The Polished Comedy That’s Like TV’s “Everything Everywhere All At Once”

It’s summer, and with the heat and the multitude of activities, the desire for new culture seems to wane. Each year, like clockwork, a revelation hits that the season doesn’t lend itself to indulging in fresh TV shows or movies. The sun is out, the fan is nowhere to be found, the Olympics are ongoing, and the pleasant evenings make spontaneous plans more appealing than staying inside. Sitting outside for dinner means you end up swatting flies instead of enjoying a new series. It feels like a time when rewatching a classic like “Twister” is more fitting than diving into something new.

However, there’s always room for an exception, and this summer, that comes in the form of a show on ITVX that has a certain charm. The series, Slip, originally premiered on Roku in the US last year but has now found a home on British streaming apps. These platforms have been quietly curating interesting international content, much to the delight of viewers looking for hidden gems among more mainstream offerings.

Slip joins the ranks of that unique genre where a comedy performer creates and stars in what ends up being a show about life and mental health more than a straightforward comedy. Think along the lines of “Dave,” “Ramy,” “Atlanta,” or “Russian Doll.” Zoe Lister-Jones, known for her role as Fawn in “New Girl,” leads Slip with her portrayal of Mae Cannon. Mae appears to have an enviable life with a stylish apartment, a nice husband, and an extensive wardrobe, but there’s a subtle dissatisfaction underlying her existence.

Mae’s life takes an unexpected turn when she curates a mystical art show and then finds herself slipping into a parallel version of her reality after a one-night stand. With each orgasm, she awakens in a different version of her life—different husband, different apartment, but the same Barbra Streisand coffee mug. Over the course of seven episodes, Mae navigates these alternate realities, trying to find her way back to her original life while engaging in meaningful, often humorous conversations with those around her.

Slip’s strength lies in these conversations. The show might lose its appeal if it relied too heavily on the alternate reality concept. Instead, Mae’s interactions are genuine and relatable. Tymika Tafari shines as Mae’s best friend, a character trope that has been seen many times but is executed brilliantly here. The show’s depiction of a long-term relationship is also spot on, with Mae and Whitmer Thomas’s Elijah sharing moments that feel true to life, like their humorous take on guessing a child’s age at the cinema.

Despite the allure of summer’s distractions, Slip offers a compelling reason to stay up late and explore what ITVX has to offer. It’s a show that blends humor with introspective moments, making it a worthwhile watch even during the heat of the season. So, if you find yourself with some free time and a hot brain, dive deep into ITVX and give Slip a try.

Source: ITV, Roku