Why Are You Like This

Why Are You Like This, an original comedy from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and available on ABC iView, is a perfect blend of youthful vibrancy, unflinching honesty, and razor-sharp wit. The show sheds light on the Gen Z experience, peppered with elements of millennial culture and societal expectations. Driven by quirky humor and distinct characterization, this series presents a raw and realistic look at modern-day lifestyles and personal attitudes, specifically the self-absorbed, over-analyzing, yet compassionate ones the current generation harbors.

Why Are You Like This weaves a storyline around two main characters, Penny and Mia, best friends in their early twenties navigating the captivating yet confusing hustle and bustle of the vibrant city of Melbourne. The narrative oscillates between their intimately personal battles and their attempts to decipher the intricacies of adulting.

Penny, an outspoken feminist, is portrayed as someone always on the edge of controversy. She sporadically tilts toward disproportionality and has a knack for turning the most trivial issues into opportunities for radical social commentary. Regardless, her loyalty to her values stems from a place of genuine care, proving her heart is in the right place, even if her delivery is a bit too extreme.

In contrast, Mia just breezes through life, relying solely on her charm and superiority complex. With the world as her stage and every interaction an audition, Mia's reality is a never-ending performance. Yet beneath this incredibly confident façade is an authenticity that hints at her raw struggle with self-perception and loneliness.

The chemistry between Penny and Mia is both relatable and comical, often leading to hilarious misadventures. Their dynamic and banter flawlessly capture the essence of millennial dialogues, societal norms, personal insecurities, and unapologetic authenticity.

In Why Are You Like This, each episode presents audiences with modern-day dilemmas- it's as if the characters are constantly trying to balance the tightrope of societal acceptance. From the complexities of the workplace to broaching sensitive societal issues to understanding the intricacies of modern relationships, the series threads through a myriad of situations that demand a robust sense of humor.

Saturated with self-awareness, the series does not shy away from wryly critiquing its own characters and the societal phenomena they represent. It presents a smart blend of hilarious satire, layered character development, and authentic and snappy dialogues that reflect the zeitgeist of the generation it is portraying.

Like a breath of fresh air, the series shows the characters' depth without robbing them of their flaws. This aids in directing the narrative away from the usual stereotype-based portrayal and instead, focuses on developing characters around contradictions, giving it a fresh narrative twist. The end result is a genuine portrayal of characters that are not only hilarious, flawed and relatable but also strive for personal growth, making the audience care for them despite their misadventures.

Why Are You Like This leaves no stone unturned in exploring contemporary themes such as solidarity, self-love, LGBTQ+ rights, racial diversity, body positivity, and mental health, among others. The engaging screenplay ensures that the spotlight on these themes feels organic, empowering, and incredibly relatable rather than forced or preachy.

The writers' ability to humorize such sensitive topics deserves aplenty of admiration and credit; it invokes genuine laughter and thought provocation ensuring that audiences are both amused and enlightened simultaneously. The philosophy of satirical comedy clearly shines through, with the narratives striking a balance between a light-hearted and assertive approach.

The impeccable set design and noteworthy cinematography adds to the visual appeal of the show. It wonderfully captures the urban charm and spirit of Melbourne, leveraging it as a backdrop for the youth's adventures or misadventures.

In a nutshell, Why Are You Like This waves the flag of Gen Z outlook with authenticity, grit and a dash of audacious humor. With compelling storytelling, engaging performances, and an unconventional point-of-view, it's not just another sitcom. It's a comical, uncomfortable-in-a-good-way dissection of the contemporary youth culture. Tune in for a good laugh and a sensitive yet quirky take on life, because, well... why are you like this?