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{{Infobox television
{{Infobox television
| image = How to Die Alone series.png
| image = How to Die Alone series.png
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| alt_name =
| alt_name =
| genre = Comedy
| genre = Comedy
| creator = [[Natasha Rothwell]]
| creator = [[Natasha Rothwell]]
| showrunner = Natasha Rothwell <br> Vera Santamaria
| showrunner = Natasha Rothwell <br> [[Vera Santamaria]]
| writer =
| writer =
| screenplay =
| screenplay =
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| story =
| story =
| director =
| director =
| starring = Natasha Rothwell <br> [[Conrad Ricamora]] <br> [[Jocko Sims]] <br> [[KeiLyn Durrel Jones]] <br> [[Jaylee Hamidi]] <br> [[Michelle McLeod]]
| starring = Natasha Rothwell <br> [[Conrad Ricamora]] <br> [[Jocko Sims]] <br> KeiLyn Durrel Jones
| theme_music_composer =
| theme_music_composer =
| music =
| music =
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| num_seasons = 1
| num_seasons = 1
| num_series =
| num_series =
| num_episodes = 4
| num_episodes = 8
| list_episodes =
| list_episodes =
| runtime =
| runtime =
| company = <!-- Production companies only --> Big Hattie Productions <br> [[Welcome Stranger]] <br> [[ABC Signature]] <br>[[Onyx Collective]]
| company = <!-- Production companies only --> Big Hattie Productions <br> Welcome Stranger <br> [[ABC Signature]] <br>[[Onyx Collective]]
| network = [[Hulu]]
| network = [[Hulu]]
| first_aired = {{Start date|2024|09|13}}
| first_aired = {{Start date|2024|09|13}}
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'''''How to Die Alone''''' is an American comedy series created by and starring [[Natasha Rothwell]]. The series follows a woman who has never been in love, and decides to change her life after a near-death experience. [[Conrad Ricamora]], [[Jocko Sims]], and KeiLyn Durrel Jones also star. It premiered on [[Hulu]] on September 13, 2024.
'''''How to Die Alone''''' is an American comedy series created by and starring [[Natasha Rothwell]]. The series follows a woman who has never been in love, and decides to change her life after a near-death experience. [[Conrad Ricamora]], [[Jocko Sims]], and KeiLyn Durrel Jones also star. It premiered on [[Hulu]] on September 13, 2024.


==Plot==
==Premise==
"Mel, a broke, fat, Black [[JFK airport]] employee who’s never been in love and forgotten how to dream, until an accidental brush with death catapults her on a journey to finally take flight and start living by any means necessary."<ref name="deadline">{{cite web |last1=Andreeva |first1=Nellie |title=Natasha Rothwell’s Onyx Comedy Series ‘How To Die Alone’ Gets Premiere Date, Key Art |url=https://deadline.com/2024/07/natasha-rothwell-how-to-die-alone-premiere-date-trailer-key-art-onyx-hulu-1236002032/ |website=Deadline |access-date=7 July 2024}}</ref>
The story centers on Mel, a down-on-her-luck Black woman working at [[John F. Kennedy International Airport|JFK airport]]. After a near-death experience, she decides to take control of her life and begins a journey of self-empowerment and personal transformation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Pulak |date=September 12, 2024 |title=How to Die Alone season 1: Release date, cast, plot, and everything you need to know |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/shows/how-die-alone-season-1-release-date-cast-plot-everything-need-know |access-date=October 10, 2024 |website=[[Sportskeeda]]}}</ref>


==Cast and characters==
==Cast and characters==
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* [[Jocko Sims]] as Alex, Mel's ex<ref name="Mashable" />
* [[Jocko Sims]] as Alex, Mel's ex<ref name="Mashable" />
* KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Terrance, Mel's co-worker, a baggage handler<ref name="Mashable" />
* KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Terrance, Mel's co-worker, a baggage handler<ref name="Mashable" />
* Jaylee Hamidi as Allie, Mel's friend<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Davidson |first=Latasha Ford,Denton |date=2024-09-05 |title=‘How to Die Alone’ red carpet premiere: Interviews with stars Natasha Rothwell, Conrad Ricamora, Jaylee Hamidi and more … [WATCH] |url=https://www.goldderby.com/article/2024/how-to-die-alone-red-carpet-premiere-inerviews/ |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=GoldDerby |language=en-US}}</ref>
