Modern Love (TV series)

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Modern Love
Genre
Based on"Modern Love"
by The New York Times
Developed byJohn Carney
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes16
Production
Executive producers
ProducerTrish Hofmann
Running time29–35 minutes
Production companies
Release
Original networkAmazon Prime Video
Original releaseOctober 18, 2019 (2019-10-18) –
present (present)

Modern Love is an American romantic comedy anthology television series developed by John Carney, based on the weekly column of the same name published by The New York Times, that premiered on Amazon Prime Video on October 18, 2019.[1] The episodes vary from 29 to 35 minutes in length. In October 2019, the series was renewed for a second season, which premiered on August 13, 2021.[2][3]

Premise[]

Modern Love explores "love in its multitude of forms – including sexual, romantic, familial, platonic, and self love", which are presented in eight half-hour episodes.[4] The Amazon series, based on the New York Times column of the same name, adapts different love stories taking place in New York City.

Cast[]

Season 1[]

Season 2[]

Episodes[]

SeasonEpisodesOriginally released
18October 18, 2019 (2019-10-18)
28August 13, 2021 (2021-08-13)

Season 1 (2019)[]

No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byEssay byOriginal release dateProd.
code
11"When the Doorman Is Your Main Man"John CarneyJohn CarneyJulie Margaret Hogben[5]October 18, 2019 (2019-10-18)MOLV 102
This episode follows Maggie (Cristin Milioti) as she navigates the dating scene in New York City. Advising her through this process is her building's doorman, Guzmin (Laurentiu Possa). Guzmin voices his concern when he disapproves of the men Maggie brings home to the apartment. Maggie then discovers she is pregnant, but she is no longer with the father. Guzmin supports and assists her during the preparation for her baby Sarah (Arabella Olivia Clark). Maggie eventually moves to California for a job opportunity. A few years later, she brings her daughter back to New York to reconnect with Guzmin and gets his approval of her new boyfriend (Brandon Victor Dixon).
22"When Cupid Is a Prying Journalist"John CarneyJohn CarneyDeborah Copaken[6]October 18, 2019 (2019-10-18)MOLV 101
Julie (Catherine Keener) interviews Joshua (Dev Patel), a young, successful founder of a new dating app. Julie, a journalist, concludes her interview with Joshua by asking if he had ever been in love. He confesses that the one time he had been in true love, he realized it too late. The episode then flashes back to his relationship with the one that got away, Emma (Caitlin McGee). Julie then recounts a failed reconnection with her first love, and tells Joshua that he must go after Emma. The episode ends in a happily-ever-after for Joshua and Emma, all thanks to the prying journalist Julie.
33"Take Me as I Am, Whoever I Am"John CarneyJohn CarneyTerri Cheney[7]October 18, 2019 (2019-10-18)MOLV 103
When Lexi (Anne Hathaway) is filling out an online dating application, she reflects on how her bipolar disorder has affected her love life in the past. She recalls her failed relationship with Jeff (Gary Carr) from the grocery store and remembers him through a series of fast conversations, song and dance, and depressive episodes. Lexi reveals it was her failure to tell Jeff about her bipolar disorder that made her realize she should be open about her mental illness and give people the opportunity to know her in both moments of highs and lows. At the end of the episode, she decides to disclose that she is bipolar on her dating profile.
