Everything’s Gonna Be Okay proves no topic is off-limits

Freeform’s newest comedy Everything’s Gonna Be Okay premiered last week with an intriguing premise that embraces the idea that no topic is too awkward for television.

Australian comedian Josh Thomas takes the lead on-screen and behind the scenes in Freeform’s new series, Everything’s Gonna Be Okay. Thomas portrays Nicholas, a gay entomologist in his twenties, who is left to take care of his two teenage half-sisters after their father died of cancer. Nicholas has his hands full as Matilda (Kayla Cromer) is on the autism spectrum, while 14-year-old Genevieve (Maeve Press) is discovering what it means to be a young woman.

The premise alone reveals representation is bountiful and, based on the first three episodes, the series will continue to shed light on worthy topics during the remainder of its 10-episode first season. Thomas previously starred in Please Like Me, a semi-autobiographical series, which was based on his life and experiences. Now, Thomas looks to tell someone else’s story in the most authentic way possible.

Despite the show’s title, everything doesn’t start out okay for Nicholas as his trip to the states turns into a seemingly permanent one upon learning his father is battling an aggressive cancer, which ultimately takes his life in the first episode.

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Before he could leave, Nicholas was informed that he will assume parental control over his half-sisters who had already lost their mother. While some dialogue-filled moments may feel over the top at times, the show gets it right with its primarily awkward scenes, including a heartfelt conversation where the father informs the girls of his diagnosis.

Matilda openly admits she doesn’t know how to feel, though sadness is of course at the top of the list. Genevieve immediately starts crying and Nicholas isn’t sure how to act in front of them due to the fact he’s about to become the guardian of two girls he occasionally visits. Meanwhile, Nicholas’ new boyfriend, Alex (Adam Faison), becomes intertwined in everything, including the funeral, which can all be too much at times.

Rather than shy away from awkward questions and conversations, Everything’s Gonna Be Okay tackles them head-on. What do you say to your father’s ex-girlfriend at his funeral? How does an autistic girl process grief and sexuality? What do you do when your 14-year-old friends want you to get high on pills? Life’s obscure circumstances find a way to become the thing we laugh at, which is something I would love to see more of on television.

If you would love to add a dramedy that knows no bounds to your watch list, look no further than Everything’s Gonna Be Okay on Freeform. If you missed the premiere and would like to catch up immediately, the first three episodes are now streaming on Hulu. You can also catch an encore of the pilot on FX on Wednesday, Jan. 22.

Check out the official trailer right here:

Did you watch the premiere for Everything’s Gonna Be Okay? If so, what did you think? Let us know in the comments below!

Everything’s Gonna Be Okay airs every Thursday at 8:30pm ET on Freeform.