How to Die Alone

"How to Die Alone" is a witty and thoughtful dramedy by Natasha Rothwell, starring Mel, a transport assistant at John F. Kennedy International Airport. The show explores themes of loneliness, accountability, and courage in the face of life's unexpected challenges. The show begins with an unseen interviewer asking real-life New Yorkers why people die alone, which are themes throughout the series. Mel's life is tumultuous when her best friend Rory (Conrad Ricamora) bails on their plans, causing her to confront her disappointments. Her finances are in shambles, and she has strained relationships with her mother, Beverly (Ellen Cleghorne), and older brother, Brian (Bashir Salahuddin). Her friend circle is nonexistent. An accident on the eve of her birthday leaves her in the hospital. Rothwell, known for her roles on HBO's "Insecure" and "The White Lotus," is highlighted in the show. Her work on these series earned her production company, Big Hattie Productions, a development deal with ABC Signature. "How to Die Alone" is Rothwell's first solo effort as a creator, skillfully crafted, anchoring important themes and conversations in comedic musings. "How to Die Alone" is a relatable and introspective series that explores the human experience of a passenger, Mel, who is stranded at JFK. The show features funny moments, such as Mel's rivalry with her co-worker Patti and the antics of her baggage-handler friends DeShawn, Shaun, and Terrance. The series also explores the positions we hold in others' lives, as Mel does. The standout episode, "Trust No One," takes Mel to Brian's home for Thanksgiving, highlighting the tension between her siblings and the interjection of their critical mother. The show also provides a glimpse into the complex inner workings of an airport, showcasing the moving parts needed for air travel. The show highlights the difference between being alone and loneliness, and how Mel struggles to reimagine her life and her dreams. The show emphasizes the importance of self-reliance and the need to rely on oneself for support.

Firstly, this show is underrated, I think it deserves at least 7.5.

What happens in the story itself isn't anything particularly new but the execution is on point and there is an authenticity to every character in the show. I really like the way it deals with the vulnerabilities behind people's words and actions, it's done in a very true to life way.

Its very easy to watch. I watched it in 2 sessions but I could have done it in 1, it was a good way to chill. There are some emotionally heavy moments but mostly it's fairly light hearted while still dealing with some serious subject matter.

It's mostly not laugh out loud funny except for a couple of bits but the whole thing is delivered with a certain whimsy, and I think it's one of those shows where the things you laugh at will be different for each person, because you'll be laughing at the way people act because it reminds you of somebody you know who acts that way, or maybe just something you've observed in real life that you already found amusing, which I think shows strength in the writing.

And as a straight white man it was refreshing to see representation of everything that I am not. I watch a lot of films and TV and I like to see different perspectives and attitudes, ways of thinking etc and this (as far as I can tell) is quite authentic in it's representation too.

One sign you know a show is written well is when characters make bad decisions and you understand them. They're not bad decisions that feel like they're written for the sake of moving the plot forward but made because they make sense for that character, and as a result don't pull me out of my vibe I'm sitting in while watching.

Finally the MC is full of energy and brings everything she has to the role. Her energy bursts through the screen and you can tell she's giving it everything. That's not to downplay the supporting actors though. Everyone turns up, no character in this feels out of place.

Would love to see a season 2.

Natasha Rothwell's character shows a true depiction of many people who feel such lonely emotion. Surprisingly she looks like a woman I know who once worked as a flight attendant about 15 years ago and today is doing very well as a manager - and, unlike Rothwell's character, she has had a long-term steady boyfriend. Ironically, I can't help but imagine my friend when I see Ms. Rothwell. But the sadness and humor of this series' premier episode is very emotional and Ms. Rothwell really makes the viewer feel her sorrow and frustration. Unfortunately I have not experienced such dire feelings, but this show certainly makes me want to follow the character's development. Altogether it's a very interesting storyline.

How to Die Alone is an absolute gem of a show-brilliantly smart, funny, and truly inspiring. From the very first episode, I was hooked. Natasha Rothwell delivers an incredible performance, bringing humor and heart to a story that feels fresh, relatable, and real. The writing is sharp, the characters unforgettable, and the blend of comedy and insightful storytelling is rare. It's one of those shows that makes you laugh, think, and feel all at once. If you're lost, dating, confused, whatever. It's worth a watch. I loved every minute and hope it gets many more seasons. It deserves a much bigger audience!

I can't comment on the whole series but this show has the potential to be something special. I'm not a black straight woman in New York, I'm a gay guy in the U. K. That being said this show taps into something we all feel. The lead actress is exceptional. I don't remember seeing her in anything else but she owns this role. She's a genuine talent and I really don't say that often. I can the characters pain and the humour she's using to work through it. Introducing the characters as airport workers is very clever. We've all interacted with airport workers, we've all had people who by doing their jobs have made or ruined our day. This story, whilst showing us how this black single woman in New York, who feels alone despite being around hundreds of people everyday, feels, it taps into a human experience I can relate to. I can't wait to watch more.