Work It

Work It is an American sitcom television series that premiered on ABC in early 2012. This comedy series, created by Andrew Reich and Ted Cohen, is built around the unique concept of cross-dressing. It is set amidst the backdrop of an economically distressed world where finding steady employment is a struggle for most people. The series features two consecutive seasons from 2012 through 2013.

The show stars Benjamin Koldyke as the prophetic lead character, Lee Standish. Koldyke, a talented actor with a natural flair for comedy, makes the role his own, bringing warmth, wit, and an earnestness that helps ground the more outlandish elements of the series. Lee Standish is a quick-witted, hardworking man who loses his job and, in an ambitious move to support his family, comes up with an inventive, albeit unconventional, solution.

Amaury Nolasco delivers an engaging performance as Angel Ortiz, the best friend and confidant of Lee. Angel is a mechanic by profession who too loses his job and joins Lee in his unusual quest. Complementing Koldyke, Nolasco brings a completely different energy to the series, which adds a well-balanced dynamic to the show.

Koldyke and Nolasco's characters decide to dress as women to get jobs as sales representatives at a pharmaceutical company because the company is keen to hire women. Thus begins a comedy of errors where the two leads carefully navigate their professional and personal lives, often exciting, hilarious, and uncomfortable situations, whilst maintaining their disguise.

Work It highlights the importance of jobs that women do, and how society and the corporate world often undervalue these jobs. It is a humorous yet insightful exploration of gender, identity, and the economy, often leading to laughs as well as meaningful conversations. The series also has a brilliant streak of supporting characters played by a talented ensemble cast, each contributing with their unique performances to the storyline.

Joining the main stars are Rebecca Mader as Grace Hudson, an intelligent co-worker who stands for the strong modern woman, and Beth Lacke as the loving and understanding wife of Lee Standish, Connie Standish. The friendship between the often clueless male leads and the smart female characters offers up many comedic moments while also trying to break down gender stereotypes.

The show's primary locations include the house of Lee where he maintains his disguise with his wife and the pharmaceutical company where they are employed. The dichotomy of these two spaces contributes greatly to the situational humor of the series. The friends' struggles with their new reality at work provide a comedic contrast to the everyday situations they face at home, maintaining their dual identity.

The design and cinematographic aesthetic of Work It contributes to setting the cheerful and light-hearted mood of the show. The use of bright colors and clever visual cues, combined with the comic timing of the actors, make Work It an entertaining watch.

Work It is a show that takes a unique premise and utilizes it to deliver both comedy and commentary. At its core, it's a story about friendship and the lengths people will go to in order to protect their loved ones and their livelihoods. Moreover, it helps to bring to light some of the discrimination and struggles faced by women in the workplace in an unusual and comical way.

This sitcom sufficiently entertains and elicits laughter while dealing with the vital dialogue on gender equality, identity, and societal norms. It manages to touch upon these sensitive aspects in a disarming and humorous manner, making it an interesting pick for those who enjoy sitcoms with a unique concept.

The series can be loved for its out-of-the-box story, engaging performances, and the bold attempt at turning a comedy show into an interactive conversation on societal inequalities. Despite having a short lifespan, Work It finds ways to incorporate good-natured humor, warmth, and poignant social commentary into its narrative, making it worth a watch.