Difficult People
| Difficult People | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Genre | |
| Created by | Julie Klausner |
| Starring |
|
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No.of seasons | 3 |
| No.of episodes | 28(list of episodes) |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
|
| Producer | Ryan McCormick |
| Camera setup | Single-camera |
| Running time | 22–29 minutes |
| Production companies | |
| Original release | |
| Network | Hulu |
| Release | August 5, 2015– September 26, 2017 |
Difficult Peopleis an American comedy television series created byJulie Klausner.Klausner stars alongsideBilly Eichneras two struggling and jadedcomediansliving inNew York City;the duo seemingly hate everyone but each other.
The series premiered on August 5, 2015 onHulu,[1]and was renewed for two additional seasons.[2][3][4][5][6]In AustraliaDifficult Peoplepremiered on 3 August 2020 onSBS Vicelandand theSBSOn Demand streaming service.
Cast and characters
[edit]Main
[edit]- Julie Klausneras Julie Kessler, an aspiring comedian.
- Billy Eichneras Billy Epstein, Julie's best friend and fellow aspiring comedian.
- James Urbaniakas Arthur Tack, Julie's boyfriend.
- Andrea Martinas Marilyn Kessler, Julie's mother.
- Cole Escolaas Matthew Ellis Ross (season 2–3, recurring season 1), Billy's co-worker, whom he despises.
- Shakina Nayfackas Lola (season 3, recurring season 2), a co-worker at the cafe where Billy works
Recurring
[edit]- Derrick BaskinandGabourey Sidibeas Nate and Denise, married co-owners of the cafe where Billy works
- Tracee Chimoas Gaby, Arthur's boss at a PBS station
- Fred Armisenas Garry Epstein, Billy's brother
- Jackie Hoffmanas Rucchel Epstein, Garry's wife
- John Choas Todd, Billy's boyfriend
- Lucy Liuas Veronica Ford, Marilyn's publisher
- William Bogertas Elmer, Matthew's fiancé
- Shannon DeVido as Andrea Mumford[7]
Guest
[edit]- Nate Corddryas Brian Walsh, Julie's high school crush
- Kate McKinnonas Abra Cadouglas, a recovering alcoholic turned magician
- John Benjamin Hickeyas Fred, a date of Billy's who turns out to be a "participator"
- Kathy Najimyas Carol Donato, a friend of Marilyn's
- Amy Sedarisas Rita, a salesperson at a sporting goods store; also as a New York City tour guide in a Season 3 episode
- Malina Weissmanas Renee Epstein, Billy's niece
- Ana Gasteyeras a woman with damaged eyebrows who Julie and Billy meet at a diner
- Debbie Harryas Kiki, a mysterious woman and roommate/lover of Rita
- Seth Meyersas a conman who hooks up with Billy
- Sandra Bernhardas Lilith Feigenbaum
- John Mulaneyas Cecil Jellford, a date of Billy's who turns out to be an "old-timey"
- Nyle DiMarcoas Doug, Billy's deaf date
- John Earlyas Mickey, Doug's interpreter
- Julianne Mooreas Sarah Nussbaum
- Stockard Channingas Bonnie, Marilyn's sister
- Vanessa Williamsas Trish, Matthew's ex-wife
- Patton Oswaltas Kenny Jurgens
- Jane Krakowskias Lizzie McCormick, Julie's neighbour
- Victor Garberas John Passias, Billy's acting teacher
- John Turturroas Dusty, Marilyn's old flame
- Rosie O'Donnellas Vanessa
- Susan Luccias Shelley Waxman
- Jessica Walteras Chuck's Mom
- Jami Gertzas David's Wife
- Amy Poehleras Flute, the Doula and Healologist
- Ken Burnsas himself
- Luann de LessepsandSonja Morganas themselves
- Tina Feyas herself
- Kathie Lee Giffordas herself
- Tony Haleas himself
- Nathan Laneas himself
- Joel McHaleas Billy's trainer
- Method Manas himself
- Lin-Manuel Mirandaas himself
- Kate Piersonas herself
- Maury Povichas himself
- Marc Shaimanas himself
- Martin Shortas himself
- Larry Wilmoreas himself
- Micky Dolenzas himself
- Justin Vivian Bond
- Sally Kellermanas Joan Gentile
- Rachel Dratch
- Andy Cohen
- Mink Stole
- Danny Aiello
Production
