The Showtime series "Work in Progress" has been recognized by TIME magazine as one of the 50 most underappreciated shows of the 21st Century. The semi-autobiographical comedy, co-created by and starring Abby McEnany, centers on a suicidal, self-described queer woman navigating her life and relationships.
The show, which premiered in 2019, features McEnany as a character who embarks on a healing journey that includes a relationship with a younger transgender man, played by Theo Germaine. It also involves interactions with SNL alum Julia Sweeney, whose character Pat shares a resemblance to McEnany's protagonist.
Despite its premise, which on the surface might sound like a critique of contemporary culture, "Work in Progress" is noted for subverting expectations. Co-creator Tim Mason and executive producers, including Lilly Wachowski and Sweeney, steer the series toward an emotional yet unsentimental black comedy that satirizes notions of self-help and empowerment. The series has been praised for its unflinching exploration of loneliness and midlife anxieties, using elements like childhood flashbacks and the societal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to deepen its narrative.
"Work in Progress" ran for two seasons, expanding its scope beyond the protagonist's immediate struggles to examine broader themes of isolation and self-discovery. Critics have drawn parallels between "Work in Progress" and HBO's "Somebody Somewhere," suggesting a shared appeal to audiences who appreciate relatable, character-driven narratives that confront difficult emotions with humor and candor.