''Dead to Me'' is an American

black comedy Black comedy, also known as dark comedy, morbid humor, or gallows humor, is a style of comedy that makes light of subject matter that is generally considered taboo, particularly subjects that are normally considered serious or painful to disc ...

television series created by

Liz Feldman Liz Feldman (born May 21, 1977) is an American comedian, actress, producer and writer. She is best known as the creator and executive producer of the Netflix dark comedy series '' Dead to Me''. She also created '' One Big Happy'' and has writt ...

and executively produced by Feldman,

Will Ferrell John William Ferrell (; born July 16, 1967) is an American actor, comedian, and producer. He first established himself in the mid-1990s as a cast member on the NBC sketch comedy show '' Saturday Night Live'', where he performed from 1995 to 2 ...

, Adam McKay, and Jessica Elbaum. The series premiered on May 3, 2019, on

Netflix Netflix, Inc. is an American subscription video on-demand over-the-top streaming service and production company based in Los Gatos, California. Founded in 1997 by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph in Scotts Valley, California, it offers a ...

and stars

Christina Applegate Christina Applegate (born November 25, 1971) is an American actress. As a child actress, she gained recognition for starring as Kelly Bundy in the Fox sitcom '' Married... with Children'' (1987–1997). Applegate established a successful film a ...

and

Linda Cardellini Linda Edna Cardellini (born June 25, 1975) is an American actress. In television, she is known for her leading roles in the teen drama '' Freaks and Geeks'' (1999–2000), the medical drama '' ER'' (2003–09), the drama thriller '' Bloodline'' ...

as two grieving women who bond during therapy. The first season received positive reviews. In June 2019, Netflix renewed the series for a second season which was released on May 8, 2020. At the

71st Primetime Emmy Awards The 71st Primetime Emmy Awards honored the best in American prime time television programming from June 1, 2018, until May 31, 2019, as chosen by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The ceremony was held on September 22, 2019, at the Mi ...

, Applegate received a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. In July 2020, the series was renewed for a third and final season. Due to the

COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic, is an ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The novel virus was first identi ...

, production of the third season was delayed until mid-2021, and was then further delayed by Applegate's

multiple sclerosis Multiple (cerebral) sclerosis (MS), also known as encephalomyelitis disseminata or disseminated sclerosis, is the most common demyelinating disease, in which the insulating covers of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are damaged. This ...

diagnosis. The third and final season was released on November 17, 2022. At the

72nd Primetime Emmy Awards The 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards honored the best in American prime time television programming from June 1, 2019, until May 31, 2020, as chosen by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The ceremony was originally to be held at the Microsof ...

, the show received four nominations including

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series The Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series is an annual award given to the best television comedy series of the year. From 1960 to 1964, this category was combined with the Comedy Specials (one time programs) category so that both type ...

and two

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series This is a list of winners and nominees of the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Beginning with the 18th Primetime Emmy Awards, leading actresses in comedy have competed alone. However, these comedic performance ...

for Applegate and Cardellini.

Premise

''Dead to Me'' is about a friendship that blossoms between Jen (Applegate) and Judy (Cardellini). Jen is a recently widowed real estate agent based in

Laguna Beach, California Laguna Beach (; ''Laguna'', Spanish for "Lagoon") is a seaside resort city located in southern Orange County, California, in the United States. It is known for its mild year-round climate, scenic coves, environmental preservation efforts, an ...

, trying to come to terms with her loss through therapy, exercise, and other methods. She uses anger and resentment as an outlet for her grief. She meets Judy in a grief support group. Jen mourns her husband, who was killed by a hit-and-run driver, while Judy claims that she is grieving for her fiancé who died of a heart attack. In actuality, Judy is the hit-and-run driver whose fiancé broke up with her. The two characters face their struggles differently, as Jen finds herself in a dark place while Judy maintains a positive disposition. This difference quickly leads to a deep bond between the two. Jen becomes more unhinged as she unravels the mystery of her husband's death and Judy's secrets.

