Man Seeking Woman is an American romantic comedy television series created by Simon Rich for FXX. It originally aired for 3 seasons from January 14, 2015, to March 8, 2017.[1] The series is set in Chicago, about a naïve and soft-spoken man in his 20s named Josh Greenberg (played by Jay Baruchel), who finds himself in several surrealist and awkward circumstances while trying to find love.
| Man Seeking Woman | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Genre | |
| Created by | Simon Rich |
| Based on | The Last Girlfriend on Earth by Simon Rich |
| Starring | |
| Opening theme | "Reconstruct" by Photay |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 3 |
| No. of episodes | 30 (list of episodes) |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
|
| Production locations | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Camera setup | Single-camera |
| Running time | 18–23 minutes |
| Production companies |
|
| Original release | |
| Network | FXX |
| Release | January 14, 2015 – March 8, 2017 |
The series is based on Rich's short story compilation, The Last Girlfriend on Earth,[2] Jonathan Krisel, Andrew Singer, and Lorne Michaels are also executive producers, with Broadway Video, Allagash Industries and FXP (formerly FX Productions) as production companies.[3] It has received generally positive reviews from critics.
On April 4, 2017, the show was canceled after three seasons.[4]
Premise edit
Most episode plots are based on relatable conflicts and struggles of entering/maintaining a relationship; however, these conflicts are taken to absurd and literal extremes. The show centers on Josh Greenberg, who struggles finding love after a break-up with his long-term girlfriend Maggie. His mature and successful older sister Liz often tries to help him enter into a serious relationship, and his sex-crazed best friend Mike often tries to help him with solely having sex. Josh's efforts oftentimes lead him into surreal and awkward circumstances such as going on a date with an actual troll, physically misplacing his penis, or meeting a Japanese monster composed of human penises. Sometimes Josh is successful in finding a girlfriend; however, these relationships usually only survive for one episode.
Cast and characters edit
Main edit
- Jay Baruchel as Josh Greenberg, a naïve and soft-spoken 27-year-old man working a temp job. He struggles to find love, following a break-up from a long relationship. He is sometimes used as a straight man when absurd and surreal things happen.[5]
- Eric André as Mike Scaggs, Josh's laid-back best friend who has an easier time with girls than Josh. He often attempts to help Josh, however, he is more interested in helping him have sex as opposed to entering into a serious relationship.[6]
- Britt Lower as Liz Greenberg, Josh's protective and caring older sister who also tries to help Josh. Her methods of helping are more rational and down-to-earth than Mike's; they are more driven to getting Josh into a serious relationship. She has a condescending view of Mike, who in turn doesn't seem to have an opinion of her.
- Maya Erskine as Maggie (season 1), Josh's ex-girlfriend, who breaks up with him at the start of the series.[6]
- Katie Findlay as Lucy (season 3), Josh's girlfriend and later wife.
Recurring edit
- Robin Duke as Patti Greenberg, Josh and Liz's mother.
- Mark McKinney as Tom Greenberg, Josh and Liz's step-father.
- Jeff Pangman as Charles Powell, Josh's boss.
- Ennis Esmer as Leo (season 1), Liz's boyfriend.
- Rosa Salazar as Rosa Mendes (season 2), a co-worker of Josh's that he and Mike both fall in love with.
