Six Feet Under
Dysfunctional funeral home family navigates life and death.
About Six Feet Under
Released: 2001
Platform: Hulu
Rating: TVMA
Run time: 55m
Cast
Peter Krause, Michael C. Hall, Frances Conroy, Lauren Ambrose, Rachel Griffiths
About Six Feet Under
"Six Feet Under" is an American drama television series that premiered on HBO in 2001. The series chronicles the lives of the Fisher family, who run a funeral home in Los Angeles. The show is known for its dark humor and exploration of the characters' psychological turmoil as they deal with death on a daily basis. Through five seasons, it focuses on themes such as mortality, loss, and the complexities of human relationships.
Making / Production
The series was created and produced by Alan Ball, who also wrote and directed many episodes. Ball's decision to set the series in a funeral home was influenced by his own experiences dealing with death. The show was filmed in Los Angeles and used a mix of regular sets and on-location shooting.
Actors
- Peter Krause played the role of Nate Fisher, the eldest son of the Fisher family. His portrayal of a man grappling with his own mortality and the weight of family duties is deeply moving.
- Michael C. Hall, as David Fisher, presented a vivid depiction of a gay man's struggles with acceptance and love.
- Frances Conroy starred as Ruth Fisher, the widowed matriarch, and perfectly captured the various degrees of strength and vulnerability latent in her character.
- Lauren Ambrose played the character of Claire Fisher, portraying the struggles of a young woman trying to find her identity while dealing with loss.
Trivia / Interesting Facts
- Every episode begins with a death, setting the tone for the rest of the episode.
- The title "Six Feet Under" refers to the depth at which bodies are traditionally buried.
- The show's opening sequence won an Emmy for Outstanding Main Title Design in 2002.
Awards
The series and its actors received numerous accolades during its run, including three Golden Globe Awards, nine Primetime Emmy Awards, a Peabody Award, and recognition on multiple critics' year-end top ten lists.
Quotes
- "Everybody's been dying since they were born." - Ruth Fisher
- "You can't take a picture of this. It's already gone." - Nate Fisher
- "I'm living my life. It's not hidden, not anymore." - David Fisher
Music, Soundtrack
- "Six Feet Under Main Theme" by Thomas Newman
- "Breathe Me" by Sia, used in the series finale
- In addition to an original score, the series features a broad range of music, from classical to contemporary, reflecting the show's tonal shifts.
About Six Feet Under
Six Feet Under is a dramatic series exploring the lives of a family running a funeral home, punctuated with poignant, dark humor.