Get ready, folks, because the new ‘wrong-com’ series ‘Alice and Steve’ is about to drop on Disney+ and Hulu, and trust me, it’s legit going to hit different. This show, starring the incredibly talented Nicola Walker and Jemaine Clement, has been generating major buzz since sweeping Canneseries, and for good reason. It flips the script on conventional romance, serving up a deliciously awkward and brutally honest look at what happens when your lifelong best friend starts dating your own daughter. No cap, this premise alone is enough to make you cringe and laugh all at once, setting the stage for some truly unforgettable television.
The core of ‘Alice and Steve’ revolves around Alice, portrayed by BAFTA-nominated Nicola Walker, whose world is completely rocked when her decades-long best friend, Steve (Jemaine Clement), announces he’s now with her 26-year-old daughter, Izzy. This isn’t your grandma’s rom-com; it’s a wild ride into the messy aftermath of a choice that’s bound to burn some bridges. The series brilliantly explores the emotional fallout, including a particularly iconic board game night meltdown where Alice just can’t keep it together. It’s a masterclass in controlled chaos, showcasing Walker’s dramatic prowess and Clement’s understated comedic timing.
What sets a ‘wrong-com’ apart is its fearless dive into uncomfortable situations, shunning the saccharine sweetness of traditional romantic comedies for something far more real and often, frankly, embarrassing. Unlike the typical ‘meet-cute’ and ‘happily ever after,’ ‘Alice and Steve’ leans into the ‘meet-mess’ and ‘maybe-never-after,’ daring viewers to confront the raw, unpolished aspects of human relationships. This subgenre embraces flawed characters and questionable decisions, reflecting a modern audience’s desire for narratives that don’t shy away from life’s inherent awkwardness and moral ambiguities.
The casting of Nicola Walker and Jemaine Clement as the leads is a stroke of genius. Walker, known for her intense dramatic roles in British hits like ‘Spooks’ and ‘The Split,’ brings a profound emotional depth to Alice’s breakdown. Clement, on the other hand, is a comedy legend, celebrated for ‘Flight of the Conchords’ and ‘What We Do in the Shadows,’ and he infuses Steve with an almost oblivious charm that makes his character’s choices simultaneously infuriating and hilarious. Their combined talents create a unique dynamic that anchors the series, making their unlikely connection feel authentic despite the wild circumstances.
Writer Sophie Goodhart, whose previous credits include the critically acclaimed ‘Sex Education,’ is clearly at the top of her game here. Her screenplay for ‘Alice and Steve’ masterfully balances uproarious humor with moments of profound sadness and brutal honesty. Walker herself recalls being hooked from the very first page, which featured a woman carrying a blood-covered axe while stuffing wedding cake into her mouth. This isn’t just about punchlines; it’s about exploring the deep-seated resentments and complex emotions that simmer beneath the surface of seemingly normal lives, making for a truly unique viewing experience.
Despite being industry veterans, Walker and Clement hadn’t worked together before this project. They reportedly bonded during an intense karaoke bar scene, one of the first they filmed. This deliberate scheduling by the production team proved to be a smart move, forcing the actors to quickly build a believable on-screen chemistry that mirrored the characters’ three-decade-long friendship. It’s a testament to their professionalism and the production’s foresight that they were able to forge such a strong connection so rapidly, which is evident in every scene they share.
Beyond the central trio, the series skillfully navigates the broader impact of this ‘wrong-com’ on everyone involved. Alice’s fury isolates her, burning bridges with her husband and other friends because she’s so convinced of her own righteousness. Meanwhile, Izzy genuinely feels she’s found love and understanding with Steve after previous heartbreaks, struggling to comprehend her mother’s visceral disapproval. Steve himself seems to stumble into the relationship, then spends his time trying to ‘put the water back in the balloon,’ a true testament to the character’s charming cluelessness that makes the whole situation even more compelling and tragically funny.
Disney+ and Hulu’s commissioning of ‘Alice and Steve’ highlights a growing trend in the streaming wars: the embrace of internationally co-produced, genre-bending content to attract diverse audiences. This show, produced by Clerkenwell Films, isn’t just another remake or spin-off; it’s an original, bold series designed to resonate globally with its universal themes of love, betrayal, and family dysfunction, albeit through a distinctly British lens. It’s a smart play to offer compelling, high-quality storytelling that genuinely stands out in a crowded market.
Ultimately, ‘Alice and Steve’ promises to be a series that resonates deeply because it dares to be uncomfortable, unflinchingly portraying human flaws and the chaotic consequences of impulsive decisions. It’s a powerful blend of humor and pathos that will make you think, squirm, and maybe even re-evaluate your own friendships and family dynamics. If you’re looking for a show that truly ‘hits different’ and doesn’t pull any punches, this ‘wrong-com’ is definitely one to add to your watch list, periodt.
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Livia Dorne covers film, television, music, and pop culture with a keen editorial perspective. She delivers engaging commentary, reviews, and behind-the-scenes insights that keep readers connected to the entertainment world. Her style blends critique with storytelling.
