Search Party

About Search Party

"Search Party" is a dark comedy-drama television series that premiered on November 21, 2016, on TBS. The series follows a group of millennial friends who become entangled in an ominously intriguing mystery when a former college acquaintance suddenly vanishes. It's a thrill ride of twists and turns, where the protagonists not only grapple with the disappearance but also their internal struggles and relationships.

Making / Production

The series was created by Sarah-Violet Bliss, Charles Rogers, and Michael Showalter. The production of the series has an indie-film aesthetic that matches well with its storytelling, setting it apart from traditional sitcoms or crime dramas. Over the seasons, it elegantly transitions from a black comedy to a courtroom drama to a political thriller, keeping the audience engaged.

Actors

• Alia Shawkat as Dory Sief: She delivers an excellent performance as a disillusioned post-grad who becomes obsessed with the disappearance of a classmate she barely knew.
• John Reynolds as Drew Gardner: Reynolds lends a strong mild-mannered, comedic contrast to Dory's obsessive personality.
• Meredith Hagner as Portia Davenport: She shines as a self-absorbed actress, bringing much of the show's comic relief.
• John Early as Elliot Goss: Early's portrayal of an exaggerative and melodramatic narcissist adds another comedic layer to the series.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The creators of the series initially envisioned it as a feature film before deciding it would be better suited as a TV series.
• The title 'Search Party' perfectly encapsulates both the physical search for a missing person and the protagonists’ search for self-identity and purpose.

Quotes

• "We don’t need to prove that we’re good people." - Dory Sief
• "Every time you get in trouble, you always try to charm your way out of it. It doesn’t work on normal people!" - Drew Gardner

Music, Soundtrack

• "Obedear" by Purity Ring - featured in Season 1, setting a perfect moody tone for the series.
• "Neon Dad" by Holy Fuck - used in the hilarious escape scene.