Critical Condition: GLOW

GLOW (Netflix, from Friday)

➢ “Lurid leotards are the new orange in GLOW, Netflix’s dramedy set against the backdrop of the camptastic 1980s professional wrestling television series … GLOW has superficial similarities to Orange Is the New Black in its excellent, multicultural female-driven ensemble — and deeper similarities in the way it uses a traditionally male space to explore women trying to break from prescribed gender roles and find an individuality that goes beyond stereotypes.” — The Hollywood Reporter.

➢ “A rapturous half-hour period piece about an all-female pro-wrestling show that is neither precious nor nostalgic, GLOW is a gem of a debut … Much like this era in women’s wrestling, it is glorious and weird and different, and goes by way too quickly.” — Variety.

➢ “Part sports drama, part showbiz satire, part birth-of-the-modern-woman allegory — all heartbreaking glitter-blasted humanity — Netflix’s GLOW is unlike any show I’ve ever seen. I love it so much; it made me laugh, cry, think, and pump my fists in the air screaming, ‘YESYESYES!‘” — Entertainment Weekly.

➢ “GLOW pulses with all sorts of potential talking points about gender, friendships between women and public perception of stereotypes, but rather than bogging itself down in prolonged messaging, it is consistently committed to a brisk pace and a lightness that reflects its subject matter.” — The Washington Post.

➢ “The season ends having established enough storylines around its characters to provide options going forward. Its acronym notwithstanding, though, at a time characterised by the high level of ambition among premium comedies, GLOW has admirable qualities but emits a relatively dim light.” — CNN.