44"Rallying to Keep the Game Alive"Sharon HorganSharon HorganAnn Leary[8]October 18, 2019 (2019-10-18)MOLV 106
This episode tells the story of Sarah (Tina Fey) and Dennis (John Slattery), a married couple with two children. It opens with the couple in counselling, deciding their marriage is over. Scenes from the previous 6 months show Sarah and Dennis working on their marriage in various ways for the sake of their children, including playing tennis (by Dennis' own rules). Back in the present, the two leave counselling and get a meal together. Sarah finally explains her issues with Dennis' childish and selfish behaviour, and he eventually apologizes. Viewers then see their relationship's improvements two years later (and their tennis matches that now follow the rules).
55"At the Hospital, an Interlude of Clarity"Tom HallTom HallBrian Gittis[9]October 18, 2019 (2019-10-18)MOLV 104
Yasmine (Sofia Boutella) and Rob (John Gallagher Jr.) find themselves in the hospital before the end of their second date when Rob cuts his arm open on a martini glass. Throughout their time at the hospital, the two ask each other a series of rapid fire questions to get to know each other better. As the night goes on, the topics of the questions become more personal and intense, forcing them to become more vulnerable with each other and reveal deep truths. By the next morning when Rob is discharged from the hospital, the couple find themselves with a certain bond despite meeting not long ago.
66"So He Looked Like Dad. It Was Just Dinner, Right?"Emmy RossumAudrey WellsAbby Sher[10]October 18, 2019 (2019-10-18)MOLV 105
Maddy (Julia Garner) begins to take an interest in an AI engineer at her work, Peter (Shea Whigham), who embodies everything she remembers about her late father and everything she would want him to be. She attempts to catch his attention at work. Soon after, he asks her to dinner at his house where they discuss the absence of her father. They begin to see each other more frequently -- he performs chores around her apartment, takes her to doctor appointments, and they spend weekends at the zoo together. When Peter tries to kiss Maddy after purchasing her a $395 coat, she gets upset as she saw him as the dad she never had, not a romantic partner. In the end, Peter informs her that he's taking a sabbatical, that he's proud of her, and that she is the daughter of any father's dreams. Finally, after Peter's encouragement, Maddy feels grown up now.
77"Hers Was a World of One"John CarneyJohn CarneyDan Savage[11]October 18, 2019 (2019-10-18)MOLV 107
The lavish couple Tobin (Andrew Scott) and Andy (Brandon Kyle Goodman) are matched with an expecting mother, Karla (Olivia Cooke), by an open adoption agency. The couple feels troubled, as Karla is both nomadic and homeless, but agree nonetheless. After the first two trimesters of Karla's pregnancy, she moves back to New York into Tobin and Andy's place. Tobin quickly grows fed up with Karla's living habits and blows up at her, but they quickly make up that same night after a vulnerable discussion about their lifestyles. Later that night, Karla goes into labor and they are rushed to the hospital, where Tobin stays by her side the entire time. The bond they created allowed them all to learn from each other's vastly different lives.
88"The Race Grows Sweeter Near Its Final Lap"Tom HallJohn Carney & Tom HallEve Pell[12]October 18, 2019 (2019-10-18)MOLV 108