Production edit
On June 19, 2013, FXX ordered a pilot episode for Man Seeking Woman from Simon Rich, directed by Jonathan Krisel.[2] On February 6, 2014, Jay Baruchel was cast as the lead character, Josh Greenberg.[5] On March 20, Eric André, Britt Lower, and Maya Erskine were announced as the remaining principal cast members.[6] On July 2, the network announced it had picked up the series for a 10-episode series order, as well as its principal cast and production crew.[3] On October 31, Miles Fisher was cast in a recurring role.[7] The series is filmed in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.[8] On March 3, 2015, it was renewed for a 10-episode second season.[9] On April 12, 2016, FX announced it was renewed for a 10-episode third season.[10]
Episodes edit
| Season | Episodes | Originally aired | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First aired | Last aired | |||
| 1 | 10 | January 14, 2015 | March 18, 2015 | |
| 2 | 10 | January 6, 2016 | March 9, 2016 | |
| 3 | 10 | January 4, 2017 | March 8, 2017 | |
Season 1 (2015) edit
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | Prod. code | U.S. viewers (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "Lizard" | Jonathan Krisel | Simon Rich | January 14, 2015 | XXMK01001 | 0.326[11] |
| Josh is dumped by his girlfriend Maggie and has a difficult time moving on. His best friend Mike encourages him to find a new girlfriend. Maggie is now dating Adolf Hitler (Bill Hader). Later, Josh meets a girl, Laura (Vanessa Bayer), on a train and asks for her number. | |||||||
| 2 | 2 | "Traib" | Jonathan Krisel | Robert Padnick & Simon Rich | January 21, 2015 | XXMK01002 | 0.185[12] |
| Josh agonizes over how to ask Laura out to dinner in a text message. She later agrees to dinner, however their first date does not go well. Guest starring Michael Hogan as Bradley. | |||||||
| 3 | 3 | "Pitbull" | Ben Berman | Dan Mirk & Simon Rich | January 28, 2015 | XXMK01003 | 0.206[13] |
| Mike takes Josh out to a club hoping to hook-up, however Josh is insecure and unsure of how to pick-up women. Guest starring Sarah Silverman as Josh's right hand (voice), Eddie Pepitone as Josh's left hand (voice), and Tim Heidecker as a bartender. | |||||||
| 4 | 4 | "Dram" | Ben Berman | Sofia Alvarez & Simon Rich | February 4, 2015 | XXMK01004 | 0.205[14] |
| Josh's sister Liz invites him over for dinner, setting him up for a blind date with a woman named Maude (Maria Thayer). Josh is pressured by his family to settle down with Maude who he just met. Maude is obsessive over Josh, but he does not feel the same way and goes to extreme lengths to avoid her. | |||||||
| 5 | 5 | "Sizzurp" | Jonathan Krisel | Robert Padnick | February 11, 2015 | XXMK01005 | 0.098[15] |
| When Cupid (Jorma Taccone) decides to turn his life around he decides to set up Josh with a "super hot chick" named Whitney (Minka Kelly). Things work well at first but Josh's insecurities take over and he becomes paranoid and jealous of other men she comes in contact with, including Whitney's friend Tanaka (Fred Armisen). | |||||||
| 6 | 6 | "Gavel" | Jonathan Krisel | Simon Rich | February 18, 2015 | XXMK01006 | 0.174[16] |
| Josh enters into a happy relationship with Kayla (Anna Konkle), which is put in jeopardy when Maggie comes back in the picture. Guest starring Marc Evan Jackson as a judge and Jon Daly as Daniel Schultz. | |||||||
| 7 | 7 | "Stain" | Tim Kirkby | Ian Maxtone-Graham & Simon Rich | February 25, 2015 | XXMK01007 | 0.210[17] |
| Josh and Mike attend a wedding in hell. Guest starring Brett Gelman as a Demon. | |||||||
| 8 | 8 | "Branzino" | Tim Kirkby | Dan Mirk | March 4, 2015 | XXMK01008 | 0.113[18] |
