Cable dramas came to prominence in the late 90s and early 00s. Series like The Sopranos, The Wire, 24 and Breaking Bad challenged the way we thought about television. Big budgets, great talent, and high-end writing coupled with taut seasons offered movies a competent rival. And with hundreds of channels on the dial, every network has something to offer.
In 2021, AMC premiered “Kevin Can F**k Himself” and takes the prize as the most unorthodox series you will ever watch. Billed as a dark comedy, “Kevin” was created by Valerie Armstrong, who also served as one of the primary writers. The show spans two seasons, each consisting of eight 40ish minute episodes. And each episode is presented in a truly unique style.
Part Sitcom, Part Drama
“Kevin Can F**k Himself” stands apart by its format. Half of the show plays out like a standard multi-cam sitcom. Kevin McRoberts (Eric Petersen) is a typical chubby sitcom goofball. He’s lazy, aloof, and married to Allison, a beautiful woman who is clearly out of his league.
Flanked by his best friend Neil (Alex Bonifer) and his father Pete (Brian Howe) Kevin et al are always cooking up wacky schemes and childish pranks, living far beneath the reality of their adult ages. The colors are vibrant, the jokes are fast and followed by a canned laugh track. It’s an exaggerated version of a stereotypical sitcom.
There is an abrupt change as comedy scenes cut sharply to single-camera drama. The tones darken, in color music and mood as Allison (Annie Murphy) has grown tired of her husband’s immaturity and her dreamless life in her hometown of Worcester, Massachusetts.
With the help of a friend (Mary Hollis Inboden) Allison begins plotting to escape from her marriage in an extreme way. The contrast is striking, and completely unexpected before cutting back to the vibrant sitcom world.
Great Characters
Annie Murphy is the central character, an idea sprung from countless sitcoms presenting the wife as an afterthought to a world revolving around the husband. Murphy handles both the drama and comedy realms well.
She’s hysterical in the sitcom universe, dealing with her husband and his gang with jokes that go unnoticed. And is equally impressive in the brooding drama, which sees her crossing the criminal line akin to Walter White as the story progresses. She pairs with Mary Hollis Inboden for some of the show’s best scenes.
Eric Petersen is hysterical in the titular role. Petersen oozes comedy, and the boisterous antics of Kevin McRoberts come naturally to him. The character’s thick Massachusetts accent and obsession for Boston sports add enough zest that the studio audience loses their minds with uproarious laughter with everything he says or does. He pairs so well with Alex Bonifer and Brian Howe I would watch a version of the show that is restricted to the cartoonish sitcom.
The supporting cast is handled with the likes of Raymond Lee, Jamie Denbo and Candice Coke. All play key roles in either version of the story. Former love interests, alcoholic relatives, and police involvement to name a few of the side tangents.
The Verdict
The quality takes a noticeable dip in the second season. I think ending on one season would have kept the integrity of the writing intact. It would go down with single-season cult favorites like Freaks and Geeks or My So Called Life. Still, it’s a great watch for its story and unique style. If you like things that break out of the box, check it out on Netflix.
