When art imitates reality
TVPlus - English|1 July 2021
Having first-hand experience as a middle-aged actress and single mom raising three kids, Pamela Adlon recreates her life as Sam in semi-autobiographical comedy series Better Things.
IPELENG RAKGANTSHO
When art imitates reality

Better Things

Season 1 Fridays SABC3 (*193) 20:30

Rather than casting a 40-something actress with a husky voice and brunette hair to match her own, actress, comedian, voice-over artist and now also writer Pamela Adlon (Pamela in dark comedy show Louie, 2010-2015) portrays an exaggerated version of herself as Sam Fox in comedy series Better Things (2016-now), which she writes and co-created with her Louie co-star Louis C K (he played Louie).

Much like Pam, Sam tries to balance single motherhood and her demanding career in entertainment. “I thought of alternatives to fictionalise Sam,” says Pam, adding that she considered writing Sam as “lesbian or adopting a daughter from China”. However, she chose to draw inspiration and humour from her life to set a tone for the comedy show.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM TVPLUS - ENGLISHView all
Rattle the cage!
TVPlus - English

Rattle the cage!

Hlengi takes on the underworld as she fights the crooked court system that put stalker Amo back on the street.

time-read
2 mins  |
23 March 2023
Leaving with the Laan
TVPlus - English

Leaving with the Laan

Here's a peek at one of the local soaps who've been with tvplus on this fun-filled ride right from the start: 7de Laan.

time-read
2 mins  |
23 March 2023
Look both ways
TVPlus - English

Look both ways

Muvhango head writer Lynn Kekana shines a spotlight on the soap's bold past and its inspiring future.

time-read
5 mins  |
23 March 2023
Nurturer or murderer?
TVPlus - English

Nurturer or murderer?

A mother's love, an act of desperation, or an act of evil? Nosipho makes a shocking choice that rocks the cradle.

time-read
2 mins  |
23 March 2023
The new guys
TVPlus - English

The new guys

A Moroka heir and a rogue reporter are here to stir the pot in Generations: The Legacy!

time-read
4 mins  |
23 March 2023
Boss Betty!
TVPlus - English

Boss Betty!

uBettina Wethu Executive Producer Tshepiso Chikapa Phiri chats to us about how Betty can get ahead in business, and the business of TV.

time-read
4 mins  |
23 March 2023
SEA change
TVPlus - English

SEA change

A corpse in a crop circle and a 17th century witch await DI Humphrey Goodman as he goes Beyond Paradise.

time-read
2 mins  |
9 March 2023
Hi Queenie
TVPlus - English

Hi Queenie

Princess Elizabeth is orphaned in 1547 and begins her trajectory to the throne in Becoming Elizabeth.

time-read
3 mins  |
9 March 2023
Real local flavour
TVPlus - English

Real local flavour

Lorna Maseko uncovers South Africa’s best kept culinary secrets, from chokka to donkey milk chocolate.

time-read
2 mins  |
9 March 2023
Hands off daddy!
TVPlus - English

Hands off daddy!

When wicked Melita blackmails Mr Kgomo into continuing their affair, Pax decides it’s time for a smackdown.

time-read
2 mins  |
9 March 2023