Stream It Or Skip It: ‘American Woman’ on Paramount Network, A ‘70s Comedy That Lets Alicia Silverstone Empower And Entertain

If Paramount Network’s American Woman already sounds familiar to you, ahead of its premiere tonight, you’re probably a Real Housewives of Beverly Hills fan. This is the show inspired by Kyle Richards’ upbringing (she also serves as a producer on the series). The ’70s-set comedy balances its cute and fun side with digestible feminist messages while also proving to be better than you’re probably expecting it to be. 

AMERICAN WOMAN: STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?

Opening Shot: The show does a good job of establishing who Alicia Silverstone’s Bonnie Nolan is, and the world she lives in, with this catchy opener. Our first shot is that of a gorgeous 18k gold Rolex watch, as Bonnie is in the process of purchasing the item as a present for her husband’s birthday. The transaction hits a small snag when the salesman informs Bonnie that the item must be placed on her husband’s account and purchased before it can be engraved, which would of course ruin the surprise. But this gal’s no fool. She uses her smarts, her charm, and her wide eyes to convince the man to go ahead and get to engraving — she’ll pay in cash by Thursday. Just moments into this show we already know this woman has excellent taste and wit for days.

The Gist: The pilot is eventful and successful in the sense that by the end, we totally know who these characters are — not to imply they’re specifically one-note, though, which becomes even clearer as the show progresses. We’re introduced to Bonnie and her husband Steve (James Tupper), as well as their two daughters, and Bonnie’s besties Kathleen (Mena Suvari) and Diana (Jennifer Bartels). Bonnie is the picture perfect housewife — she’s beautiful and doting with an even more progressive mindset than you might expect from her. And this comes in handy: when she takes her daughters on a late night joyride to spy on their father, she discovers he’s cheating. She throws his ass out, still pulls off a great birthday party for him, without Steve in attendance, and then vows to take care of herself and her daughters. Complications arise of course, but there’s nothing complicated about how good it feels to watch this kept woman turn working woman.

Our Take: Silverstone effortlessly carries this show and is the best she’s been in recent years. Just in case you forgot, it’s damn entertaining to watch her do nearly anything. She’s got the perfect sense of humor and determination to bring Bonnie to life and is the #1 reason (of many) to tune in. The character is dynamic in the most appealing ways: she’s both naive and fierce, and funny and vulnerable when the situation calls for it.

In Kathleen and Diana, we’re presented with a new #girlsquad to root for, and supporting actors who know how to shine when it’s their time. American Woman is drenched in girl power themes without being overbearing: while some shows choose (and need) to shove those messages down the viewer’s throat, this one is serving it up like a delicious chocolate mousse. Themes of women figuring out how to have it all (relationships, work, parenting, friends) and subsequently balancing it all are here loud and clear in a relatable, manageable, and watchable fashion.

Sex and Skin: American Woman knows how to have a sultry vibe without showing all the goods, let’s put it that way. Not that the show is a total tease — we get a sexy shot of the pool boy taking off his shirt early in the episode, much to viewers’ — and Cheyenne Jackson’s character’s — delight.

Plus, before things completely fall apart for the couple, Bonnie and Steve Nolan are shown cuddling in bed after their double date earlier in the night. She notes that he doesn’t smell like himself, and yet he’s still ready for love-making, which would be sexy, except anyone who has ever read a Cosmo article can tell you those are the top 2 signs your man is cheating on you.

Parting Shot: Tired and drunk, Bonnie answers the door to find a police officer who informs her a warrant has been issued for the arrest of her husband. When she declares the house is hers now, he encourages her to lawyer up. It’s a light cliffhanger setting up the rest of the season, sure, but we know she won’t be drunk and confused for long.

Sleeper Star: Bonnie’s besties are a lot of fun here. Suvari and Bartles depict very different women of the ’70s, but both have something to offer both their pal and the show as a whole. Plus, it’s always fun having Cheyenne Jackson around.

Most Pilot-y Line: “Well I think some women want to work and have a career, that’s what Diana’s doing. I don’t think it’s that crazy,” Bonnie explains to her old-fashioned husband.

“Yeah, I guess. But it’s no picnic out there in the real world. I feel like you women have it pretty good. I mean, why complain?” he responds. If you don’t already know everything you need to about the mentalities of these characters, rewind and watch this one over again.

Our Call: Stream It! American Woman is cute and fun and a bit of a ’70s-set comedy comfort watch, yes, but they’re able to work in jokes and messages in slick ways that will have you feeling empowered and entertained (but not overwhelmed) at once.

Where to watch American Woman