Cast and characters

Main

as Jen Harding, a realtor whose husband Ted was killed by a hit-and-run driver shortly before the start of the series *

as Judy Hale, a woman Jen meets at a grief support group who befriends her *

James Marsden James Paul Marsden (born September 18, 1973) is an American actor, singer, and former model. Marsden began his acting career guest starring in the television shows '' Saved by the Bell: The New Class'' (1993), '' Touched by an Angel'' (1995), ' ...

as ** Steve Wood, Judy's emotionally abusive ex-fiancé, an attorney involved with the Greek Mafia ** Ben Wood (seasons 2–3), Steve's identical twin brother, a chiropractor, and Jen's new love interest * Max Jenkins as Christopher Doyle (seasons 1–2, recurring season 3), Jen's real estate business partner and friend *

Sam McCarthy Sam McCarthy is a New Zealand songwriter and pop vocalist. He is best known for his work in Kids of 88 and Goodnight Nurse. Early life McCarthy was brought up in Auckland in the suburb of Weymouth. He was educated at Weymouth Primary Schoo ...

as Charlie Harding, Jen's older son * Luke Roessler as Henry Harding, Jen's younger son

Recurring

Diana-Maria Riva Diana-Maria Riva (born July 22, 1969) is an American actress, known for her performances on television. She was regular cast member in series including '' Philly'' (2001-02), ''Side Order of Life'' (2007), '' The Good Guys'' (2010), ''Telenovela ...

as Ana Perez, the police detective in charge of the hit-and-run case *

Brandon Scott Brandon Maurice Scott (born April 8, 1984) is an American politician serving as the mayor of Baltimore, Maryland since 2020. The city of Baltimore uses a strong mayor-council structure for their government, meaning Scott holds strong mayoral po ...

as Nick Prager, a police detective on administrative leave whom Judy meets at the grieving retreat * Valerie Mahaffey as Lorna Harding, Jen's mother-in-law and Ted's mother * Natalie Morales as Michelle (seasons 2–3), Judy's love interest and Ana's ex-girlfriend *

Ed Asner Eddie Asner (; November 15, 1929 – August 29, 2021) was an American actor and former president of the Screen Actors Guild. He is best remembered for portraying Lou Grant during the 1970s and early 1980s, on both ''The Mary Tyler Moore Show'' a ...

as Abe Rifkin (season 1), Judy's friend from the retirement home where she works *

Keong Sim Keong Sim is an American actor. He portrayed Dr. Sung Park in the TNT medical drama '' Monday Mornings'' and Pastor Wayne in the Netflix series ''Dead to Me''. He currently is living in Los Angeles. Early life Keong Sim was born in South Vie ...

as Pastor Wayne, Jen and Judy's grief support group leader *

Telma Hopkins Telma Louise Hopkins (born October 28, 1948) is an American actress and singer. Hopkins rose to prominence as a member of the 1970s pop music group Tony Orlando and Dawn, which had several number-one songs. She also performed on the CBS variety ...

as Yolanda, a member of the grief support group *

Sadie Stanley Sadie Anne Stanley (born November 15, 2001) is an American actress and singer, who began her career as the titular role in the 2019 Disney Channel original movie, ''Kim Possible''. She is also known for her recurring role as Brea Bee on '' The ...

as Parker (season 2), Charlie's brief love interest and self-proclaimed social media micro-influencer * Haley Sims as Kayley, Steve's assistant * Blair Beeken as Wendy, a member of the grief support group * Edward Fordham Jr. as Kyle, a member of the grief support group *

Frances Conroy Frances Hardman Conroy is an American actress. She is best known for playing Ruth Fisher on the television series '' Six Feet Under'' (2001–2005), for which she won a Golden Globe and three Screen Actors Guild Awards, and received four Prime ...

