Quick Info
Suburgatory is a sitcom that never quite got the same fanfare as some of its peers, but honestly, it’s a hidden gem. The show centers on Tessa, a sarcastic New York teenager, and her single dad, who relocate to the suburbs after finding a suspicious box of condoms in her room. The culture shock is immediate and hilarious as they encounter pastel-wearing neighbors obsessed with status and appearances.
What really stood out to me was the witty, quick dialogue and the clever way Suburgatory pokes fun at suburban stereotypes without being mean-spirited. Jane Levy plays Tessa with a perfect blend of deadpan snark and vulnerability, while Jeremy Sisto, as her flustered dad, is surprisingly earnest and lovable. Cheryl Hines and Allie Grant absolutely steal scenes as some of the most eccentric neighbors.
Not every joke lands—sometimes the over-the-top quirkiness feels a bit forced—but the heartfelt moments between Tessa and her dad ground the show. I also wish the supporting characters, especially the high schoolers, were a tad more fleshed out. The plotlines can be a little formulaic, but the observations about belonging and identity give it more depth than you’d expect from the premise.
Cinematography-wise, the candy-colored visuals really sell the Stepford-like suburbia vibe. There’s a cheerful, almost plastic sheen to everything, making Tessa’s outsider status even more pronounced. The series has a heightened reality feel—kind of Desperate Housewives meets Mean Girls but with its own distinct tone.
You’d enjoy Suburgatory if you like clever, tongue-in-cheek comedy with a hearty dose of satirical social commentary. It’s a light, occasionally sweet binge that’s a nice break from heavy dramas or raunchier comedies. If you ever felt like an outsider in high school or have a complicated love/hate relationship with suburbia, this one’s for you.