| Josh and his girlfriend Rachel (Claire Stollery) decide to be surgically conjoined to each other. | |||||||
| 9 | 9 | "Teacup" | Tim Kirkby | Sofia Alvarez | March 11, 2015 | XXMK01009 | 0.218[19] |
| In a female equivalent of the show's premise, Liz re-renters the dating scene after being dumped. | |||||||
| 10 | 10 | "Scepter" | Jonathan Krisel | Ian Maxtone-Graham | March 18, 2015 | XXMK01010 | 0.204[20] |
| Josh uses time travel pills from a convenience store to go back in time to save his relationship with Maggie. | |||||||
Season 2 (2016) edit
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | Prod. code | U.S. viewers (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 1 | "Wings" | Daniel Gray Longino | Sofia Alvarez and Simon Rich | January 6, 2016 | XXMK02001 | 0.280[21] |
| Mike feels neglected when Josh spends time with his new girlfriend Kelly (Sarah Gadon). | |||||||
| 12 | 2 | "Feather" | Michael Dowse | Robert Padnick | January 13, 2016 | XXMK02002 | 0.249[22] |
| Josh falls for a girl (Liane Balaban) with similar interests, but encounters trouble when he can't satisfy her sexually. | |||||||
| 13 | 3 | "Scythe" | Dan Schimpf | Dan Mirk and Robert Padnick | January 20, 2016 | XXMK02003 | 0.254[23] |
| Josh decides to "settle" by dating a car after the Grim Reaper (Chad Camilleri) tells him he will be bald in around three years. | |||||||
| 14 | 4 | "Tinsel" | Michael Dowse | Sofia Alvarez | January 27, 2016 | XXMK02004 | 0.176[24] |
| Another female equivalent of the show's premise, in which Liz carries out an affair with Santa Claus (Peter Giles). Guest starring Robin Givens as Vickie Clause. | |||||||
| 15 | 5 | "Card" | Daniel Gray Longino | Robert Padnick | February 3, 2016 | XXMK02005 | 0.251[25] |
| Josh sets out to achieve his life's dream of being a video game designer. | |||||||
| 16 | 6 | "Honey" | Daniel Gray Longino | Dan Mirk | February 10, 2016 | XXMK02006 | 0.169[26] |
| Josh begins to woo Rosa (Rosa Salazar) from work only to find out who she is dating. Guest starring Fred Armisen as Jesus Christ. | |||||||
| 17 | 7 | "Cactus" | Bill Benz | Marika Sawyer | February 17, 2016 | XXMK02007 | 0.207[27] |
| Josh decides to make a move on a newly single Rosa. | |||||||
| 18 | 8 | "Fuse" | Dan Schimpf | Dan Mirk | February 24, 2016 | XXMK02008 | 0.212[28] |
| Josh becomes jealous when Mike and Rosa start dating. | |||||||
| 19 | 9 | "Eel" | Bill Benz | Marika Sawyer | March 2, 2016 | XXMK02009 | 0.154[29] |
| Difficulties arise in Rosa and Mike's relationship. Guest starring Carrie-Anne Moss as Joan Dillon and Tzi Ma as Master Sheng. | |||||||
| 20 | 10 | "Balloon" | Bill Benz | Ian Maxtone-Graham | March 9, 2016 | XXMK02010 | 0.167[30] |
| Josh gets his chance to be with Rosa. | |||||||
Season 3 (2017) edit
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | Prod. code | U.S. viewers (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | 1 | "Futon" | Rachel Lee Goldenberg | Dan Mirk | January 4, 2017 | XXMK03001 | 0.239[31] |
| Josh begins a happy relationship with Lucy (Katie Findlay), but not without their own share of problems. | |||||||
| 22 | 2 | "Ranch" | Michael Dowse | Mike O'Brien | January 11, 2017 | XXMK03002 | 0.230[32] |
| Lucy meets Josh's parents and in the process Josh's mom gets overly attached to the couple. | |||||||
| 23 | 3 | "Horse" | Andrew DeYoung | Mike O'Brien | January 18, 2017 | XXMK03003 | 0.195[33] |
| Lucy tries to bond with Mike, with some horrible consequences. | |||||||
| 24 | 4 | "Popcorn" | Ryan Case | Jason Belleville | January 25, 2017 | XXMK03004 | 0.202[34] |
| Lucy takes Josh to meet her passive-aggressive parents, but Josh ends up befriending them much to Lucy's dismay. | |||||||
| 25 | 5 | "Shrimp" | Andrew DeYoung | Jason Belleville | February 1, 2017 | XXMK03005 | 0.192[35] |
