Netflix has just unveiled the debut series of a highly anticipated new comedy that critics are celebrating - despite suffering from a lacklustre opening instalment.
The show features comedian Leanne Morgan, whose 2023 Netflix stand-up special catapulted her to fame in her 50s, portraying a fictionalised version of herself whose world gets turned upside down.
After her long-term husband Bill (portrayed by Ryan Stiles) suddenly declares he's abandoning her for a younger partner, Leanne refuses to accept the devastating news passively and begins rebuilding her existence as a recently divorced mother.
Joining her journey are Leanne's chaotic sibling Carol (Kristen Johnston), who has been through two divorces, her accomplished son Tyler (Graham Rogers), and her underachieving daughter Josie (Hannah Pilkes).
Additionally, Leanne must also care for her elderly parents, steadfast Daddy John (Blake Clark) and sweet-natured Mama Margaret (Celia Weston), reports the Mirror US.
Co-developed by Morgan alongside The Big Bang Theory's Chuck Lorre, Leanne has the potential to become Netflix's most successful original comedy series in recent years, provided audiences persevere.
The Guardian's critique acknowledges that whilst the programme boasts a charming lead performer, the series suffers from being "terribly written" with an especially cringe-worthy first episode.
"It is best to be upfront about these things and say that the opening episode is bad," they noted. "Worse than you've just assumed when I said 'bad'. Gone is the lightness of touch, the consummate ease, the subtly immaculate timing of her stage show; instead, we have a leaden script punctuated by a desperate laughter track, and a one-note performance by Morgan."
Nevertheless, despite criticising the programme's rocky start, the critique proceeded to acknowledge that the debut series ultimately transforms into a reassuring 22-minute viewing experience.
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"And once your expectations are suitably lowered, it takes on a charm of its own," it added.
"The colours are bright. The multi-camera format reminds you of happier, simpler times from your youth. Morgan and Johnston are in almost every scene and have comedy chops that can overcome even the most defiantly second- and third-tier writing and reward your viewing investment with glimmers of merriment. It starts to take on a rosy hue."
Meanwhile, the programme has also garnered favourable critiques from publications such as Variety, who described it "a heaping plate of Southern charm with a side of mid-life reinvention".
"I may not be the target audience for Leanne, but I found much to like in it, and suspect many Netflix subscribers will as well," they lauded.
Additionally, The Hollywood Reporter commended the show's gentle humour: "That its throwback sensibility mostly comes off as classic rather than hoary is a testament to the competence of the seasoned cast and crew, as well as to Morgan's confident lead turn.
"It helps, too, that the episodes never overstay their welcome, clocking in at around 20 minutes each in an era when 'half-hour' streaming comedies have a habit of ballooning into 40-minute run times."
Devotees of other family comedies like The Conners or laid-back sitcoms such as Superstore should certainly give Leanne a watch when they're after some laughs on a leisurely morning.
Leanne is available to stream on Netflix.