Are You There, Chelsea?

Are You There, Chelsea? is a sitcom that debuted on NBC in 2012 and is based on stand-up comic Chelsea Handler's 2008 best-selling book "Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea". The series, which ran for one season, revolves around Chelsea Newman, a spirited, opinionated and unapologetically outspoken young woman, and her circle of friends, family and co-workers. The series is marked with vibrant humor, candid dialogue and uniquely humorous life situations, making it a showcase for smart, fresh comedy. Laura Prepon of "That 70's Show" fame brilliantly takes on the lead role of Chelsea, a cocktail waitress at a sports bar who is known for her love of vodka and her sardonic wit. Chelsea is a force of nature, living life to the fullest without letting the little things weigh her down. She’s the quintessential anti-heroine, barrelling through life with an impeccable sense of humor while refusing to adhere to society’s conventions. She certainly has her share of flaws and foibles, but her heart always seems to be in the right place, even when her actions lead to chaos. Jake McDorman plays Rick, the good-looking bar manager who shares a flirtatious yet complicated relationship with Chelsea. Despite being her boss, Rick is not immune to Chelsea's charms and their camaraderie often forms the base for many hilarious story arcs in the series. Their "will-they-won't-they" dynamics are a significant part of the plot and add a nice romantic strain to the humor-filled episodes. Chelsea's circle of friends is rounded out by her eccentric and endearing best friend Olivia, portrayed by Ali Wong, and their quirky roommate Dee Dee, played by Lauren Lapkus. Both of these characters stand out with their distinctive and colorful personalities. Olivia's laid-back demeanor contrasts well with Chelsea's high-energy antics, while Dee Dee's naive innocence often leads to amusingly unexpected twists. Chelsea's relationship with her conservative Christian sister Sloane, portrayed by Chelsea Handler herself, adds another layer of comedy to the narrative. Their diametrically opposite lives and thought processes provide ample scenarios for hilarious misunderstandings and confrontations. Handler also serves as the executive producer of the show, adding her trademark humor and comedic style to the overall presentation. Then there's the boisterous Lenny Clarke playing Chelsea's father Melvin, a man with a larger-than-life personality and some rather unconventional paternal methods. Mark Povinelli plays a diminutive, yet feisty and confident bartender named Todd, who rounds out the primary cast. Finally, Natasha Leggero plays Nikki, the outwardly tough but ultimately kind-hearted cocktail waitress who completes this ensemble of strong, funny characters. The series is set in New Jersey and captures the mundane, everyday situations faced by Chelsea and her spherical entity of characters in an entertaining and humor-laden manner. Each episode carries multiple story threads and primarily takes place at the sports bar where Chelsea works or at her apartment where she lives with Olivia and Dee Dee. Frequently, scenarios spin out from these locales, leading to various comedic sketches. Are You There, Chelsea? was a short-lived but memorable series brimming with humor, wit, and an endearing cast of characters. It delivered an amusing look into the unconventional and unapologetic lifestyle of a young woman who refuses to follow the norm, opting instead to pave her own unconventional path. Subsequently, the series addresses love, friendship, career aspirations, personal growth, and familial relationships, all interwoven with sharp, perceptive comedy. It captures the essence of Handler's comedic talent, creating a tapestry of laughter and life-lessons that resonate with audiences long after the credits role. In conclusion, Are You There, Chelsea? is not just a sitcom that generates laughs; it’s a show that celebrates the flair of unabashed, yet wholesome humor. It’s about taking life head-on, with a glass of vodka in one hand and a barb of wit on the lips, never failing to find the comic side to every situation. Despite its short run, the show leaves a mark, inviting viewers to enjoy life's absurdities and reminding them that it’s okay to be unapologetically oneself.

Are You There, Chelsea? is a series categorized as a canceled. Spanning 1 seasons with a total of 12 episodes, the show debuted on 2012. The series has earned a moderate reviews from both critics and viewers. The IMDb score stands at 5.0.