| Josh meets Lucy's new friends and feels unsuccessful as all her friends have fancy and interesting jobs. | |||||||
| 26 | 6 | "Pad Thai" | Rachel Lee Goldenberg | Cirocco Dunlap | February 8, 2017 | XXMK03006 | 0.193[36] |
| Josh and Lucy are together after a year, but are stuck in a rut. Lucy seeks new adventures. | |||||||
| 27 | 7 | "Bagel" | Ryan Case | Stefani Robinson | February 15, 2017 | XXMK03007 | 0.161[37] |
| After asking blessings of Lucy's parents, Josh plans to propose to her. | |||||||
| 28 | 8 | "Dolphin" | Michael Dowse | Stefani Robinson | February 22, 2017 | XXMK03008 | 0.241[38] |
| Josh tells his mother and step-father that he and Lucy are getting married. Liz seeks out her estranged father (Peter Gallagher). | |||||||
| 29 | 9 | "Cake" | Michael Dowse | Aaron Burdette | March 1, 2017 | XXMK03009 | 0.198[39] |
| Mike throws Josh a bachelor party. | |||||||
| 30 | 10 | "Blood" | Michael Dowse | Dan Mirk | March 8, 2017 | XXMK03010 | 0.241[40] |
| Josh and Lucy get married, however, their parents conspire to transform their unique wedding into a more traditional one. | |||||||
Reception edit
Man Seeking Woman has been met with positive reviews from critics. Rotten Tomatoes gives the first season of the show a rating of 82%, based on 33 reviews, with an average rating of 6.7/10. The site's critical consensus states, "Amusingly surrealistic and enjoyably odd, Man Seeking Woman is easy to fall for, taking a ridiculously funny approach to a common theme."[41] On Metacritic, the season has a score of 66 out of 100, based on 27 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[42]
The second season received positive reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, it has a rating of 100% based on 8 reviews with an average rating of 8/10.[43]
The third season also received positive reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, it has a rating of 100% based on 13 reviews with an average rating of 8.8/10. The site's critical consensus states, "Man Seeking Woman explores new avenues of storytelling in season 3, while maintaining its excellent absurdist humor and imaginative dealings with relatable relationship issues."[44] On Metacritic, the season has a score of 89 out of 100, based on 5 critics, indicating "universal acclaim".[45]
References edit
- ^ "FX and FXX Set January Premiere Dates for New and Returning Series" (Press release). The Futon Critic. November 21, 2014. Retrieved December 16, 2014.
- ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie (June 19, 2013). "FX Greenlights Comedy Pilot From Simon Rich & Broadway Video". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 16, 2014.
- ^ a b "FXX Takes Out Personal Ad for "Man Seeking Woman"" (Press release). The Futon Critic. July 2, 2014. Retrieved December 16, 2014.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (April 4, 2017). "'Man Seeking Woman' Canceled By FXX After 3 Seasons". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 5, 2017.
- ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie (February 6, 2014). "Jay Baruchel To Topline FX Comedy Pilot 'Man Seeking Woman'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 16, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Eric André, Britt Lower & Maya Erskine Cast In FX Comedy Pilot 'Man Seeking Woman'". Deadline Hollywood. March 20, 2014. Retrieved December 16, 2014.
- ^ "Miles Fisher Joins 'Man Seeking Woman'; Michael Liu In 'Sin City Saints'". Deadline Hollywood. October 31, 2014. Retrieved December 16, 2014.
- ^ Brioux, Bill (July 21, 2014). "Jay Baruchel TV Show, 'Man Seeking Woman,' Coming To FXX". The Huffington Post. Retrieved January 15, 2015.
