Watch Haters Back Off

Haters Back Off is a Netflix original series that debuted in 2016, starring Colleen Ballinger as the central character, Miranda Sings. The show follows Miranda, an untalented and delusional teenager with dreams of becoming a viral sensation. Miranda's overbearing mother, Bethany (Angela Kinsey), and her introverted sister, Emily (Francesca Reale), provide much of the drama in the show.

Miranda is a character that originated on YouTube, where Ballinger created a series of music videos and vlogs featuring Miranda's terrible singing voice, bizarre fashion sense, and hyperactive personality. The character became popular, and Ballinger parlayed that into a live tour, a book deal, and, eventually, the Netflix series. However, Haters Back Off is not just a rehash of Miranda's YouTube videos; it's a fully realized universe in which Miranda must face the reality that her dreams of fame and fortune might not be achievable.

The show's central theme is the concept of delusion. Miranda is convinced that she's a star, despite all evidence to the contrary. She's terrible at singing, dancing, acting, and pretty much everything else, but she doesn't let that stop her. She's constantly filming herself, hoping that her latest video will go viral and launch her to stardom. Meanwhile, her mother is equally delusional, convinced that Miranda is destined for greatness.

Francesca Reale's character, Emily, provides a much-needed dose of reality. She's introverted, bookish, and not at all interested in being famous. Emily is the opposite of Miranda in every way, and she's often the voice of reason in the show. She tries to convince Miranda to pursue other hobbies or dreams, but Miranda is too obsessed with her own success to listen.

The show is also a commentary on the nature of fame in the digital age. Miranda's story is one that's all too familiar in today's world, where anyone with a camera and an internet connection can become a star. However, the show is also a reminder that fame can be fleeting. Though Miranda has a sizable following, she's constantly scrambling to stay relevant, to come up with new content that will keep her fans interested. The show explores the pressure that comes with trying to be an internet celebrity, and the toll it can take on a person's mental health.

Despite the heavy themes, Haters Back Off is also a comedy. Miranda's antics are often absurd, and the show is full of physical comedy and slapstick humor. However, the humor is often bittersweet; we're laughing at Miranda, but we also feel sorry for her. She's a tragic figure, a girl who wants nothing more than to be loved and adored, but who goes about it in all the wrong ways.

One of the strengths of the show is the performances. Colleen Ballinger is charming and charismatic as Miranda, bringing a level of depth and nuance to a character that could easily become grating or annoying. Angela Kinsey is hilarious as Miranda's mother, Bethany, an over-the-top stage mom who's desperate for her daughter to succeed. Francesca Reale is also excellent as Emily, grounding the show with her quiet intelligence and deadpan humor.

In conclusion, Haters Back Off is a funny, heartfelt, and often cringe-inducing show that explores the nature of fame and delusion in the internet age. The show's performances are top-notch, and the writing is sharp and funny. It's a show that's easy to binge-watch, and one that will leave you thinking long after the credits roll. If you're a fan of comedy, drama, or just weird internet memes, Haters Back Off is definitely worth checking out.

Haters Back Off is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (16 episodes). The series first aired on October 14, 2016.