[edit]In May 2014, it was announced thatBilly EichnerandJulie Klausnerwould star in a pilot forUSA Network,with Klausner penning the script andAndrew Flemingdirecting.Amy Poehlerwould executive produce underUniversal Cable Productions,with Dave Becky also executive producing under his 3 Arts banner, and Michele Armor of Marobru also executive producing.[8]That same month it was announced thatRachel Dratch,Andrea Martin,James Urbaniak,andTracee Chimohad all been cast in the series, with Martin portraying Klausner's mother.[9]In November 2014,Huluhad acquired the series, with a straight-to-series order.[10]In March 2015,Gabourey SidibeandCole Escolawere cast in recurring roles.[11]
In March 2017,John Chojoined the cast of the series.[12]
Episodes
[edit]| Season | Episodes | Originally aired | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First aired | Last aired | |||
| 1 | 8 | August 5, 2015 | September 16, 2015 | |
| 2 | 10 | July 12, 2016 | September 6, 2016 | |
| 3 | 10 | August 8, 2017 | September 26, 2017 | |
Season 1 (2015)
[edit]| No. overall | No.in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "Library Water" | Andrew Fleming&Jeffrey Walker | Julie Klausner | August 5, 2015 | |
| 2 | 2 | "Devil's Three Way" | Jeffrey Walker | Julie Klausner & Scott King | August 5, 2015 | |
|
Julie seeks out an old high-school crush and brings him to bed with her and Arthur. Meanwhile, Billy finds a father figure in Denise's husband, Nate. | ||||||
| 3 | 3 | "Pledge Week" | Jeffrey Walker | Julie Klausner | August 12, 2015 | |
|
Billy hits it off with a new man, only to find out he is a "participator". Meanwhile, Julie's home-life crumbles as Arthur cracks under the pressure of the PBS pledge drive. | ||||||
| 4 | 4 | "The Courage of a Soldier" | Jeffrey Walker | Julie Klausner | August 19, 2015 | |
|
Billy visits his very Jewish brother for Yom Kippur dinner and Julie attempts to befriend a veteran to prove to Marilyn's surrogate daughter that she is charitable. | ||||||
| 5 | 5 | "The Children's Menu" | Jeffrey Walker | Julie Klausner | August 26, 2015 | |
|
While Billy's boss is out of town, Billy and Julie overhaul the café menu with children's cuisine at adult prices. | ||||||
| 6 | 6 | "Even Later" | Jeffrey Walker | Julie Klausner | September 2, 2015 | |
|
Billy and Julie prepare a portfolio for a writing job, but find it easier to procrastinate than write. | ||||||
| 7 | 7 | "Premium Membership" | Jeffrey Walker | Julie Klausner | September 9, 2015 | |
|
Billy and Julie decide to create their own podcast, but it proves more difficult than anticipated; Billy has some unexpected fun at the indoor dog park. | ||||||
| 8 | 8 | "Difficult Christmas" | Jeffrey Walker | Julie Klausner | September 16, 2015 | |
|
Julie and Billy book a gig at The Cutting Room, but Billy's newfound obligation to family threatens to compromise their big break. | ||||||
Season 2 (2016)
[edit]| No. overall | No.in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 1 | "Unplugged" | Jeffrey Walker | Julie Klausner | July 12, 2016 | |
|
Julie tries to fit in with a group of powerful TV writers as Billy attempts to get used to being his rich boyfriend's (John Mulaney) kept man; Marilyn creates a video will. | ||||||
| 10 | 2 | "Kessler Epstein Foundation" | Jeffrey Walker | Julie Klausner | July 12, 2016 | |
|
Billy and Julie try to create their own version of the ice bucket challenge in hopes of becoming famous. | ||||||
| 11 | 3 | "Italian Pinata" | Jeffrey Walker | Julie Klausner | July 19, 2016 | |
|
Mistaken perceptions about heritage and sexual orientation leads to Julie and Billy living double lives in New Jersey. | ||||||
| 12 | 4 | "Blade Stallion" | Neil Daly | Julie Klausner & Scott King | July 26, 2016 | |
|
Time alone become elusive after Julie is caught watching porn and Billy's brother (Fred Armisen) moves in with him. | ||||||
| 13 | 5 | "Patches" | Jeffrey Walker | Julie Klausner & Scott King | August 2, 2016 | |
|
