It is often very hard to endure in time after being a child star. This is the subject of the comedy series Hollywood Darlings, broadcast on Netflix. We discover Beverley Mitchell known for her role in 7 at home, Jodie Sweetin in The Party at Home and Christine Lakin in Our Beautiful Family.
The three actresses are now in their thirties and this series tells with humor their setbacks in Hollywood. We also follow them in their sometimes difficult lives as mothers, all filmed as for a kind of fake reality show.
The format is very much inspired by Modern Family, we sometimes find them facing the camera, sitting on a sofa explaining a scene. We can also see very regular references to sitcoms of the 90s.
Exaggerated characters
This series is a real throwback and brings many memories. In addition to the three actresses, many characters from old sitcoms appear throughout the episodes.
However, the goal of the series is not only to appeal to nostalgia. The script is also a real parody of Hollywood and it relies on funny clichés. They make fun of themselves by portraying themselves as exaggerated characters.
Beverley is presented as the naïve daughter and ultra-prepared mother for all eventualities. Jodie is the skeptic a little nasty on the edges and Christine, the hip and bobo mother of Los Angeles.
Together, they manage to find themselves in funny and particularly funny situations like when they find themselves camping and get lost in the forest.
Self-mockery at will
Through these humorous moments, they also deal with important topics: breastfeeding in public with a passage where, sitting at a restaurant, Christine confronts a man who asks her to breastfeed in private. They also talk a lot about the difficulty of finding work on TV or in the cinema when you are over 30 years old.
They also make fun of the idea that sitcoms have become cheesy: the three actresses hope to meet fans everywhere, they participate in shabby conventions and pass many castings.
The series therefore makes a clever mix between humor, references to sitcoms and themes of society. It will make you have a good time of entertainment. It's not great art, but it allows you to relax, while remembering good memories.
It is the lightness of the program that takes precedence over its commitment and innovation. Over the episodes, it is more the subject of motherhood that is treated rather than that of celebrity, which shows a shift in their lives. This idea is represented by a passage where Jodie must resolve to buy a mini van, more practical than a sports car.
A friendship on screen
The series is a success by its humorous side and the talent of the actresses to play parody characters. This shows their versatility and their ability to be self-deprecating.
It's also their relationship that's funny: they tease each other, help each other and have a good time together. Their friendship seems very real on screen and they play on the fact that they grew up in the same environment and have known each other for a long time.
The series also has the intelligence to create independent episodes each time, which does not really imply attachments for the viewer who can watch them as he wishes.
We already know that the series has been renewed for a second season. However, it will be difficult to renew all the subjects without repeating oneself and keeping this lightness. However, it still promises good moments of entertainment!
