About Better Things

Released in 2016 by FX Network, "Better Things" is a comedy-drama series created by Pamela Adlon and Louis C.K. The plot centers around Sam Fox, a divorced Hollywood actress who juggles her professional career and personal life as she raises her three daughters in Los Angeles. The series is applauded for its honest representation of a single mother's daily struggles and triumphs.

Making / Production

"Better Things" was shot in Los Angeles, California. The series shines a light on the real-world complexities of female experiences, drawing heavily from the personal experiences of its creator, Pamela Adlon, who also directed a majority of the episodes. Louis C.K., the co-creator who was heavily involved in the initial productions, left the series after season 2.

Actors

• Pamela Adlon as Sam Fox - She plays Sam with a lot of heart and earnestness, giving depth to her challenging role as a single mother.
• Mikey Madison as Max Fox - Madison delivers a compelling performance as the oldest, rebellious daughter.
• Hannah Alligood as Frankie Fox - The middle daughter, Frankie, is portrayed by Alligood, who brings a unique charm to her character's teenage complexities.
• Olivia Edward as Duke Fox - Edward endearingly portrays the youngest daughter Duke, capturing her innocence and vulnerability.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The series is semi-autobiographical, inspired by Pamela Adlon's own life as a single mother and her career in Hollywood.
• Pamela Adlon received a Peabody Award for her work in the series and was named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People in 2019.
• Many episodes feature improvisation, as Adlon encourages her cast to 'live' their roles.

Awards

The series earned several award nominations, with Adlon receiving three Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series(2017-2019). Moreover, it was honored with a Peabody Award in 2016 - a testament to its impactful storytelling.

Quotes

• "I'm dating my daughters. They are my love life." - Sam
• "Feels like we live in a freaking fairy tale." - Max
• "We're women. We push through. That's what we do." - Sam

Music, Soundtrack

• The signature theme of the series, "Mother", is a song by John Lennon.
• The series is well known for its dynamic music, featuring varied genres such as classic rock, pop, and indie.
• Each episode ends with a specific song that often correlates with the mood of the conclusion.