Gone But Not Forgotten: Why You Should Binge the Hit Sitcom ‘Superstore’
Have you ever worked retail? Have you suffered the agony of delivering the customer service experience? Standing on your feet all day and dealing with the stupidity of the general public, all while working for a wage that’s far too low. I’m sure that you have WAY too many stories about rude customers, ridiculous managers, and creepy coworkers. I’ve been there myself.
And that’s a big reason why Superstore is one of my favorite sitcoms of all time. Taking place in a Cloud 9 store, the show’s equivalent of a Walmart or a Target, this show’s humor, heart, and brilliance rivals the likes of The Office and Parks and Recreation as one of the best NBC comedies we’ve ever had.
Unfortunately, the show’s finale aired a month ago on March 25, 2021, meaning the end of Superstore as we know it. But we were still left with six incredible seasons and some of the most quotable moments on television.
In honor of the show ending, here are the many reasons why you should open Hulu immediately and click play on the first episode of Superstore:
Clever and well-written
To begin with, this show is a smart, well-crafted sitcom that absolutely nails comedic timing every step of the way. Filled with fully realized and dynamic characters, the writers found their groove early and then stuck to it with remarkable consistency. The show really is just as funny in season 6 as it was when it began, a feat not easily achieved by other shows on television. It’s clever, it’s quick-witted, and yet still unafraid to give you some ridiculous physical comedy to tie all together.
The hilarity and relatability of the retail work experience
Truly my favorite thing about Superstore is the inclusion of quick transition scenes that they insert throughout each episode. You’ll see main characters sharing an important moment, and then all of sudden they’ll cut to a scene with a customer knocking down an entire display of paper towels, or taking a bit of an apple before putting it back on the shelf. It’s hilarious, it’s real, and it’s all too familiar.
If you’ve ever dealt with customer service in any capacity, this is a show you’ll understand, and as you watch it, you’ll probably even feel seen. Superstore truly captures every single kind of customer you could ever face with startling accuracy and nonstop hilarity. We have the complaining customers, the stupid customers, the creepy customers… This show hits every retail stereotype and nails it every time.
The diverse, talented, and hilarious cast
When you begin to watch Superstore, you may feel as though Jonah, a straight white man played by Ben Feldman, is meant to be the main character of the series. We begin the show on his first day at Cloud 9 and then follow his experiences throughout the pilot episode. Amy, played by America Ferrara, appears to be his future love interest, and we’re presented with a plotline that feels familiar.
But what this show manages to do is something that we don’t often see. Using this expected beginning to draw in viewers, they then almost immediately turn the series into a true ensemble piece filled with a brilliant and diverse cast of characters, many of whom are just as important to the series and have just as much screen time as Jonah and Amy.
With Superstore, we see a talented and hilarious cast made up of people of different races, ages, sexualities, genders, and more. The show presents us with employees that actually reflect the reality of American life in a way that doesn’t feel like tokenism or some sort of gimmick. Superstore offers us a glimpse at what diversity on television can and should be, and it does it well.
Deals with important issues
Yes, so far I’ve mainly talked about how funny Superstore is. But what really sets this show apart is its ability to not only make you laugh, but also address real and relevant issues. Throughout the course of the series, we’ve seen plotlines surrounding immigration, unionizing, corrupt greed, race, and any number of other important topics.
Not only do I appreciate Superstore for not shying away from these issues and for maintaining its sense of humor, but also for the level of empathy it encourages. For instance, when we learn about a character’s status as an undocumented immigrant, it doesn’t feel as though the show is preachy or didactic. Rather, the personal stories of, and relationships between these characters are at the heart of each issue. I feel for this character not because of my political stance, but because I’m shown his struggle and humanity in the very real situation that he must now navigate.
Has a lot of heart
Finally, this show has a lot of heart. It’s not just a workplace comedy or a romance or a show that deals with real issues. It’s all of that and more. I’ve often found myself laughing one moment and tearing up in the next. The romances, the friendships, and the personal journeys of each character are heartfelt, even while surrounded by silliness and laughter.
Superstore is the kind of series where you feel as though you really know each character, and when you tune in to watch Cloud 9, it’s like spending time with old friends. Although it may be over, it’s not too late to appreciate this masterpiece of a show and to give it the love it deserves.