Strangers with Candy

Watch Strangers with Candy

  • TV-14
  • 1999
  • 3 Seasons
  • 8.1  (6,500)

Strangers with Candy is an American television sitcom that aired on Comedy Central from 1999 to 2000. Created by Amy Sedaris, Stephen Colbert, and Paul Dinello, the show revolves around the life of Jerri Blank, a 46-year-old ex-con and former drug addict who decides to go back to high school after dropping out decades ago.

Played by Amy Sedaris, Jerri Blank is the main character of the show, and her personality is brash, inappropriate, and utterly hilarious. She is often the center of the action, and her interactions with the other characters are some of the best moments in the series. Although Jerri is constantly getting herself into trouble, she is never portrayed as a victim, and her resilience and determination are what make her such a compelling character.

Stephen Colbert plays Chuck Noblet, a history teacher at Flatpoint High School who is prone to making awkward jokes and double entendres. He is Jerri's nemesis for much of the show, but as the series progresses, their relationship becomes increasingly complex. Chuck's co-worker, Geoffrey Jellineck (played by Paul Dinello), is the art teacher at the school and is often the target of Chuck's affection. Greg Hollimon rounds out the main cast as Principal Onyx Blackman, whose fear of being sued often puts him at odds with the other characters.

The humor of Strangers with Candy is often absurd and over-the-top, and the show is not afraid to tackle controversial topics like racism, drug addiction, and homophobia. However, the show's humor never feels mean-spirited, and the characters are all portrayed with a sense of warmth and affection.

One of the show's signature elements is its use of false nostalgia. The show is set in the 1990s, but it has the aesthetic of a 1970s after-school special. The dialogue is often stilted, and the camera work is intentionally amateurish, which adds to the show's charm.

Each episode of Strangers with Candy follows a loose plot, with Jerri getting herself into increasingly bizarre situations. Whether it's in the classroom, on the playing field, or in her home life, there is always something going on with Jerri, and the audience is never quite sure what to expect next.

Overall, Strangers with Candy is a hilarious and often outrageous show that is not afraid to take risks. The show's use of false nostalgia, complex character relationships, and taboo subject matter make it a standout in the world of sitcoms. While the show only ran for three seasons, it has developed a devoted cult following, and its influence can still be seen in the world of comedy today.

Strangers with Candy is a series that is currently running and has 3 seasons (30 episodes). The series first aired on April 7, 1999.

Strangers with Candy
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Seasons
The Last Temptation of Blank
10. The Last Temptation of Blank
October 2, 2000
In the series finale, Jerri finally gets a chance to become popular with the help of the popular girl named Fran. But she must ditch her friends to gain more popularity. Will she make the right decision? Meanwhile, two people come to Flatpoint and decide to turn it into a Strip mall, and it's up to Principal Blackman, Noblet, and Jellineck to stop them.
Bully
9. Bully
September 25, 2000
A transfer student named Edie Harley shows up at Flatpoint and begins terrorizing some of the girls. When Jerri steps in, she gets called out to fight Edie after school. Meanwhile, Jellineck has some bully problems as well with the substitute teacher who bashes homosexuals.
Sexual Harrasment (aka There Once Was a Blank from Nantucket)
8. Sexual Harrasment (aka There Once Was a Blank from Nantucket)
September 18, 2000
Jerri wants date this boy she likes, but she fears he may not be interested after he finds out Jerri is being sexual harrased by some of the boys.
Ask Jerri
7. Ask Jerri
September 11, 2000
Jerri wins the job as working for the advice column which was rightfully Jellineck's job. But she soon gives some pretty bad advice.
Blank Relay
6. Blank Relay
August 21, 2000
Jerri is not pulling her own weight on the track team, she just seems interested in the tub afterwards. So she begins to take steroids to improve her speed, and even gets the other girls to do it.
Is My Daddy Crazy?
5. Is My Daddy Crazy?
August 14, 2000
Jerri asks Stew to come talk to her class about meat, and he accepts. But she's just learning that Stew is a nutcase who needs help.
Invisible Love
4. Invisible Love
July 31, 2000
Jerri wants to make out with her boyfriend at her school's Make out night.
Trail of Tears
3. Trail of Tears
July 24, 2000
Jerri learns she has Native American heritage. So she decides to learn more about her roots.
Is Freedom Free?
2. Is Freedom Free?
July 17, 2000
It's Freedom week, and Jerri expresses her freedom by putting a nude picture of herself on the school wall.
Jerri's Burning Issue
1. Jerri's Burning Issue
July 10, 2000
Jerri and her new boyfriend Jared have been picked Lord and Lady of the school dance while working on the committee. But when a guy Jerri had sex with one time told her he got syphilis from her, she goes to the doctor and indeed has it. She then learns she has given it to Jared, but she's afraid to tell him. Meanwhile, Jellineck must deal with a cold sore he and Noblet both have on their faces.
Description
Where to Watch Strangers with Candy
Strangers with Candy is available for streaming on the Comedy Central website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Strangers with Candy on demand at Paramount+, Amazon Prime, Amazon, Microsoft Movies & TV, Google Play, Apple TV, CMT and Comedy Central.
  • Premiere Date
    April 7, 1999
  • IMDB Rating
    8.1  (6,500)
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