as Eileen Wood (seasons 2–3), Steve and Ben's mother *

Suzy Nakamura Suzy Nakamura (born December 2, 1968) is an American actress and improv comedian. She is known for her many guest appearances on sitcoms such as ''According to Jim'', ''Half and Half'', ''8 Simple Rules'', ''Curb Your Enthusiasm'' and ''How I Me ...

as Karen, Jen's neighbor, who is obsessed with protecting her house and preparing for the apocalypse. *

Jere Burns Jere Eugene Burns II (; born October 15, 1954) is an American actor who has appeared in theatre productions and on television. He played the roles of ladies' man Kirk Morris on the television series '' Dear John'', DIA psychiatrist Anson Fullert ...

as Howard Hastings (season 2), a corrupt police chief who is working with the Greek Mafia * Garret Dillahunt as Glenn Moranis (season 3), an FBI agent who is investigating Steve's death and ties to the Greek Mafia

Guest

* Olivia Macklin as Bambi (season 1), a waitress and Ted's mistress * Steve Howey as Jason (season 1), a widower Jen meets at a grief retreat *

Tara Karsian Tara Karsian (born August 5, 1965) is an American actress and writer. She is the daughter of actress Pat Carroll. Life and career Karsian is the daughter of actress Pat Carroll and Lee Karsian, and the sister of casting director Kerry Karsian. Sh ...

as Erica Brewer (season 1), Charlie's principal * Lily Knight as Linda, a member of the grief support group *

Tom Virtue Tom Virture (born November 19, 1957) is an American American(s) may refer to: * American, something of, from, or related to the United States of America, commonly known as the "United States" or "America" ** Americans, citizens and nationals ...

as Doug (season 1), a potential client of Jen's *

Beth Littleford Elizabeth Anna Halcyon Littleford is an American actress, comedian and television personality. She was one of the original correspondents on ''The Daily Show'' on Comedy Central from 1996 to 2000. Littleford has also appeared in the shows '' I'm ...

as Doug's wife (season 1) * Adora Soleil Bricher as Shandy Adams, a girl in Henry's class who finds Ted's body * Chelsea Spack as Heidi (seasons 1-2), Steve's new girlfriend, and employee at TKG Arts * Rick Holmes as Andrew Peters (seasons 1-2), a man Jen suspects of killing her husband *

Marc Evan Jackson Marc Evan Jackson (born August 21, 1970) is an American comedian and actor. Some of his roles include Sparks Nevada in the ''Thrilling Adventure Hour'', Kevin Cozner in '' Brooklyn Nine-Nine'' (he also hosts a podcast based on the sitcom, titled ...

as Jeff (seasons 2–3), Karen's husband who is gay and having an affair *

Katey Sagal Catherine Louise "Katey" Sagal (; born January 19, 1954) is an American actress and singer. She is known for playing Peggy Bundy on '' Married... with Children'' (1987–1997), Leela on ''Futurama'' (1999–2003, 2008–2013, 2023), Cate Hennes ...

as Eleanor Hale (seasons 2–3), Judy's drug-addicted and emotionally abusive mother

Episodes

Season 1 (2019)

Season 2 (2020)

Season 3 (2022)

Production

Development

On April 5, 2018, it was announced that

had given the production a series order for a first season consisting of ten episodes. The series was created by

who was also expected to write for the series and executive produce alongside

, Adam McKay, and Jessica Elbaum. Production companies involved with the series were slated to consist of

Gloria Sanchez Productions Gloria Sanchez Productions is an American film and television production company. History In 2014, Jessica Elbaum founded the production company as a sister label of Gary Sanchez Productions, founded by Will Ferrell and Adam McKay, with a focus ...

and

CBS Television Studios CBS Studios, Inc. is an American television production company which is a subsidiary of CBS Entertainment Group unit of Paramount Global. It was formed on January 17, 2006, by CBS Corporation as CBS Paramount Television, as a renaming of the ...