This episode alternates between the past, a love story between Margot (Jane Alexander) and Kenji (James Saito), and the present, during Kenji's funeral. Margot and Kenji are an older couple who connect over their love of running. The two decided to take their love slowly because of Kenji's difficulty in recovering from the death of his wife, who had died six years prior. Their relationship began to progress quickly after Kenji suggested they sleep together after a marathon they ran together. After the funeral, Margot decides to go for another run and passes by young couples in love, including characters from previous episodes. Margot compares herself to these young couples, considering her own age and experience with relationships.

The episode also includes cameos by the key figures in all the previous episodes and provides details not previously known about their stories.

Season 2 (2021)[]

No.
overall		No. in
season		Title [13]Directed by [13]Written by [13]Original release date [14]Prod.
code
91"On a Serpentine Road, With the Top Down"John CarneyJohn CarneyAugust 13, 2021 (2021-08-13)TBA
Stephanie (Minnie Driver) resists selling her 30-year-old Triumph Stag. It is later revealed that while in the car, she feels like she can still speak to her deceased first husband and father of her eldest child, and is reluctant to lose that connection. Her second husband sympathizes with her and buys the car back.
102"The Night Girl Finds a Day Boy"Jesse PeretzSarah HeywardAugust 13, 2021 (2021-08-13)TBA
Zoe (Zoe Chao), a woman with delayed sleep phase syndrome, meets and falls in love with Jordan (Gbenga Akinnagbe). While Jordan is at first willing to stay up late for their relationship, he eventually starts resenting how it inconveniences him. When Zoe fails to wake up on time for a lunch meeting with his mother, the two go on a break, but Jordan later offers to move in with her, expressing how much he's missed her. They agree to work on their lifestyle differences and give their relationship a second chance.
113"Strangers on a (Dublin) Train"John CarneyJohn CarneyAugust 13, 2021 (2021-08-13)TBA
Medievalism student Paula (Lucy Boynton) meets a man, Michael (Kit Harington) on a train to Dublin during the beginning of the Covid-19 quarantine. Instead of getting each other's contact information, they promise to see each other when the lockdown lifts, not knowing that the quarantine will be longer than expected. Two weeks later, both try to make it to the train station but are stopped by authorities. However, Michael remembers the street where Paula lives and goes to wait for her there.
124"A Life Plan for Two, Followed by One"Marta CunninghamSarra-Jane Piat-Kelly and Dime Davis and Marta CunninghamAugust 13, 2021 (2021-08-13)TBA
A comedian, Lil (Dominique Fishback) recalls her relationship with her best friend at school, Vince (Isaac Cole Powell). Vince helped Lil integrate into their Brooklyn middle school after the latter transferred in. Lil develops feelings for him, but doesn't act on them, and their strong friendship lasts into high school and university. In college, Lil and Vince sleep together, but afterwards Vince tells her he regrets it and doesn't want to change their friendship. Lil storms out and the two do not talk for years. Back in the present, Vince is in the audience of Lil's stand-up comedy show. Afterwards, the two reconcile.
135"Am I...? Maybe This Quiz Game Will Tell Me"Celine Held & Logan GeorgeCeline Held & Logan GeorgeAugust 13, 2021 (2021-08-13)TBA
Middle school-aged girl Katie (Lulu Wilson) develops feelings for her schoolmate, Alexa (Grace Edwards), with whom she bonds over their shared love for anime. Katie attempts to figure out her sexuality by taking online quizzes that offer no clarity. While at a schoolwide sleepover, the two girls kiss, but get into trouble for sneaking out; embarrassed, Katie asks her single mother Lori (Maria Dizzia) to bring her home. The next day, Katie goes to Alexa's house and the two girls affirm that they want to give their relationship a shot.
146"In the Waiting Room of Estranged Spouses"John CrowleySusan Soon He StantonAugust 13, 2021 (2021-08-13)TBA
An ex-Marine, Spence (Garrett Hedlund), finds out that his wife Jeannie (Jeena Yi) is having an affair with a man named Nick (Ben Rappaport). Following an accident, Spence starts seeing a therapist and develops a bond with Nick's ex-wife Isabelle (Anna Paquin), whom he serendipitously meets in the waiting room. Spence eventually asks Isabelle on a date. The night of their date, Nick and Isabelle's son Charlie gets sick; Spence runs into Nick at the store and advises him to bring Charlie to the hospital. Charlie is diagnosed with meningitis. Spence leaves the hospital after seeing Isabelle and Nick bond over their son, assuming they are getting back together, and finalizes his divorce with Jeannie. At Charlie's next birthday, however, Isabelle asks Spence out again. The two reveal their new relationship to their shared therapist.
157"How Do You Remember Me?"Andrew RannellsAndrew RannellsAugust 13, 2021 (2021-08-13)TBA
Two men, Ben (Marquis Rodriguez) and Robbie (Zane Pais), spot each other on a New York street. It is revealed through flashbacks that the two went on a single date years ago. Although the men's recollections vary slightly, both retelling involve the two having a good date and sex at Ben's place before Ben gets the news that his father is in a coma. Ben rebuffs Robbie's attempts to help and the two lose contact. Back on the street, Ben and Robbie share a meaningful glance at a crosswalk before carrying on with their lives.
168"Second Embrace, With Hearts and Eyes Open"John CarneyKieran CarneyAugust 13, 2021 (2021-08-13)TBA
Elizabeth (Sophie Okonedo) and Van (Tobias Menzies) start seeing each other again years after their divorce. Just as Van attempts to propose, however, Elizabeth shares her advanced breast cancer diagnosis with him and rejects his proposal. Van takes care of their daughters in the lead-up to Elizabeth's surgery, which goes well; afterwards, Elizabeth admits that she would have agreed to his proposal were it not for the cancer. The two resolve to work through her treatment together.

