Watch State of the Union

State of the Union is a television series that premiered on SundanceTV in 2019, starring the dynamic duo of Rosamund Pike and Chris O'Dowd. The show portrays a couple who meet every week before their marriage counseling appointment at a pub near their therapist's office. Each episode is approximately ten minutes long, and the show has a total of ten episodes.

The show is set in England and explores the complicated emotions and thoughts that are usually left unspoken between spouses. The action is minimal, and the episodes mainly revolve around the couple's conversations at the pub. The show is primarily dialogue-driven, with both actors delivering sharp, witty lines that are both incredibly funny and poignant.

Chris O'Dowd plays Tom, a man who seems to be going through a midlife crisis. He is a struggling musician who has left his wife of many years, Louise, and his kids, for a much younger woman. Tom's attempt at a fresh start is the subject of prolonged conversations between him and his estranged wife. Throughout the series, Tom's search for self-discovery is put on full blast, and his discussions with Louise prove to be a hilarious, yet emotional rollercoaster.

Rosamund Pike portrays Louise, Tom's deeply wounded and insecure wife. She seems to be trying hard to hold it together, considering the unfortunate circumstances that her husband has put her in. Louise is the opposite of Tom, slowly and painfully rebuilding her life while dealing with the hurt that her husband's actions have caused her. Rosamund Pike is excellent in this role, giving a fantastic performance as a hurt and angry, but ultimately compassionate wife.

The writing on the show is incredibly sharp and clever, ranging from discussions about whether God exists or not, to more mundane topics such as which music genres are better. The dialogue between the two actors is fast-paced, and the humor is effortless, making it a delightful and witty show to watch. The show is relevant today, grappling with contemporary issues such as work-life balance, infidelity, and other aspects of modern relationships.

Due to the show's ten-minute episodic format, it moves quickly, and the audience is left with wanting more at the end of each episode. Although the show is considerably shorter than the average TV series, it manages to pack a punch in each episode, leaving a lasting impact on the viewers.

Overall, State of the Union is an extraordinary show for anyone interested in a thought-provoking, hilarious, and emotional show about the complexities of marriage. The fantastic acting and supremely written dialogue make it one of the best TV shows of the year, showcasing some serious acting talent along the way. It's a brilliant example of the power of storytelling to convey complex emotions, and it does so in a minimalist yet powerful way that leaves a big impression. If you haven't already, it's worth setting aside some time to watch this fantastic SundanceTV series.

State of the Union is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (20 episodes). The series first aired on May 6, 2019.