* Jaylee Hamidi as Allie, Mel's friend<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Davidson |first=Denton |last2=Ford |first2=Latasha |date=2024-09-05 |title=‘How to Die Alone’ red carpet premiere: Interviews with stars Natasha Rothwell, Conrad Ricamora, Jaylee Hamidi and more … [WATCH] |url=https://www.goldderby.com/article/2024/how-to-die-alone-red-carpet-premiere-inerviews/ |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=GoldDerby |language=en-US}}</ref>
* Michelle McLeod as Patty, Mel's co-worker and nemesis<ref name=":1" />
* Michelle McLeod as Patty, Mel's co-worker and nemesis<ref name=":1" />
* [[Chris Powell (comedian)|Chris Powell]] as DeShawn, a baggage handler<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Tinubu |first=Aramide |date=2024-09-13 |title=Natasha Rothwell’s Fantastic ‘How to Die Alone’ Is Witty, Raw and Brutally Honest: TV Review |url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/reviews/how-to-die-alone-review-hulu-series-1236116383/ |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref>
* [[Chris Powell (comedian)|Chris Powell]] as DeShawn, a baggage handler<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Tinubu |first=Aramide |date=September 13, 2024 |title=Natasha Rothwell’s Fantastic ‘How to Die Alone’ Is Witty, Raw and Brutally Honest: TV Review |url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/reviews/how-to-die-alone-review-hulu-series-1236116383/ |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |language=en-US}}</ref>
* Arkie Kandola as Shaun, a baggage handler<ref name=":2" />
* Arkie Kandola as Shaun, a baggage handler<ref name=":2" />
* Elle Lorraine as Kaya, Mel's co-worker and friend
* Elle Lorraine as Kaya, Mel's co-worker and friend
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=== Guest ===
=== Guest ===
* [[Bashir Salahuddin]] as Brian, Mel's older brother<ref name="deadline">{{cite web |last1=Andreeva |first1=Nellie |date=July 5, 2024 |title=Natasha Rothwell’s Onyx Comedy Series ‘How To Die Alone’ Gets Premiere Date, Key Art |url=https://deadline.com/2024/07/natasha-rothwell-how-to-die-alone-premiere-date-trailer-key-art-onyx-hulu-1236002032/ |access-date=July 7, 2024 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref>
* [[Bashir Salahuddin]] as Brian, Mel's older brother<ref name="deadline" />
* [[Ellen Cleghorne]] as Beverly, Mel's mother<ref name=":2" />
* [[Ellen Cleghorne]] as Beverly, Mel's mother<ref name=":2" />
* [[H. Jon Benjamin]] as Carl, a falcon handler known as "the Birdman"<ref>
* [[H. Jon Benjamin]] as Carl, a falcon handler known as "the Birdman"<ref>
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==Episodes==
==Episodes==
{{Episode table |background=#000000 |overall= |title= |director= |writer= |writerT=Written by |writerR=<ref name="deadline">{{cite web |last1=Andreeva |first1=Nellie |title=Natasha Rothwell’s Onyx Comedy Series ‘How To Die Alone’ Gets Premiere Date, Key Art |url=https://deadline.com/2024/07/natasha-rothwell-how-to-die-alone-premiere-date-trailer-key-art-onyx-hulu-1236002032/ |website=Deadline |access-date=7 July 2024}}</ref>|airdateR=<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Petski |first=Denise |date=2023-02-23 |title=Natasha Rothwell’s ‘How To Die Alone’ Sets Main Cast With Conrad Ricamora, KeiLyn Durrel Jones, Jocko Sims; Bashir Salahuddin To Recur |url=https://deadline.com/2023/02/natasha-rothwells-how-to-die-alone-cast-conrad-ricamora-keylyn-durrel-jones-jocko-sims-bashir-salahuddin-1235268752/ |access-date=2024-07-07 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref>|airdate= | released=y |episodes=
{{Episode table |background=#000000 |overall= |title= |titleR=<ref name="rottentomatoes"/> |director= |writer= |writerT=Written by |writerR=<ref>{{Cite web |title=''How to Die Alone'' |url=https://directories.wga.org/project/1240839/how-to-die-alone/ |access-date=September 15, 2024 |publisher=[[Writers Guild of America West]]}}</ref> |airdateR=<ref name="rottentomatoes"/> |airdate= | released=y |episodes=
{{Episode list
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 1
| EpisodeNumber = 1
