Shuvrajit Das Biswas
‘Another Period’ is a period sitcom that used to air on Comedy Central and first premiered on June 23, 2015. The show has been created by Natasha Leggero and Riki Lindhome. The latter is best known for her roles in ‘Gilmore Girls‘ and ‘The Big Bang Theory‘.
There aren’t a lot of sitcoms quite like ‘Another Period’ out there. Almost all of them are trying to capture the essence of modern life and create a new niche. Very few, if any, try to resuscitate the era gone by and look to formulate comedies in the antiquated sense. ‘Another Period’, as the name suggests, does that and takes us back to the turn of the 20th century. Its reality television style emulates the current ‘Keeping up with the Kardashians‘ and revolves around the Bellacourt sisters who care about their looks and social standings only. In terms of time periods, it is contemporary to ‘Downton Abbey‘ and satirizes quite a few of the same themes, such as class.
While viewers have quickly taken to the show, considering how period dramas are on the rise, thanks to the popularity of shows like ‘Vikings‘, critics too have praised it somewhat saying that if we do not look at it too deeply and merely lay back and enjoy the laughs it provides, we will find the show to be excellent.
Another Period Cast: Who is in it?
The cast of ‘Another Period’ is led by Leggero and Lindhome, who play the Bellacourt sisters. The former plays Lillian Abigail Bellacourt, the second eldest daughter of the family, who is smart and resourceful woman, she enters into a loveless marriage and often falls prey to her own selfishness. What is interesting is that she had her heart broken at the age of 11 by Charles Ponzi, the swindler, after whom the Ponzi scheme was eventually named. The latter plays the role of Beatrice Bellacourt. This dame is in an incestuous relationship with her twin and is also sociopathic to the extent of trying to get people murdered. However, she is considered to be the ideal woman for the turn of the century as she is slender, tall, and rich, and has a good singing voice besides having no interest in politics. Although possessing a docile exterior, she can be rather manipulative and is also selfish.
Some of the notable real-life personalities who are portrayed in the show include the likes of Adolf Hitler, Charlie Chaplin, Mahatma Gandhi, Albert Einstein, Mark Twain, Sigmund Freud, Helen Keller, Franklin, and Teddy Roosevelt, Pablo Picasso, and Thomas Edison among others.
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Another Period Plot: What is it about?
‘Another Period’ focuses firmly on the filthy rich Bellacourt family and is set in Newport in 1902. When we are introduced to the family, we see that they are vastly outnumbered by doting servants who are treated poorly but nonetheless cater to every whim and desire of this family. One example would be a child who rings a bell every time she wants to be fed, and all she has to do is open her mouth, and the servant feeds her.
While all the characters seem to be having a swell time playing dress up, it is a little difficult to partake in all of the mirths that are unfurling in the show since quite a few gags rest on sex jokes that are cheap. While this would not be a problem for a show normally, what happens is when the series attempts to pull off something with flair, like a visit from Helen Keller, the rest of the plot feels a little crass in contrast. That being said, the series does have its moments of social commentary and on the nose jokes that parodies a lot of ideas about class and social standing. Overall, it feels like a timely series to raise questions, even if it is in a lighthearted manner.
Variety has succinctly summed it up, saying, “There’s an inherent developmental disconnect in ‘Another Period,’ a Comedy Central series that seeks to spoof programs like ‘Downton Abbey,’ laboring to find the elusive sweet spot between a knowing send-up for those who watch such fare and a farcical take-down for those who wouldn’t be caught dead doing so. Series creators/stars Natasha Leggero and Riki Lindhome have certainly attracted a first-rate cast to assist with the silliness, only to settle for the below-the-belt aspects of turn-of-the-century mores. There are amusing moments, but the conceit ultimately seems better suited to a ‘Saturday Night Live’ sketch than another series. Period.”
Another Period Season 4 Release Date: When does it premiere?
‘Another Period’ Season 3 premiered on January 23, 2018. As far as the next season goes, we have bad news for the fans. In November, 2018, Comedy Central announced the cancellation of the show. Considering the declining viewership of the show, it was expected that the network may not continue for another season. Though, fans should not lose all their hopes. There’s still a slim possibility that some other network resurrects up the show. If that happens, we will update you about ‘Another Period’ Season 4 release date.
Another Period Trailer:
You can check out the trailer for ‘Another Period’ below. If you have not seen the series and are in the mood for some humor, then this is the show for you.
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