Dead to Me (TV series)

Dead to Me is about a friendship that blossoms between Jen (Applegate) and Judy (Cardellini). Jen is a recently widowed real estate agent based in Laguna Beach, California, trying to come to terms with her loss through therapy, exercise, and other methods. She uses anger and resentment as an outlet for her grief. She meets Judy in a grief support group. Jen mourns her husband, who was killed by a hit-and-run driver, while Judy claims that she is grieving for her fiancé who died of a heart attack. In actuality, Judy is the hit-and-run driver, and her fiancé simply broke up with her. The two characters face their struggles differently, as Jen finds herself in a dark place while Judy maintains a positive disposition. ==Cast and characters==

Main • Christina Applegate as Jen Harding, a realtor whose husband Ted was killed by a hit-and-run driver shortly before the start of the series • Linda Cardellini as Judy Hale, a woman Jen meets at a grief support group who befriends her. • James Marsden as • Steve Wood (season 1), Judy's emotionally abusive ex-fiancé, an attorney involved with the Greek Mafia • Ben Wood (seasons 2–3), Steve's semi-identical twin brother, a chiropractor, and Jen's new love interest • Max Jenkins as Christopher Doyle (seasons 1–2, recurring season 3), Jen's real estate business partner and friend • Sam McCarthy as Charlie Harding, Jen's older son • Luke Roessler as Henry Harding, Jen's younger son Recurring • Diana-Maria Riva as Ana Perez, the police detective in charge of the hit-and-run case • Brandon Scott as Nick Prager, a police detective on administrative leave whom Judy meets at the grieving retreat • Valerie Mahaffey as Lorna Harding, Jen's mother-in-law and Ted's mother • Natalie Morales as Michelle (seasons 2–3), Judy's love interest and Ana's ex-girlfriend • Ed Asner as Abe Rifkin (season 1), Judy's friend from the retirement home where she works • Keong Sim as Pastor Wayne, Jen and Judy's grief support group leader • Telma Hopkins as Yolanda, a member of the grief support group • Sadie Stanley as Parker (season 2), Charlie's brief love interest and self-proclaimed social media micro-influencer • Haley Sims as Kayley, Steve's assistant • Blair Beeken as Wendy, a member of the grief support group • Edward Fordham Jr. as Kyle, a member of the grief support group • Frances Conroy as Eileen Wood (seasons 2–3), Steve and Ben's mother • Suzy Nakamura as Karen, Jen's neighbor, who is obsessed with protecting her house and preparing for the apocalypse. • Jere Burns as Howard Hastings (season 2), a corrupt police chief who is working with the Greek Mafia • Garret Dillahunt as Glenn Moranis (season 3), an FBI agent who is investigating Steve's death and ties to the Greek Mafia Guest • Olivia Macklin as Bambi (season 1), a waitress and Ted's mistress • Steve Howey as Jason (season 1), a widower Jen meets at a grief retreat • Tara Karsian as Erica Brewer (season 1), Charlie's principal • Lily Knight as Linda, a member of the grief support group • Tom Virtue as Doug (season 1), a potential client of Jen's • Beth Littleford as Doug's wife (season 1) • Adora Soleil Bricher as Shandy Adams, a girl in Henry's class who finds Ted's body • Chelsea Spack as Heidi (seasons 1-2), Steve's new girlfriend, and employee at TKG Arts • Rick Holmes as Andrew Peters (seasons 1-2), a man Jen suspects of killing her husband • Marc Evan Jackson as Jeff (seasons 2–3), Karen's husband who is gay and having an affair • Katey Sagal as Eleanor Hale (seasons 2–3), Judy's drug-addicted and emotionally abusive mother • Nicolas Coster as Jim Wood (season 3), Steve and Ben's father ==Episodes==

Season 1 (2019) Season 2 (2020) Season 3 (2022) ==Production==

Development On April 5, 2018, it was announced that Netflix had given the production a series order for a first season consisting of ten episodes. The series was created by Liz Feldman who was also expected to write for the series and executive produce alongside Will Ferrell, Adam McKay, and Jessica Elbaum. Production companies involved with the series were slated to consist of Gloria Sanchez Productions and CBS Television Studios. On November 2, 2018, it was reported that Amy York Rubin would direct the first and second episodes of the series. On April 1, 2019, it was announced that the series was set to be released on May 3, 2019. On June 3, 2019, the series was renewed for a second season, set to be released in 2020. On April 10, 2020, Netflix announced that the second season would be released on May 8, 2020. On July 6, 2020, Netflix renewed the series for a third and final season. Filming for the third and final season began on May 7, 2021; however, in August, 2021, production was paused temporarily due to Applegate’s health. On December 21, 2021, it was reported that there were positive COVID-19 cases on the set, but filming was not impacted or shut down. There were three weeks of filming left to conclude in early 2022, but filming did not wrap until April 25, 2022. The third and final season premiered on November 17, 2022. Casting On July 11, 2018, it was announced that Christina Applegate had been cast in one of the series' two lead roles. On August 3, 2018, it was reported that Linda Cardellini had been cast in the series' other lead role. On September 12, 2018, it was reported that James Marsden and Ed Asner had been cast in starring roles. In October 2018, it was announced that Sam McCarthy had joined the cast in a series regular capacity and that Diana-Maria Riva had been cast in a recurring role. In October 2019, Natalie Morales was cast in the recurring role of Michelle on the second season. ==Reception==

Critical response Season 1 's performance in the series garnered critical acclaim, earning her various award nominations. On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the first season has an approval rating of 86% based on 51 reviews, with an average rating of 6.5/10. The website's critics consensus reads: "Dead to Me doesn't always deliver on the gallows humor that it promises, but the sterling duo of Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini elevates the series above its pulpier aspects—offering a deeply moving relationship shaped by mutual grief." On Metacritic, it has a weighted average score of 67 out of 100, based on 21 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews". Season 2 On Rotten Tomatoes, the second season has an approval rating of 96% based on 47 reviews, with an average rating of 7.6/10. The website's critics consensus reads: "Dead to Me doubles down on the twists and turns out an exciting second season that makes excellent use of its well-matched leads." On Metacritic, it has a weighted average score of 72 out of 100, based on 10 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews". Season 3 On Rotten Tomatoes, the third season holds an approval rating of 85% based on 20 reviews, with an average rating of 6.1/10. The website's critics consensus reads: "Dead to Me final season has some diminishing returns as the twists begin to feel overplayed, but Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini remain a compelling duo who viewers will want to stick with to the bitter end." On Metacritic, it has a weighted average score of 70 out of 100, based on 7 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews". Viewership On July 17, 2019, Netflix announced that the series was on track to be streamed by over 30 million viewers within its first month of release on the streaming platform. Accolades ==References==