- ^ Bibel, Sara (March 3, 2015). "'Man Seeking Woman' Renewed for Season 2 by FXX". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on March 6, 2015. Retrieved March 3, 2015.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (April 12, 2016). "'Man Seeking Woman' Renewed For Season 3 By FXX". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 12, 2016.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (January 15, 2015). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 25 Wednesday Cable Originals: 1.14.2015". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on April 13, 2016. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (January 22, 2015). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 25 Wednesday Cable Originals: 1.21.2015". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on January 28, 2015. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (January 29, 2015). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 25 Wednesday Cable Originals: 1.28.2015". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on February 3, 2015. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (February 5, 2015). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 25 Wednesday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 2.4.2015". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on March 20, 2016. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (February 12, 2015). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 25 Wednesday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 2.11.2015". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on March 20, 2015. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (February 19, 2015). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 25 Wednesday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 2.18.2015". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on March 24, 2015. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (February 26, 2015). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 25 Wednesday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 2.25.2015". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on July 27, 2018. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (March 5, 2015). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 25 Wednesday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 3.4.2015". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on March 6, 2019. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (March 12, 2015). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 25 Wednesday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 3.11.2015". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on March 15, 2015. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (March 19, 2015). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 25 Wednesday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 3.18.2015". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on April 8, 2019. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
- ^ Cantor, Brian (January 7, 2016). "Ratings: "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," "Man Seeking Woman" Slip From Last Premieres". Headline Planet. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
- ^ Salem, Mitch (January 14, 2016). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Update: 1.13.2016". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on January 14, 2016. Retrieved January 15, 2016.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (January 21, 2016). "UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Update: 1.20.2016". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on May 20, 2019. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (January 28, 2016). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Update: 1.27.2016". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on January 30, 2016. Retrieved January 28, 2016.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (February 4, 2016). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Update: 2.3.2016". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on February 5, 2016. Retrieved February 4, 2016.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (February 11, 2016). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Update: 2.10.2016". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on February 15, 2016. Retrieved February 11, 2016.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (February 18, 2016). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Update: 2.17.2016". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on February 21, 2016. Retrieved February 19, 2016.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (February 25, 2016). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Update: 2.24.2016". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on February 28, 2016. Retrieved February 25, 2016.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (March 3, 2016). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Update: 3.2.2016". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved March 3, 2016.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (March 10, 2016). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Update: 3.9.2016". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on March 11, 2016. Retrieved March 10, 2016.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (January 5, 2017). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 1.4.2017". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on January 6, 2017. Retrieved January 5, 2017.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (January 12, 2017). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 1.11.2017". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on January 12, 2017. Retrieved January 12, 2017.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (January 19, 2017). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 1.18.2017". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on January 20, 2017. Retrieved January 20, 2017.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (January 26, 2017). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 1.25.2017". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on January 28, 2017. Retrieved January 27, 2017.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (February 2, 2017). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 2.1.2017". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on February 2, 2017. Retrieved February 2, 2017.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (February 9, 2017). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 2.8.2017". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on February 9, 2017. Retrieved February 9, 2017.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (February 16, 2017). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 2.15.2017". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on February 17, 2017. Retrieved February 17, 2017.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (February 23, 2017). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 2.22.2017". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on January 14, 2021. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (March 2, 2017). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 3.2.2017". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on March 2, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2017.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (March 9, 2017). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 3.9.2017". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on March 10, 2017. Retrieved March 9, 2017.
- ^ "Man Seeking Woman: Season 1 (2015)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
- ^ "Man Seeking Woman: Season 1". Metacritic. Retrieved January 22, 2015.
- ^ "Man Seeking Woman: Season 2 (2016)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved October 26, 2017.
- ^ "Man Seeking Woman: Season 3 (2017)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
- ^ "Man Seeking Woman: Season 3". Metacritic. Retrieved October 26, 2017.
