Recommendation “Loudermilk” on Netflix

Loudermilk: A Hilarious Ride Through Messy Sobriety (Review)

A Cynical Counselor and His Flock of Flawed Souls take us for an interesting ride via AA 12-step meetings for that are often led astray.

• Originally: It aired on the Audience Network between 2017 and 2019.
• Second Chance: After Audience Network was shut down, Loudermilk found a new home on Prime Video for its final season in 2020. You can binge watch it now.

Cast:

• Ron Livingston as Sam Loudermilk: A recovering alcoholic and substance abuse counselor with a gruff exterior and a heart of gold.
• Will Sasso as Ronnie: A recovering sex addict with a penchant for inappropriate jokes and endearing awkwardness.
• Anja Savcic as Claire: Sam's sponsee and reluctant roommate, navigating her own path to sobriety.
• Brian Austin Green as Ben: Sam's pragmatic best friend and sponsor, often the voice of reason in Sam's chaotic life.
• Matreya Fedor as Darnell: A fiercely independent and sharp-tongued woman grappling with her past and redefining success.
• Niko Alexander as Tommy: A bubbly but troubled teenager navigating the challenges of teenage sobriety.
• Mark Brandon as Father Michael: A kind and supportive priest who attends Sam's meetings.
• Jackie Flynn as Tony: A gruff bar owner with a soft spot for Sam and his group.
• Timothy Webber as Ed: A recovering alcoholic with a dry wit and a heart of gold.
• Ricky Blitt as New Guy (Hiram): A newcomer to the group, often the target of Sam's sardonic humor.

A Cynical Counselor and His Flock of Flawed Souls

Loudermilk, the brainchild of Peter Farrelly and Bobby Mort, isn't your typical recovery tale. It throws sobriety into the blender with cynicism, self-deprecation, and sharp wit, resulting in a cocktail that's both intoxicating and thought-provoking. At the center stands Sam Loudermilk (Ron Livingston), a recovering alcoholic and substance abuse counselor. A paradox of intelligence and emotional stunting, honesty and empathy, Sam leads support groups with blunt wisdom and cutting humor, often pushing buttons while helping others navigate their own struggles. We witness his personal life, a tangled web strained relationships and questionable choices, including clashes with his pragmatic best friend and sponsor Ben (Brian Austin Green) and a complex dynamic with his sponsee and reluctant roommate Claire (Anja Savcic).

Beyond Sam: A Tapestry of Shared Experiences

The show excels in its portrayal of the diverse group attending Sam's meetings. There's the endearingly awkward Ronnie (Will Sasso), a recovering sex addict with a penchant for inappropriate jokes; the fiercely independent and sharp-tongued Darnell (Matreya Fedor); and the bubbly but troubled teenage newcomer Tommy (Niko Alexander). Each character brings their own baggage and vulnerabilities, creating a tapestry of shared experiences and genuine camaraderie.

Humor and Heart: Balancing Darkness with Laughter

Loudermilk doesn't shy away from the messy realities of addiction and recovery. Sam's past demons haunt him, and his personal relapses, though painful, feel authentic and serve as opportunities for growth. The show dives into trauma, shame, and self-destruction, but balances these darker aspects with humor. Sam's acerbic wit, delivered with Livingston's deadpan mastery, provides the comedic backbone, while the characters' interactions offer moments of amusement and genuine warmth.

Three Seasons of Growth and Redemption

Loudermilk ran for three seasons, initially airing on Audience Network between 2017 and 2019 before finding a new home on Prime Video for its final season in 2020. This extended run allowed for deeper exploration of characters and their arcs. We see Ronnie confront his trauma and insecurities, Darnell grapple with her past and redefine success, and Tommy navigate the challenges of teenage sobriety.

Hope in the Chaos: Finding Strength in Shared Humanity

While not shying away from the difficulties, Loudermilk ultimately celebrates human connection and resilience. The characters, despite their flaws, find comfort and support in their shared experience. They laugh together, cry together, and push each other to become better versions of themselves. The show delivers a message of hope, reminding us that even in the midst of chaos, there is always room for growth and redemption.