Production[]

Development[]

On June 11, 2018, it was announced that Amazon had given the production a series order for a first season consisting of eight episodes. The series was set to be directed, written, and produced by John Carney. Production companies involved with the series were slated to include Storied Media Group and The New York Times.[4][15][16][17] On November 26, 2018, it was reported that Emmy Rossum, Sharon Horgan, and Tom Hall would serve as additional directors for the series. Horgan and Hall also wrote the episodes they were set to direct while Rossum was expected to direct an episode written by Audrey Wells. Additionally, it was further reported that Dimitri Hoffman, Sam Dolnick, and Choire Sicha would serve as executive producers, Trish Hofmann as a producer, and Daniel Jones as a consulting producer.[18] On October 24, 2019, Amazon renewed the series for a second season which is set to premiere on August 13, 2021.[2][3]

Casting[]

On November 26, 2018, it was announced that Anne Hathaway, Tina Fey, Dev Patel, John Slattery, Brandon Victor Dixon, Catherine Keener, Julia Garner, Andy García, Cristin Milioti, Olivia Cooke, Andrew Scott, Shea Whigham, Gary Carr, Sofia Boutella, and John Gallagher Jr. had been cast in the first season.[18]

In April 2020, it was revealed that Jesse Eisenberg has been cast in the second season.[19]

In February 2021, the second season cast was announced, including Gbenga Akinnagbe, Lucy Boynton, Minnie Driver, Kit Harington, Garrett Hedlund, Anna Paquin, Jack Reynor and Miranda Richardson.[20] In May 2021, Sophie Okonedo and Tobias Menzies joined the cast of second season.[3]

Filming[]

Principal photography for the series had reportedly begun by September 18, 2018 in New York City.[21] The second season was filming in Schenectady, New York, Albany, New York, Troy, New York and Enniskerry and Stoneybatter, Dublin, Ireland.[22][23][24][25]

Reception[]

Critical reception[]

The first season of Modern Love was met with positive reviews, with much of the praise going to the performances of the main cast. On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the first season has a positive score of 75%, with an average rating of 6.60/10 based on 64 reviews. The critics consensus reads, "Carried by its charming cast, Modern Loves sweet and simple sensibilities are easy enough to enjoy, even if its quaint portrait of modern life in New York City doesn't always ring true."[26] On Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, the first season has a score of 66 out of 100, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[27]

On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the second season holds a positive score of 60%, with an average rating of 5.60/10 based on 10 reviews.[28]

Accolades[]

Year Award Category Nominee(s) Result Ref.
2020
 Critics' Choice Television Awards Best Actress in a Movie/Miniseries Anne Hathaway Nominated [29]
Best Supporting Actor in a Movie/Miniseries Dev Patel Nominated
Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series Dev Patel (for "When Cupid Is a Prying Journalist") Nominated [30]

References[]

