiece, but can be your lifesaver

[george-256-488563 · 10/10 · 30 August 2019]

2 people, 2 different vision on life together... and a 3rd character: divorce knocking at the door. 10 short but nice conversations, where little alcoholic drinks become "the glue" that makes you ask yourself each brake (between those 10 conversations) if they will finally stay together or not.

I was completely surprised by how MUCH I enjoyed it

[nti-547-765973 · 10/10 · 28 November 2021]

I found this series brilliant - refreshing, smartly written and presented, on point and dipped in the most delicious British humor.

It's the story of a couple who've hit a tough spot and start going to a therapist. We see their interaction in the 10 minutes before going in for their weekly sessions.

In the beginning I was extremely curious about what was going on in the therapist's office, hoping we would get a peak into what was being aired in there, but as the series evolved I felt more and more pulled in by the characters, their honesty and my appreciation for what we were being shown grew.

I started noticing and loving the fact that we only see what is actually relevant, the way in which the couple's rapport evolves in real life, in between sessions, family, work and all else. I felt like we were seeing what is actually most relevant, what these two people have to say to each other when it's just the two of them. Beyond the drama and the life they've built how do they actually connect to each other, communicate, miscommunicate, what do they feel about their lives together when all is said and done?

I loved the main characters, the actors' interpretation of them, the idea, the length of the episodes, the way they related to/mirrored the other couples coming out of the therapist's office.

This series showcases beautifully, humorously and matter-of-factly subtle personal, couple dynamics that we all use to cope with life's disappointments and unexpected turns. And it does so without wasting any time ;)

Season 1 is perfect 10 but Season 2 get 0

[czinterface · 5/10 · 7 September 2023]

Season 1 is normal marriage therapy thing whose goal is to repair it; the season 2 is abnormal that the therapists themselves have big marriage problem and try to give the guidance to other couples? Why? And the second problem with Season 2 is that its goal sounds like trying to convince the husband that the goal of this therapy is to make him accept the idea of divorce. If that is the goal, then why waste money to continue the therapy, just go ahead and find a divorce lawyer. Ironically, when the husband accepts the idea of divorce and starts using the dating app to move on, the wife feels lost.

A great short series

[samtimoney-79758 · 8/10 · 7 June 2021]

Well written, hopeful little show deserving of recognition. Obviously staring two great actors and they manage to fit such a range of emotion and creativity just into the 10 minutes they have per episode. Well done to the writers and acting. My only criticism is that it didn't really GO anywhere, was always the same set and location as if enclosed, making it feel low budget. Although it probably WAS low budget, they could of easily made it not feel that way.

Spot on conversations

[melodyso · 8/10 · 27 June 2021]

Love this new 10-minute format. Their conversations are witty and spot on. I particularly like where they say a partner minus the sex is just everyone else. Sometimes their convo can go in circles tho. I really wish I got to see a different aspect of their life tho!

Intense romcom

[marcresto · 9/10 · 11 May 2021]

There is a lot of quick whited sarcasm tongue in cheek and out and out hurtfulness that anyone who has been in a relationship would appreciate 🙄

The ending of the final episode is really all you could ask for for many relationship.

Brilliant. Smashing.

[pflans-98870 · 10/10 · 16 March 2022]

Here is a splendid format for witty dialog, exceptional acting, a new premise, thoughtful skillful writing. The first season was good, the second exceeds that marvelously. Patricia Clarkson is among the best and Brendan Gleeson is wryly surprising. This is some of the best TV ever.