Beginning her journey by booking comedy gigs and releasing comedy specials on YouTube, Leanne Morgan has successfully transitioned to Netflix, where she premiered her stand-up special Leanne Morgan: I’m Every Woman in 2023. This year, she expanded her talents into acting, appearing in You’re Cordially Invited alongside renowned actors Reece Witherspoon and Will Ferrell. Furthermore, she is now making waves as the star of her self-titled Netflix sitcom Leanne, where she takes on the roles of executive producer and co-writer.
Similar to her comedy special, Leanne offers a relatable, warm brand of humor that evokes the comfort of sharing stories with a friend over coffee and Jello salads. This cozy atmosphere is paired with a classic sitcom structure, as Morgan collaborates with the legendary sitcom creator Chuck Lorre, known for his work on The Big Bang Theory and Two and a Half Men. The initial episodes may take a moment for the creative duo to find their rhythm, but soon enough, Morgan’s character wins over audiences’ hearts and laughter.
Leanne navigates the complexities of menopause, grandparenthood, and the daunting idea of starting anew when her husband of 33 years, Bill (Ryan Stiles), leaves her for another woman. The shocking news arrives via email, turning her life upside down. In this challenging time, Leanne leans on her supportive sister and best friend, Carol (Kristen Johnston), who is also navigating her own tumultuous post-divorce landscape. Together, they embark on the unfamiliar territory of dating after a long hiatus, confronting societal and familial pressures, as well as the neighborhood gossip that surrounds them. Their journey is filled with unexpected encounters and hilarious situations, ultimately reinforcing the theme that “it is never too late to rewrite your story.”
The first eight episodes, out of the planned sixteen, initially struggle to find their footing. The opening episodes serve primarily to establish the characters and setting, resulting in a slower pace and occasionally awkward dialogue. However, as the storyline progresses, the characters begin to gain momentum and develop a more natural flow. Once the initial awkwardness fades, the pacing improves significantly, leading to more engaging and relatable interactions between characters.
As the ensemble cast grows, each new character adds a dynamic layer to the narrative, offering a plethora of entertaining exchanges. We are introduced to Leanne’s “pride and joy” son (Graham Rogers) and her “work in progress” daughter (Hannah Pilkes), who bring their own humorous subplots into the mix. Leanne’s parents, played by Celia Weston and Blake Clark, contribute to the show with delightful intergenerational humor that resonates well. Tom Daly also enters the fray, providing a grounding presence amid the familial chaos. The chemistry among most cast members is commendable, fostering a wholesome sitcom atmosphere that makes audiences feel invested in the characters and their unfolding stories.
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Friends of the show may draw parallels between Leanne and another popular 2000s sitcom called Reba, which features a central character navigating family, friendships, and dating post-divorce. While there are similarities between the two, Leanne offers a unique perspective, presenting a lead character who is more carefree and less burdened by financial concerns due to her share in the divorce. This allows for more entertaining domestic and suburban adventures to unfold. However, both shows beautifully honor the theme of giving a second chance to women often deemed “past their prime” in traditional society, as they confront these ideas through a mix of lighthearted and poignant moments.
With a strong background in stand-up comedy, expectations for the show’s humor are naturally high, and Morgan does not disappoint. Her dialogue and comedic timing mirror the engaging style of her comedy special, delivering exactly what audiences crave. Although she is still honing her skills as an actor, with some less comedic scenes lacking the same finesse, the sitcom format aligns well with her comedic sensibilities. As a lead, Morgan presents a commendable performance, gradually settling into her role. While some cast members occasionally stumble with weaker lines or fail to match Morgan’s vibrant energy, the series still offers moments of humor, including spontaneous late-night car rides with her unlicensed father-in-law and hilariously awkward kegel exercises with a neighbor as an audience.
The core of the show’s emotional depth and humor stems from the relationship between Leanne and Carol, as they face their families and friends as a united front, providing support to one another during difficult times. The chemistry between Morgan and Johnston is compelling, featuring a mix of sarcastic banter and sisterly teasing, which might feel jarring at first but quickly becomes endearing. Leanne successfully merges silliness and sincerity, creating a platform for women who struggle to embrace a second chance at life: it may begin awkwardly, but it evolves into something comforting and humorous.
Leanne
Leanne takes its time but builds to a hilarious, heartwarming second-life journey.
- Release Date
- July 31, 2025
- Network
- Netflix
- Once the show hits its stride, the comedy, script, and pace are immersive.
- Morgan and Johnston have compelling chemistry as sisters, and their relationship is the heart of the show.
- The sitcom delves into hopeful and comforting themes.
- The show is stiff at first, and may be hard to initially invest in.
- Some of the comedy feels uneven, while occasional jokes are awkward and feel forced.
