Why Showtime’s Kidding should get some Golden Globes
By Wade Wainio
It’s a bit of an underdog show, but Showtime’s Kidding is a unique, likable emotional roller-coaster that plays the right notes.
Not everyone follows award shows or cares about nominations and wins. They often seem like a trivial thing. Nevertheless, some shows might as well get some attention. One such show is Kidding. Kidding not only boasts the star power of Jim Carrey, Frank Langella, Judy Greer, and Catherine Keener, but it also has the quirk of being good. It is unique, solidly watchable, and flows quite naturally considering how it’s about the emotional states of its characters.
Its main character, Jeff Piccirillo (Carrey), plays a children’s TV host named Mr. Pickles. Unfortunately, he is also a father who recently lost a son in a tragic car accident. If that’s not enough, his marriage has basically dissolved. Meanwhile, his father and executive producer, Seb (Langella), is considering replacing Jeff due to signs of declining sanity (though he’s equally concerned about “the brand” that is Mr. Pickles).
Rather than focus solely on Jeff’s outer identity (his public persona), Kidding shines a light on his inner turmoil. Jeff may be a successful children’s TV icon, but that doesn’t prevent him from unraveling. In fact, it almost seems to hurt him. Being in the public spotlight puts added pressure on him to seem wholesome, together and not strewn about. Appearing damaged would damage his career, causing him to unravel yet further.
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Kidding is nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy, while Carrey stands to win for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy. While I haven’t seen every show on the planet, it’s safe to say this one could deserve some wins over its competitors. It’s just well done.
Jim Carrey can act, and this show deserves respect
As strange as this sounds, there were times where I almost forgot I was watching Jim Carrey. How is that possible? Isn’t Jim Carrey sort of an over-actor sometimes? Isn’t that one of the biggest critiques of his films? Well, it doesn’t really apply to his performances here. At the same time, his characterization isn’t too understated, either. It’s just natural. In fact, that’s how all of the characters pan out, even during the show’s more absurd moments (and there are definitely some of those).
Also, for a show that wears tragedy on its sleeve, this one manages to keep it surprisingly light. It walks a fine line by staying true to itself. What do I mean? It’s compassionate without being too saccharine, realistic without losing imagination, comically dark but not unrelenting, and has stellar performances without excessive scene-stealing moments. It encourages you to feel empathy but doesn’t hide from laughter (nor does it make you feel bad for laughing). It’s an underdog candidate worth voting for.
Kidding: Showtime series to return for second season. dark. Next
That being said, even if it doesn’t win any Globes, you can at least know there will be a second season. It will likely see some issues facing Jeff and his family resolved, as new ones emerge. Other issues will probably be swept under the rug until they can no longer fit. That is life after all, and great art imitates our struggles and triumphs as people (or something like that).
What do you think about Kidding? Does it deserve a Golden Globe? Let us know in the comments!