It’s commonly believed that many people struggle with their weight. The reality is however, that many people struggle with eating. It’s not something that most people like to discuss for more reasons than one, especially depending on which end of the conversation one may find themselves. This obviously being the case, a sitcom was apparently the best way to approach the subject without making too big a deal out of it. Mike & Molly not only decided to tackle this topic head on, but the show practically made weight issues and eating habits the central focus, along with other things.
Mike & Molly show practically made weight issues and eating habits the central focus, along with other things.
The world now knows Melissa McCarthy as she’s become a huge movie star, but ironically, she may actually have Mike & Molly to thank for that. Her and Billy Gardell took the lead as ‘Mike and Molly’ back in 2010, as at least on McCarthy’s part, her talent was becoming too much for studios to ignore and eventually she was going to find her place in the industry one way or another. Mike is a police offer and Molly is a teacher, both overweight, and both looking to lose weight. When the two meet at an Overeaters Anonymous meeting, sparks fly and a romantic relationship begins shortly after. As the two become closer they challenge one another on their habits, forming a loving bond and support system that will hopefully see the two onto healthier lifestyles.
Like every sitcom the writing is filled with sharp one liners, quick witted comebacks, occasional slapstick comedy and every so often, a real conflict with an eventual resolution. Beyond this though, Mike & Molly was a brave look at how those who’re overweight see themselves and where they turn to in order to deal with their issues. Being fat has always been a punchline in film and television, and with Mike & Molly not really being an exception to that, the series at least pokes fun at it in a way that is less about degrading people but more so about the challenges of weight loss and the humor to be found in the process of doing so. In essence, there’s a community that was tapped into with this show and at the time it was almost completely untouched beforehand. It showed that people who find themselves in said community have similar issues in life that have nothing to do with their weight, and everything to do with their goals and what they hope to achieve out of life.
In terms of situational comedy, it’s everything one can expect. There was obviously something here though. The series ran for six seasons, so it clearly very quickly found an audience. Perhaps there is even more of that audience to be found. If so, Mike & Molly has since concluded its syndication but can be found on HBO Max or any online platform for rent or purchase. For those who don’t find themselves in this community, there’s still plenty to laugh at in Mike & Molly.