Problems at Billy's apartment lead to him staying with Marilyn; a misunderstanding results in Julie landing a part on a TV show. | ||||||
| 14 | 6 | "36 Candles" | Jeffrey Walker | Julie Klausner & Scott King | August 9, 2016 | |
|
As her birthday gets closer, Julie discovers that she enjoys her mom's company when they are drinking; Billy tries to date a guy he met through an app. | ||||||
| 15 | 7 | "Carter" | Jeffrey Walker | Julie Klausner & Scott King | August 16, 2016 | |
|
Inspired by the success ofHamilton,Billy and Julie want to write and star in their own historical musical. Mother and doctor Marilyn competes with their child for their own TV score. | ||||||
| 16 | 8 | "Hashtag Cats" | Jeffrey Walker | Julie Klausner & Scott King | August 23, 2016 | |
|
Billy and Julie gain their first famous fan, who tries to help them sell a sketch show to a TV network. | ||||||
| 17 | 9 | "Cedar Cove" | Jeffrey Walker | Julie Klausner | August 30, 2016 | |
|
When Julie gets sick and Billy is cast in a children's TV show, they jeopardize their chance at becoming fashion elites. | ||||||
| 18 | 10 | "High Alert" | Jeffrey Walker | Julie Klausner | September 6, 2016 | |
|
Julie writes a personal essay about9/11that is optioned for a movie; Billy helps with preparations for Matthew's wedding. | ||||||
Season 3 (2017)
[edit]| No. overall | No.in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 | 1 | "Passover Bump" | Jeffrey Walker | Julie Klausner | August 8, 2017 | |
|
Julie and Billy get community service after disrupting theCBSlive presentation ofBazingain the Park with George.Julie gets a new meditation app when she is denied antidepressants to survive her family'sPassoverseder. Billy gets a job as a warmup comic forLarry Wilmore's new show. | ||||||
| 20 | 2 | "Strike Rat" | Jeffrey Walker | Julie Klausner & Scott King | August 8, 2017 | |
|
Julie gets cast inWoody Allen's new Amazon TV series. Billy and Marilyn get involved inMike Pence's gay conversion program. Matthew's ex-wife (Vanessa Williams) visits. | ||||||
| 21 | 3 | "Code Change" | Jeffrey Walker | Julie Klausner & Scott King | August 8, 2017 | |
|
Julie decides she has an addiction to her mother, and treats it by joining AA. Billy helps his sister-in-law Rachel exorcise a Jewish demon from her basement. Arthur experiences frustration in the bedroom and at work, and takes both into his own hands. | ||||||
| 22 | 4 | "Rabbitversary" | Jeffrey Walker | Julie Klausner & Scott King | August 15, 2017 | |
|
Alone for the weekend, Julie hires a creepy handyman (Chris Elliott) who overstays his welcome. Meanwhile, Billy feuds with an advertising exec (John Cho), and Marilyn gets a book deal from a patient's mother (Lucy Liu). | ||||||
| 23 | 5 | "Cindarestylox" | Jeffrey Walker | Julie Klausner & Scott King | August 22, 2017 | |
|
Julie gets a sketchyBotoxtreatment that freezes her face in a smile. She's amazed by how much better people treat her and attempts to exploit that. | ||||||
| 24 | 6 | "Bernie and Blythe" | Jeffrey Walker | Julie Klausner & Scott King | August 29, 2017 | |
|
Julie and Arthur stumble into sexual roleplay, while Billy worries he’s been miscast as a supportive spouse at Todd’s work parties. Meanwhile, Julie’s dogs become social media stars without Julie’s consent, and Marilyn re-unites with a former lover (John Turturro) from her free-spirited youth. | ||||||
| 25 | 7 | "Fuzz Buddies" | Jeffrey Walker | Julie Klausner & Scott King | September 5, 2017 | |
|
Lifelong dreams come true when Julie gets hired to write on a TV show,Micky Dolenzanswers Billy’s childhood fan letter, and Marilyn throws herself a Bat Mitzvah. | ||||||
| 26 | 8 | "Criminal Minds" | Jeffrey Walker | Julie Klausner & Scott King | September 12, 2017 | |
|
Julie “Yes And’s” her way into a corner with her former improv teammates and ends up being caught in a significant lie. Billy and Todd can’t fall asleep in the same bed together. Meanwhile, Arthur uncovers a secret at work, and Marilyn and Matthew bond. | ||||||
