Last weekend, I found myself desperately scrolling through Netflix, looking for something to fill the void left by finishing yet another series. You know that feeling – when you’ve just watched the final episode of your latest obsession and suddenly feel lost, like a friend just moved away. That’s when I stumbled back onto “Feel Good,” a show I’d heard about but never quite gotten around to watching.
What started as a casual “let me just watch one episode” turned into a full weekend binge that left me emotionally drained in the best possible way. Six years after its initial release, this Netflix comedy binge has quietly become one of the most perfect shows for anyone seeking something real, funny, and deeply human.
Created by and starring Mae Martin, “Feel Good” isn’t your typical Netflix comedy. It’s a masterclass in how humor can coexist with genuine emotion, tackling heavy topics like addiction, gender identity, and relationships while keeping you laughing through tears.
Why “Feel Good” Deserves Its Perfect Rotten Tomatoes Score
When a show manages to maintain a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, you know critics and audiences have found something special. “Feel Good” earned this rare distinction by refusing to compromise its vision or pander to expectations.
Mae Martin’s semi-autobiographical series follows Mae, a Canadian comedian living in London, navigating their relationship with George while dealing with addiction recovery and gender identity questions. What could have been a heavy, preachy drama instead becomes a nuanced exploration of modern relationships.
“The beauty of ‘Feel Good’ lies in its authenticity,” says television critic Sarah Chen. “Mae Martin doesn’t try to be the perfect protagonist – they’re messy, complicated, and real in ways that most TV characters aren’t allowed to be.”
The show’s strength comes from its willingness to sit in uncomfortable moments without rushing to resolve them. When Mae struggles with their sobriety, the show doesn’t offer easy answers. When George grapples with her sexuality, there’s no magical moment of clarity that fixes everything.
What Makes This the Ultimate Netflix Comedy Binge
Unlike many Netflix series that feel stretched thin across multiple seasons, “Feel Good” tells its story in just two tightly crafted seasons with six episodes each. This makes it perfect for a weekend binge – you can experience the complete emotional journey without the commitment anxiety that comes with longer series.
| Season | Episodes | Runtime per Episode | Total Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 6 | 25-30 minutes | ~3 hours |
| Season 2 | 6 | 25-30 minutes | ~3 hours |
| Total Series | 12 | 25-30 minutes | ~6 hours |
The pacing feels deliberate rather than rushed. Each episode builds naturally into the next, creating momentum that makes it nearly impossible to stop watching. The short episode length means you’ll often find yourself thinking “just one more” until suddenly you’ve watched an entire season.
Key elements that make this Netflix comedy binge irresistible include:
- Genuine chemistry between Mae Martin and Charlotte Ritchie (George)
- Supporting characters who feel like real people, not plot devices
- Comedy that emerges naturally from character situations
- Honest portrayal of addiction without glamorizing or demonizing it
- Exploration of gender and sexuality that feels authentic rather than educational
“Mae Martin has created something rare in television,” notes comedy writer James Rodriguez. “A show that trusts its audience to handle complexity without needing everything explained or resolved neatly.”
How “Feel Good” Changed the Comedy Landscape
Since its release, “Feel Good” has influenced how streaming platforms approach comedy series. The show proved that audiences hunger for authentic stories over manufactured conflicts and that shorter seasons can actually strengthen narrative impact.
The series has particularly resonated with viewers who rarely see their experiences reflected on screen. For many in the LGBTQ+ community, Mae’s journey with gender identity and George’s exploration of her sexuality provided representation that felt genuine rather than performative.
Charlotte Ritchie’s performance as George deserves special recognition. She manages to make George’s confusion and internal struggles feel relatable even to viewers who haven’t questioned their sexuality. The relationship between Mae and George becomes the heart of the show because both actors commit fully to the messiness of real relationships.
“What strikes me most about ‘Feel Good’ is how it handles difficult conversations,” explains relationship therapist Dr. Maria Santos. “The characters actually talk to each other about hard things, even when it’s uncomfortable. That’s surprisingly rare on television.”
The show’s influence extends beyond LGBTQ+ representation. Its approach to depicting addiction – showing both the humor and horror without judgment – has become a template for more nuanced storytelling around mental health and recovery.
Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Rediscover This Gem
Six years after its debut, “Feel Good” feels more relevant than ever. In a world where we’re all trying to figure out who we are and how to connect authentically with others, Mae’s journey resonates across different demographics and experiences.
The themes of identity, addiction, love, and self-acceptance have only become more urgent in recent years. The pandemic forced many people to confront aspects of themselves they’d been avoiding, making Mae’s struggles feel particularly timely.
For viewers discovering the show now, there’s the added benefit of being able to watch the complete story without waiting between seasons. The narrative arc feels more satisfying when experienced as intended – as one continuous journey rather than interrupted chapters.
The series also benefits from rewatching. Details and character moments that might have seemed minor during first viewing reveal deeper significance when you understand where everyone ends up. Mae’s early interactions with George take on new meaning when you know the full scope of their relationship journey.
FAQs
Is “Feel Good” actually funny or just dramatic?
It’s genuinely both – the humor emerges naturally from character situations rather than feeling forced, and the dramatic moments never overwhelm the comedy.
Do I need to understand LGBTQ+ issues to enjoy the show?
Not at all – while the representation is important, the core themes of love, identity, and personal growth are universal and relatable to anyone.
Is the show appropriate for younger viewers?
The series deals with mature themes including addiction, sexuality, and mental health, so it’s better suited for older teens and adults who can appreciate the nuanced storytelling.
How does it compare to other Netflix comedy series?
“Feel Good” stands out for its authenticity and emotional depth – it’s more genuine than most Netflix comedies while still being consistently entertaining.
Will there be more seasons?
The series concluded after two seasons by design, telling a complete story that doesn’t overstay its welcome or feel artificially extended.
What should I watch after finishing “Feel Good”?
Fans often enjoy “Sex Education,” “Orange Is the New Black,” or “Master of None” for similar combinations of humor and authentic relationship exploration.
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