Television

Why You Should Watch Playing House

Playing House, starring Lennon Parham and Jessica St. Clair, is one of the best female-driven comedies on television right now. Seriously. If you haven’t heard or watched this show, it’s about two childhood best friends, Emma (Jessica St. Clair) and Maggie (Lennon Parham). A very pregnant Maggie kicks her husband out of the house so Emma decides to move back home in order to help Maggie raise the baby.

Season 3 starts this weekend, but, luckily, Playing House is a delightful show to binge watch. Here’s why you should:

  • Many of the guest stars are some of comedy’s gems.
    Just to name a few of our favorites: Zach Woods (he plays Maggie’s brother, Zach), Jason Mantzoukas (an aging drumliner has never been more appealing), Jack McBrayer, Andrew Daly, Bobby Moynihan (his police dancing skills get an A+), and Rob Riggle.

  • Lennon Parham’s Bosephus.
    Maggie’s ridiculous character that she busts out from time-to-time (to secretly check on her brother and his online date, for example) is, hands down, one of the funniest things ever. Bosephus is a trucker. When Maggie dons the trucker hat with stringy mullet attached, you know you’re in for a laughter-filled ride.

  • They’ve got a way with words.
    From “Jammers” to “Body be bangin’” to “Bird Bones,” Maggie and Emma are great at coming up with catch phrases and nicknames.
  • The sweet friend/love interest.
    Mark is Emma’s former high school sweetheart who stayed in town and became a policeman there. He’s also still friends with Maggie. He’s played by (one of our absolute favorites) Keegan-Michael Key. Not only is Mark steady and responsible, but he’s also goofy and sweet. Key plays him to perfection so you can’t help but love him.

  • Finally, the most important reason Playing House is so good: Emma and Maggie’s friendship.
    Not only do Parham and St. Clair play Emma and Maggie on the show, but they are also the co-creators, two of the writers of it, and friends in real life (#GirlPower). So, naturally, the way they write Emma and Maggie’s friendship is fantastic. If you’ve ever had a childhood best friend stick with you and mature into one of your adult best friends, you will totally get the ins and outs of this female duo. They have inside jokes that last for years, they support each other through tough times, they keep each other honest, tell each other when they’re acting crazy, make each other laugh, and create a warm environment for Charlotte, Emma’s daughter, to grow up in. It’s a friendship to admire, to recognize yourself in, and imagine yourself a part of.

 

So, now, what are you waiting for?! You have a weekend full of laughter ahead of you!

 

Photo Credits: USA Network

Taraneh

Taraneh has been happily living in NYC for over a decade, but originally hails from the Midwest. Enamored with books at a young age, she grew up making stories, playing make believe, and loving the musical and performing arts. She is great at binge-watching TV shows. Some current favorites: Schitt's Creek, A Court of Mist & Fury, Prince Harry, and The Magicians.

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