37 Problems

37 Problems is an original, semi-autobiographical comedy web series created and written by Lisa Ebersole in 2015. Ebersole draws heavily on personal life experiences to craft a relatable, irresistibly entertaining depiction of a woman navigating through perhaps the most challenging era of her life. From grappling with ticking biological clocks to dealing with family and romantic relationships, 37 Problems offers a raw yet humorous take on the troubles of a woman on the brink of her forties.

Lisa Ebersole not only wrote the series; she also is the star of the show, playing the lead character Amanda, and the director, which creates a seamless integration of life on and off the screen. The series is based on Ebersole's own life experiences in her turbulent late-30s.

The plot line follows Amanda on a journey self-discovery and mature self-awareness. As a struggling screenwriter in Hollywood, the main character is forced to confront the realities of aging in a society that puts a high premium on youth. This chaotic season in her life is amplified when Amanda finds out she has one ovary left, and her chances of becoming pregnant are declining. The ticking of a biological clock suddenly becomes louder and more ominous, and Amanda's familial and societal pressures to have a child loom over her.

Yet, Amanda isn't just concerned about pregnancy. She's also trying to find her place in the world, balance her relationships and career ambitions, and untangle the complexities of her love life. Amanda is witty, bold, and eccentric, and she often acts upon impulse which results in hilariously unintended consequences. At its core, the show is about this quirky woman navigating the murky waters of life with audacity, humor, and a healthy dose of self-deprecation.

Each episode of 37 Problems spans approximately 10 minutes, packing a punch with an evocative mix of humorous, dramatic, and deeply emotive moments. The series' brilliance lies in its treatment of often-taboo subjects like infertility, sexual desire, and female aging with gravity and dignity, yet without losing the comedic undertone.

The series is a refreshing departure from the typically male-centric narratives of Hollywood and shines a spotlight on an often invisible demographic - unmarried, childless, ambitious women on the verge of their forties. While Amanda may be in a position that's perceived as socially intimidating, she refuses to be a victim and instead embraces her circumstances with honesty, courage, and a wicked sense of humor.

Ebersole cleverly uses her talent in writing to weave a relatable narrative of a woman looking to redefine her identity. She pushes the boundaries of comedy by infusing her scripts with the stark, sometimes uncomfortable realities of life. The dialogues are clever, with quick, sharp lines that keep the audience entertained and engaged. Ebersole's comedic timing, complemented by her on-camera charisma, makes her a compelling lead.

The rest of the cast also does justice to their respective roles, with each character intricately and authentically developed, lending the series a sense of relatable realism. The supporting characters are multi-dimensional - from Amanda's overbearing yet well-meaning mother to her hodgepodge of friends, each with their own unique personalities and eccentricities.

The cinematography beautifully captures the vibrant, chaotic life in Hollywood, in juxtaposition with Amanda's tumultuous personal journey. The series was initially released as a web series in 2015, and its widespread success and recognition underscore the audience's readiness for this kind of bold, straightforward, and unconventionally humorous approach to storytelling.

37 Problems, through its unique blend of humor, candidness, and exploration of middle-aged womanhood, provides an uncommon and refreshing perspective on aging, fertility, societal expectations, and the hilarious disaster that is life. The show is a stark reminder that life rarely goes as planned and the beauty in it lies in embracing the chaos, finding humor in the troublesome times and courageously moving forward. This compelling series provides a hilarious, relatable, and, at times, heartbreaking look at the pressures faced by a woman confronted with her dwindling fertility and the looming inevitability of age. It's a must-watch for those seeking a unique, provocative, and hilarious take on life's many imperfections.