Perfect Harmony

Perfect Harmony is an American comedy-drama that aired on NBC from September 2019 to January 2020. The series, conceived by Lesley Wake Webster, artfully blends humor and sentimentality to create a quirky portrait of a rural church choir striving to achieve musical excellence under the direction of an unexpected conductor.

The protagonist of Perfect Harmony, named Arthur Cochran, is wonderfully played by Bradley Whitford, known for his roles in "The West Wing" and "The Handmaid's Tale". Arthur is a recently widowed, former Princeton music professor who finds himself in the small town of Conley Fork, Kentucky, after the passing of his beloved wife. She was originally from this rural town and it’s here that the skeptical and often sarcastic Arthur stumbles upon a church choir that leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to their singing abilities.

The moment Arthur hears the Second First Church of the Cumberlands choir, a group of humble, warm-hearted and but audibly challenged locals, the professor’s perfectionist instincts kick in, despite his status as a self-professed non-believer. Impulsively, he intervenes, initiating a journey that is filled with wonderful character development, laughter and touching moments of shared humanity.

The choir is a lovable assembly of unique and quirky characters, each with a robust backstory that effortlessly ties into the larger story. The members include Ginny, a single mother and waitress played by Anna Camp of "Pitch Perfect" fame, who undertakes the role of choir coordinator. Her zeal for the choir is only matched by Dwayne (Geno Segers), a gentle giant with a booming voice, Reverend Jax (Rizwan Manji), a young, earnest, and well-meaning pastor who sometimes fumbles his duties, and Adams (Tymberlee Hill), a fun-loving, church-going woman with sass to spare. All these characters join forces to form an unconventional choral group that struggles to harmonize, both vocally and emotionally.

Throughout the series, the plot takes us through how this eclectic group of individuals rise to the challenge of the somewhat cantankerous, gruff, but passionately caring Arthur Cochran. He steps into the role of choir director with a mission - to help the choir win the upcoming regional competition - and in the process, create something beautiful out of their collective disharmony. Yet, as the choir learns to improve its musical capabilities, Arthur learns something too. He discovers the power of community, the importance of faith, and the redemptive nature of acceptance, love, and friendship.

The charm of 'Perfect Harmony' springs from its sharp wit, heartwarming storytelling, genuine laughs, and an emotive narrative. It sports a wonderful narrative line that features a captivating mix of small-town eccentricities, rib-tickling humor, personal dramas, and beautiful chorale performances. The chemistry within the ensemble cast makes for enjoyable viewing, as each persona adds layers of depth to their characters while creating a tapestry that takes viewers through a full range of human emotions.

Bradley Whitford’s performance as the grumpy, cynical Ivy League scholar who slowly warms to the quirky country vibes of Conley Fork, and his transformation under the influence of the quirky choir and the values of the small town community adds a delightful effect, layering wisdom and wit over the genuine enthusiasm that drives the choir.

Set against the backdrop of the picturesque Kentucky landscape, 'Perfect Harmony' is an uplifting musical comedy journey that emphasizes the transformative power of unity, camaraderie, and the beautiful bond formed over shared passions. The show has its fair share of struggles, victories, and a lot of singing, showcasing the comedic, tear-jerking, and feel-good moments of life.

Structured like a classic underdog tale woven with threads of comedy, drama, and music, 'Perfect Harmony' forms a harmonious symphony of characters and storylines that is both funny and touching. It is a lovely, heartfelt series that, just like the choir it revolves around, creates a perfect blend of charm, humor, and emotion - hitting the right notes along the way. 'Perfect Harmony' is a story of community, of singing your own song but not alone, rather as part of something bigger - a melody made from many voices.

Even in its brevity, the sitcom is a perfectly humming, well-arranged composition that will make viewers chuckle, occasionally shed a tear, and nod in understanding at the convoluted, colorful, and wonderful ways of life and human connection.