Netflix has really drawn in an era of television unlike anything we’ve seen before. It’s so huge that shows that went virtually unnoticed now have cult followings and fans clamoring for more. Its content has put so many creators and actors on the map. Needless to say, we live in an awesome time for TV shows.
Out of all of them, I have to say my favorite to date is an animated adult comedy called BoJack Horseman. It’s a show that, on first glance, seems to be like any other animated adult sitcom of the Family Guy or South Park variety but it’s really not. Once you peel back the shell of BoJack, you really see that it’s a show about meaning. How we derive it from nothing and how it can make us feel downright depressed at times. Most of all, it can be a dark mirror depending on the type of person you are. Everyone is BoJack to some capacity. No matter how good-hearted or positive you are, you’ve felt like BoJack at some point in your life.
BoJack is not only a stand-in for one’s own depression and self-loathing, he’s also a character rich with depth and complexity. Part of the show’s genius is also its ability to take a series of comedy relief characters and make them complex as well as funny.
For those who don’t watch the show, I highly recommend it. Not only is it addicting but the story and characters only get richer as you go on. What I love most about this show, however, is that it’s not afraid to make you feel depressed. The show sinks into some dark depths, more so than any show I can think of. You never feel like you’re being emotionally manipulated to any capacity, though. You feel like it’s an experience and that you’re right there alongside the characters.
We all have bouts of depression. We all have negative connections with others. We all want to change. We are all BoJack Horseman. That’s the genius of this show. We identify with the show and it identifies with us right back. It’s important and amazing that the show does this, however. From this show, I’ve been able to channel depressing memories or painful moments in my life to something I can laugh at and remember longingly.
One can say that’s the takeaway of BoJack. It’s important to laugh, but it’s important to feel. Don’t let your depression consume you but also don’t be afraid to wear your emotions and demons on your sleeve. Thank you, BoJack Horseman.