  1. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (July 27, 2019). "Anne Hathaway, Cristin Milioti Series 'Modern Love' To Charm Amazon This October, Trailer Unveiled – TCA". Deadline. Retrieved July 27, 2019.
  2. ^ a b Goldberg, Lesley (October 24, 2019). "'Modern Love' Renewed for Season 2 at Amazon". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  3. ^ a b c Petski, Denise (May 26, 2021). "'Modern Love' Gets Season 2 Premiere Date; Sophie Okonedo & Tobias Menzies Join Cast Of Amazon Anthology Series". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 26, 2021.
  4. ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie (June 11, 2018). "Amazon Orders 'Modern Love' Anthology Comedy Series, Passes On 'Making Friends'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 11, 2018.
  5. ^ Hogben, Julie Margaret (October 22, 2015). "When the Doorman Is Your Main Man". The New York Times.
  6. ^ Copaken, Deborah (November 26, 2015). "When Cupid Is a Prying Journalist". The New York Times.
  7. ^ Cheney, Terri (January 13, 2008). "Take Me as I Am, Whoever I Am". The New York Times.
  8. ^ Leary, Ann (September 26, 2013). "Rallying to Keep the Game Alive". The New York Times.
  9. ^ Gittis, Brian (October 3, 2014). "At the Hospital, an Interlude of Clarity". The New York Times.
  10. ^ Sher, Abby (January 22, 2006). "So He Looked Like Dad. It Was Just Dinner, Right?". The New York Times.
  11. ^ Savage, Dan (September 11, 2005). "DJ's Homeless Mommy". The New York Times.
  12. ^ Pell, Eve (January 24, 2013). "The Race Grows Sweeter Near Its Final Lap". The New York Times.
  13. ^ a b c "Modern Love". Writers Guild of America West. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
  14. ^ "Modern Love – Listings". The Futon Critic. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
  15. ^ Lawrence, Derek (June 11, 2018). "Amazon orders anthology series based on 'New York Times' 'Modern Love' column". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved June 12, 2018.
  16. ^ Goldberg, Lesley (June 11, 2018). "'Modern Love' Anthology Based on New York Times Column Set at Amazon". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved June 12, 2018.
  17. ^ Amatulli, Jenna (June 11, 2018). "New York Times 'Modern Love' Column To Become Amazon Series". The Huffington Post. Retrieved June 12, 2018.
  18. ^ a b Petski, Denise (November 26, 2018). "'Modern Love': Anne Hathaway, Tina Fey, John Slattery, Dev Patel Among Cast Set For Amazon's Anthology Comedy Series". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 26, 2018.
  19. ^ "How I'm Living Now: Jesse Eisenberg, Actor-Director". The Hollywood Reporter. April 22, 2020.
  20. ^ Petski, Denise (February 22, 2021). "'Modern Love': Gbenga Akinnagbe, Anna Paquin, Kit Harrington, Zoe Chao & Minnie Driver Among 28 Cast In Season 2 Of Amazon Anthology Series". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  21. ^ Steves, Ashley (September 17, 2018). "Now Casting: Play a Younger Version of a Lead in Amazon's 'Modern Love' + 3 More Gigs". Backstage. Retrieved September 28, 2018.
  22. ^ Barnes, Steve (September 19, 2020). "Amazon's 'Modern Love' shooting scene in Albany's Washington Parks". Times Union (Albany). Retrieved October 28, 2020.
  23. ^ Nash, Indiana (August 26, 2020). "Amazon Prime's 'Modern Love' season two looking for extras for Schenectady shoot". The Daily Gazette. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
  24. ^ II, Kenneth C. Crowe (September 19, 2020). "Amazon Prime's 'Modern Love' to film in Troy". Times Union. Retrieved May 25, 2021.
  25. ^ Hutch, Eleanore (November 9, 2020). "EVOKE gets sneak peek at Modern Love season two, filming in Dublin". evoke.ie. Retrieved November 12, 2020.
  26. ^ "Modern Love: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
  27. ^ "Modern Love: Season 1". Metacritic. Red Ventures. Retrieved May 31, 2021.
  28. ^ "Modern Love: Season 2". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
  29. ^ Boucher, Geoff; Ramos, Dino-Ray (January 12, 2020). "Critics' Choice Awards: 'Once Upon A Time In Hollywood' Wins Best Picture, Netflix And HBO Among Top Honorees – Full Winners List". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 12, 2020.
  30. ^ "72nd Emmy Awards Nominees and Winners". emmys.com. Retrieved July 28, 2020.

External links[]

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