| 27 | 9 | "Sweet Tea" | Jeffrey Walker | Julie Klausner & Scott King | September 19, 2017 | |
|
Julie considers trading her showbiz dreams for a life of happy crafting as Billy sickens of New York City. Arthur is over his job, and Marilyn experiences writer’s block. Meanwhile a visit from Lola’s sorority may hold the answer to all of their problems. | ||||||
| 28 | 10 | "The Silkwood" | Jeffrey Walker | Julie Klausner & Scott King | September 26, 2017 | |
|
Billy moves to Los Angeles with Julie's help. Marilyn writes a best-selling memoir, also with Julie's help. Changes at the cafe include a new waiter, and eventually, new ownership. Arthur's office in Florida meets an untimely demise. | ||||||
Reception
[edit]Difficult Peoplereceived generally positive reviews from critics. Review aggregation websiteRotten Tomatoes,gave the first season an 85% approval rating and an average rating of 8 out of 10, sampled from reviews from 20 critics. Seasons two and three both received a 100% from polled critics. The site's consensus reads, "Difficult Peoplemakes the unlikable likable with mean-spirited, unhappy characters who still can't help but amuse. "[13]OnMetacritic,the first season holds a rating of 76 out of 100, based on 12 critics' reviews, implying "generally favorable reviews".[14]
The series frequently leveled jokes aboutKevin Spaceyprior to public allegations against the actor.[15]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^Lockett, Dee (June 30, 2015)."Difficult People Teaser: Don't Invite Billy Eichner and Julie Klausner to Your Funeral".Vulture.com.RetrievedApril 4,2016.
- ^"'Difficult People' Renewed By Hulu For Season 2 ".27 August 2015.RetrievedAugust 27,2015.
- ^Pederson, Erik (April 4, 2016)."Hulu Makes Summer Dates With 'Casual', 'Difficult People' & 'East Los High'".Deadline Hollywood.RetrievedApril 4,2016.
- ^Petski, Denise (October 17, 2016)."'Difficult People' Renewed For Season 3 By Hulu ".Deadline Hollywood.RetrievedOctober 17,2016.
- ^Pederson, Erik (March 27, 2017)."Hulu Sets Summer Bows For 'Difficult People' Season 3, Trio Of Documentaries".Deadline Hollywood.RetrievedMarch 27,2017.
- ^Otterson, Joe (15 November 2017)."'Difficult People' Canceled at Hulu After Three Seasons ".Variety.Retrieved15 November2017.
- ^"Julie Klausner: The Perks of Being" Difficult "".pastemagazine.com.2016-07-12.Retrieved2019-10-19.
- ^Goldberg, Lesley (May 6, 2014)."Billy Eichner to Star in USA Comedy From Amy Poehler (Exclusive)".The Hollywood Reporter.RetrievedApril 4,2016.
- ^Evans, Bradford (May 22, 2014)."Rachel Dratch, Andrea Martin, and James Urbaniak Join Julie Klausner and Billy Eichner's USA Pilot".Splitinsider.com.Archived fromthe originalon April 26, 2016.RetrievedApril 4,2016.
- ^Goldberg, Lesley (18 November 2014)."Billy Eichner Comedy From Amy Poehler Ordered Straight to Series at Hulu".The Hollywood Reporter.RetrievedAugust 7,2015.
- ^Bierly, Mandi (March 24, 2015)."Gabourey Sidibe Talks Joining Billy Eichner and Julie Klausner in Their Hulu ComedyDifficult Peopleand Life InsideEmpire".Yahoo.com.RetrievedApril 4,2016.
- ^Petski, Denise (March 22, 2017)."'Difficult People': John Cho Set To Recur In Season 3 Of Hulu Series ".Deadline Hollywood.RetrievedMarch 27,2017.
- ^"Difficult People Season 1 (2015)".Rotten Tomatoes.RetrievedAugust 18,2015.
- ^"Difficult People: Season 1".Metacritic.RetrievedAugust 18,2015.
- ^Gilchrist, Tracy (2017-11-22)."'Difficult People' Leveled Accusations at Kevin Spacey for Three Seasons ".advocate.com.Retrieved2022-06-27.
External links
[edit]
Categories:
- 2010s American black comedy television series
- 2010s American LGBTQ-related comedy television series
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- 2015 American television series debuts
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