Watch Kidding

Kidding is a heartfelt and quirky comedy-drama series that aired on Showtime from 2018 to 2020. The show features an all-star cast led by the legendary Jim Carrey, who plays the role of Jeff Pickles, a beloved children's television host. The series focuses on the personal and professional struggles of Jeff as he tries to navigate the ups and downs of his life while remaining true to his wholesome and kind-hearted nature.

At the beginning of the series, Jeff is a hugely popular icon, known and loved by millions of children and adults alike. He has a beautiful family, a successful TV show, and an army of dedicated fans. However, things start to unravel for Jeff when his son dies tragically in a car accident. The loss sends Jeff into a spiral of grief and depression, and he struggles to keep up his cheerful persona on his show.

As the series progresses, we see Jeff's world slowly disintegrating around him. His marriage to his wife Jill, played by Judy Greer, falls apart, he gets into arguments with his father Seb, played by Frank Langella, and his producer and friend Deirdre, played by Catherine Keener, starts to lose faith in him. Through all of this, Jeff tries to remain optimistic and retains his childlike wonder and boundless enthusiasm, even when the world around him is crumbling.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Kidding is the way it explores the relationship between entertainment and reality. Jeff's show is all about kindness, empathy, and emotional intelligence, yet he struggles to apply those same values to his own life. He has to deal with the harsh realities of death, divorce, and disappointment, while still trying to uphold the happy-go-lucky persona that made him famous.

The show also grapples with the role that television plays in shaping our perceptions of the world. Jeff's show is almost too perfect, with bright colors, songs, and charming characters. But in real life, things aren't so simple. The show asks important questions about the influence of media on our emotions and our perception of reality, and it doesn't always offer easy answers.

Jim Carrey's performance as Jeff is a true testament to his talent as an actor. He effortlessly captures the complexity of Jeff's character, balancing his infectious energy with his underlying sadness and vulnerability. He imbues Jeff with a sense of childlike innocence that makes his struggles all the more poignant. The rest of the cast is equally impressive, with Catherine Keener, Frank Langella, and Judy Greer delivering excellent performances as Jeff's support system.

Kidding is a show that will make you laugh and cry in equal measure. It's a masterful blend of comedy and drama, with moments of absurdity mixed in with heartfelt emotional scenes. The show manages to balance dark themes with a sense of hope and optimism, making it a truly unique viewing experience.

Overall, Kidding is a must-watch show for anyone who loves well-written, well-acted TV that isn't afraid to tackle tough issues. It's a poignant and thoughtful exploration of the human condition, and a powerful commentary on the role that media plays in our lives. Jim Carrey's performance alone is worth the price of admission, but combined with the outstanding writing and direction, Kidding is a series that is not to be missed.

Kidding is a series that ran for 2 seasons (20 episodes) between September 9, 2018 and on Showtime