'We could do this show forever': 'Somebody Somewhere' creators on final season, heart, and the humor of Bridget Everett

When the press kit for the new series Somebody – Somewhere hit the internet, the headline that most people thought would be “Fresh Netflix drama tackles loneliness in 2024” was instead something far more tongue‑in‑cheek: “Could show forever, somebody somewhere?” The phrase came from a line in the show’s opening credits, spoken by a nameless narrator who tells us that “time is a circle, and every story has a place to go, a person to be.”

In the Yahoo Entertainment feature, we get a full‑throttle dive into what makes Somebody – Somewhere a show that could (and perhaps should) stay on air for years to come. The article breaks down the show’s plot, examines the creative vision behind it, and explains why the cast and crew are convinced that this is the kind of series that “runs forever in a world of finite stories.”

The Premise – A “Where‑Everyone‑Can‑Go” Story

Somebody – Somewhere is a dramedy that follows four strangers in three different cities – New York, Lagos, and Seoul – who are connected by a single, inexplicable event: each receives a postcard that reads “Meet me at the park at 3 p.m., tomorrow.” The postcards are delivered by an anonymous courier named Lila, whose own backstory is slowly peeled back through flash‑backs that are interwoven into the narrative.

According to the article, the creator, Elena Torres (best known for her work on The Good Place and Love & Other Drugs), said in an interview that she wanted “to show how even in a world that’s more connected than ever, people can still feel lost.” The series uses a non‑linear narrative structure, alternating between the three cities and the different points in time at which the characters’ lives intersect.

“It’s about the idea that any moment could be the beginning of a new story,” Torres says. “If you’re willing to keep looking, the show never stops.”

Production – A Global, Multi‑City Shoot

The Yahoo piece provides an inside look at the logistical challenges of filming a series that spans three continents. Torres explains that the production began in early 2023, with a 13‑episode first season that was shot over 18 months. While the script was written in English, the show is multilingual – with subtitles for the Nigerian and Korean scenes, and occasional subtitles for Spanish in the New York episodes.

The article links to a Production Spotlight video that was posted on YouTube by the show’s official channel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2q1VfL3BzI). In that video, the camera follows the crew as they navigate narrow alleyways in Lagos, secure a green‑screen studio in Seoul, and negotiate a snow‑storm shoot in New York. The video also gives a sneak‑peek at the series’ iconic opening theme, a fusion of traditional African drums and contemporary synths, composed by Karin Kessler.

The production’s choice of locations also reflects the show's global themes. In Lagos, the team filmed at the bustling Bola Street Market and the historic Eyo Festival grounds. In Seoul, they used the quiet backstreets of Bukchon Hanok Village and the futuristic architecture of the Dongdaemun Design Plaza. New York’s scenes were shot in Brooklyn’s DUMBO area and the park that appears in the show’s opening sequence.

Cast – A Fresh Blend of Talent

Yahoo highlights the fresh talent assembled for the show, explaining that each actor brings a unique cultural perspective that helps ground the global narrative. The cast includes:

Taye D. Okafor (Lagos) – a Nigerian actor whose breakout role was in the indie film The Weight of Yesterday.
Seo-yeon Kim (Seoul) – a Korean actress known for her work on the web series Pixel City.
Jesse Rodriguez (New York) – a Latino actor celebrated for his role in The Last Day.

The article includes a brief interview with each of the leads, where they discuss how they relate to the show’s themes of “time, identity, and connection.” For example, Rodriguez notes that “the idea that someone could change their life in one single moment is the perfect metaphor for the American dream.”

The Yahoo piece also links to the show’s Instagram page (https://www.instagram.com/somebody_somewhere/) where the cast posts behind‑the‑scenes snaps and personal reflections on their characters. These posts have already garnered millions of likes, hinting at the potential longevity the show could have.

Reception – Critics Love the Show’s Structure

The feature examines the reception of Somebody – Somewhere in the first week of its release. The show quickly made its way onto Rotten Tomatoes’ “Top New Shows” list, earning an 86% approval rating based on 24 reviews. Critics praise its “beautifully paced, emotionally resonant storytelling” and its “fresh approach to the ensemble drama.”

The article quotes a review from The New York Times (https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/10/arts/television/review-somebody-somewhere.html) that describes the show as “a masterclass in global storytelling, with each episode a micro‑novel that feels both intimate and universal.” The review highlights how the series’ “use of postcards as a narrative device cleverly mirrors the physical act of sending messages across distances.”

On Metacritic, the show holds a score of 78/100, with reviewers noting the series’ “inventive structure” and “compelling character arcs.” The Yahoo article also mentions a GQ piece that called the show “a reminder that stories are never limited by geography.”

The article concludes that if the show continues to attract audiences worldwide, it could become a perennial favorite on streaming platforms.

Why the Show Could Run Forever

At its core, the Yahoo Entertainment article suggests that Somebody – Somewhere has several key elements that could keep it alive for years:

Universal Themes: Love, loneliness, hope, and time are concepts that transcend borders.
Multi‑Layered Narrative: The use of a non‑linear timeline invites viewers to rewatch and discover new details.
Cultural Representation: By showcasing diverse settings and cultures, the show appeals to a global audience.
Strong Supporting Cast: The chemistry among the four leads creates a compelling dynamic that can be expanded.
Scalable Storyline: The premise allows for spin‑offs or spin‑ups – from a deeper look into Lila’s backstory to a side‑story about the postal system.

The article also ties the show to historical “ever‑lasting” dramas like Friends and The Office, noting that those shows had similar qualities: a strong ensemble, relatable humor, and a narrative that could “stretch across decades.”

In the final segment, the creators tease a potential season two that will explore whether the postcards will continue to appear and what the long‑term consequences will be for the characters. They also hint at a possible spin‑off that would focus solely on Lila’s mysterious past.

Follow the Journey

If you’re curious about Somebody – Somewhere, you can watch it on the streaming service Netflix (https://www.netflix.com/title/81412345). The Yahoo article links to the official trailer on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abc123xyz). For behind‑the‑scenes content, the series’ official page on Instagram is a goldmine of footage and fan art.

Whether the show lives up to its title remains to be seen, but if the creative team’s vision is anything to go by, Somebody – Somewhere has all the ingredients to become a show that, indeed, could go on forever, and maybe even inspire a new generation of “postcard”‑driven dramas worldwide.

Read the Full Gold Derby Article at:
[ https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/articles/could-show-forever-somebody-somewhere-151226741.html ]

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