. On November 2, 2018, it was reported that

Amy York Rubin Amy York Rubin is an American writer and director. She has directed multiple episodes of television series, including the award-winning pilot of the Netflix series ''Dead to Me''. Rubin began her career in comedy. She wrote, created and directe ...

would direct the first and second episodes of the series. On April 1, 2019, it was announced that the series was set to be released on May 3, 2019. On June 3, 2019, the series was renewed for a second season, set to be released in 2020. On April 10, 2020, Netflix announced that the second season would be released on May 8, 2020. On July 6, 2020, Netflix renewed the series for a third and final season. Filming for the third and final season began on May 7, 2021. However, production has been paused since mid-August due to Applegate’s health. On December 21, 2021, it was reported that there were positive COVID-19 cases on the set, but filming was not impacted or shut down. There were three weeks of filming left to conclude in early 2022, however filming did not wrap until April 25, 2022. The third and final season premiered on November 17, 2022.

Casting

On July 11, 2018, it was announced that

had been cast in one of the series' two lead roles. On August 3, 2018, it was reported that

had been cast in the series' other lead role. A week later, it was announced that Max Jenkins and Luke Roessler had been cast in series regular roles. On September 12, 2018, it was reported that

and

had been cast in starring roles. In October 2018, it was announced that

had joined the cast in a series regular capacity and that

had been cast in a recurring role. In October 2019, Natalie Morales was cast in the recurring role of Michelle on the second season.

Reception

Critical response

review aggregator A review aggregator is a system that collects reviews of products and services (such as films, books, video games, software, hardware, and cars). This system stores the reviews and uses them for purposes such as supporting a website where users ...

website

Rotten Tomatoes Rotten Tomatoes is an American review-aggregation website for film and television. The company was launched in August 1998 by three undergraduate students at the University of California, Berkeley: Senh Duong, Patrick Y. Lee, and Stephen Wan ...

, the first season has an approval rating of 86% based on 50 reviews, with an average rating of 6.5/10. The website's critics consensus reads: "''Dead to Me'' doesn't always deliver on the gallows humor that it promises, but the sterling duo of Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini elevates the series above its pulpier aspects—offering a deeply moving relationship shaped by mutual grief." On

Metacritic Metacritic is a website that aggregates reviews of films, TV shows, music albums, video games and formerly, books. For each product, the scores from each review are averaged (a weighted average). Metacritic was created by Jason Dietz, Marc ...

, it has a weighted average score of 67 out of 100, based on 21 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews". On Rotten Tomatoes, the second season has an approval rating of 94% based on 48 reviews, with an average rating of 7.6/10. The website's critics consensus reads: "''Dead to Me'' doubles down on the twists and turns out an exciting second season that makes excellent use of its well-matched leads." On Metacritic, it has a weighted average score of 72 out of 100, based on 10 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews". On Rotten Tomatoes, the third season holds an approval rating of 82% based on 17 reviews, with an average rating of 6.1/10. The website's critics consensus reads: "''Dead to Mes final season has some diminishing returns as the twists begin to feel overplayed, but Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini remain a compelling duo who viewers will want to stick with to the bitter end." On Metacritic, it has a weighted average score of 70 out of 100, based on 7 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".

Viewership

On July 17, 2019, Netflix announced that the series was on track to be streamed by over 30 million viewers within its first month of release on the streaming platform.

Accolades

References

External links

* * {{DEFAULTSORT:Dead To Me 2010s American black comedy television series 2010s American comedy-drama television series 2010s American mystery television series 2019 American television series debuts 2020s American black comedy television series 2020s American comedy-drama television series 2020s American mystery television series 2022 American television series endings English-language Netflix original programming Grief in fiction Murder in television Television productions postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic Television series about widowhood Television series by CBS Studios Television series by Gloria Sanchez Productions Television shows set in Orange County, California