Kaitlin Olson's 'The Mick' Is A Must-See Comedy

After watching the pilot of FOX’s upcoming comedy The Mick starring Kaitlin Olson at a special Los Angeles preview screening, I approach the star, who, with an endearing and excited tone, genuinely asks if I think it’s funny. The show is her baby, and that shines through. And I tell her the show is freaking hilarious, because it is. Audiences have seen portrayals of the smart, yet hot-mess woman, from Trainwreck to Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates. But The Mick stands on its own in so many ways. Largely, because it’s backed by Olson, who said at the screening that she has wanted and fought for this for some time now. “I spent 12 years on a show that my children can’t watch,” she says. “I set out to make something that could maintain the comedic integrity of what we were going for … a network show that really feels like it belongs in cable.”

Come January when the show premieres, I can confidently say fans will be in for a treat. In the single-camera TV show, Olson stars as Mackenzie (a.k.a Mickey, also a.k.a. The Mick), a woman lacks any sort of drive, yet has her wits when it comes to hustling freebies to get by. Mickey’s in for a surprise when she visits her rich sister in Connecticut and unforeseeable events lead to Mickey having to care for her three spoiled nieces and nephews: entitled teen Sabrina (Sofia Black D’Elia), arrogant 13-year-old Chip (Thomas Barbusca), innocent seven-year-old Ben (Jack Stanton). While Mickey and the kids challenge each other, the show gets weird in all the right ways.

Here’s why it’s a must-see.

1. It’s Another Side Of Sweet Dee

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia fans will relish in the glory of someone who seems like Dee’s long-lost sister. Like Dee, Mickey is a mess, turned up another notch. Neither seem to give a damn. While Dee attempts to actually make a successful career for herself and is sensitive about her shortcomings, Mick couldn’t really care less. In a way, though, both are self-centered and make their opinions known. Fans will love seeing this similar, yet altered side of Olson.

2. It’s A Personal Victory For Olson

The star totally holds her own from Sunny cast in this series. At the preview screening, she says it’s been a long, yet “amazing” process building this, and completely worthwhile. When speaking with her one-on-one, Olson's excitement just pours out, as she explains getting her own network show has always been her dream.

3. It’s Relatable As Hell

I spend more time than I’d like to admit laughing at memes about life being a mess. I mean, who totally has everything together these days? Although Mickey may be on the extreme side, it’s still amazing watching her witness her sister live luxuriously in a wealthy Connecticut neighborhood, while she steals mouthwash from the drug store. So many people have that one relative or friend who’s thriving as you’re struggling to make rent, which makes Mickey a totally relatable character.

4. It’s Oddly Motivating

It’s rare to see women on TV who truly have so little cares to give, and are OK with that. Watching Mick freely go though life makes me think I take mine way too seriously. Maybe it is OK to let go a little bit — life would certainly be a hell of a lot more fun.

5. Mickey Is Pretty Darn Smart

Olson’s character may lack drive, but she’s still quick on her feet. She doesn’t take anyone’s crap and has some tricks up her sleeve that you will not see coming. Instead of writing her off as an unmotivated mess, audiences will soon see that her quick wit is her secret weapon.

6. It Low-Key Critiques The Wealthy

In the age of living vicariously through the Kardashian/Jenners, Biebers, and many of America's wealthy youth, the show takes a jab at the elite lifestyle without being preachy. When Mickey is forced to not only live alongside her sister’s rich kids, but take them under her wing, she challenges everything they’ve been taught thus far about life.

7. It’s Super Funny

The show is laugh-out-loud funny, with lines like: “You were a topless waitress. And that’s even worse, it just means you couldn’t dance.” And with everything going on the world, everyone could use a comedic relief and escape.

The Mick premieres New Year’s Day on FOX.

Images: FOX (8)