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| EpisodeNumber = 2
| EpisodeNumber = 2
| Title = Lie and Deny
| Title = Lie and Deny
| DirectedBy = Renuka Jeyapalan
| DirectedBy = [[Renuka Jeyapalan]]
| WrittenBy = Kristen Bartlett
| WrittenBy = Kristen Bartlett
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|9|13}}
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|9|13}}
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| Title = Settle
| Title = Settle
| DirectedBy = Shahrzad Davani
| DirectedBy = Shahrzad Davani
| WrittenBy = Halsted Sullivan
| WrittenBy = [[Halsted Sullivan]]
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|9|13}}
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|9|13}}
| ShortSummary = <!-- Episode summaries must be expressed in your own words. Do NOT submit content you find from another web site as it is plagiarism and likely a copyright violation, which Wikipedia cannot accept and will be removed or reverted. Superficially modifying copyrighted content or closely paraphrasing it, even if the source is cited, still constitutes a copyright violation. Summaries should be about 100 to 200 words in length, per MOS:TVPLOT, and those substantially less than 100 words are most likely to be scrutinized for possible copyright violation. -->
| LineColor = 000000
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 5
| Title = Trust No One
| DirectedBy = Tiffany Johnson
| WrittenBy = Marquita J. Robinson
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|9|20}}
| ShortSummary = <!-- Episode summaries must be expressed in your own words. Do NOT submit content you find from another web site as it is plagiarism and likely a copyright violation, which Wikipedia cannot accept and will be removed or reverted. Superficially modifying copyrighted content or closely paraphrasing it, even if the source is cited, still constitutes a copyright violation. Summaries should be about 100 to 200 words in length, per MOS:TVPLOT, and those substantially less than 100 words are most likely to be scrutinized for possible copyright violation. -->
| LineColor = 000000
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 6
| Title = Let Fear Win
| DirectedBy = Shahrzad Davani
| WrittenBy = Jen Regan
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|9|20}}
| ShortSummary = <!-- Episode summaries must be expressed in your own words. Do NOT submit content you find from another web site as it is plagiarism and likely a copyright violation, which Wikipedia cannot accept and will be removed or reverted. Superficially modifying copyrighted content or closely paraphrasing it, even if the source is cited, still constitutes a copyright violation. Summaries should be about 100 to 200 words in length, per MOS:TVPLOT, and those substantially less than 100 words are most likely to be scrutinized for possible copyright violation. -->
| LineColor = 000000
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 7
| Title = Kill Your Darlings
| DirectedBy = Tiffany Johnson
| WrittenBy = [[Vera Santamaria]]
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|9|27}}
| ShortSummary = <!-- Episode summaries must be expressed in your own words. Do NOT submit content you find from another web site as it is plagiarism and likely a copyright violation, which Wikipedia cannot accept and will be removed or reverted. Superficially modifying copyrighted content or closely paraphrasing it, even if the source is cited, still constitutes a copyright violation. Summaries should be about 100 to 200 words in length, per MOS:TVPLOT, and those substantially less than 100 words are most likely to be scrutinized for possible copyright violation. -->
| LineColor = 000000
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 8
| Title = Get Lost
| DirectedBy = Jude Weng
| WrittenBy = Natasha Rothwell
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|9|27}}
| ShortSummary = <!-- Episode summaries must be expressed in your own words. Do NOT submit content you find from another web site as it is plagiarism and likely a copyright violation, which Wikipedia cannot accept and will be removed or reverted. Superficially modifying copyrighted content or closely paraphrasing it, even if the source is cited, still constitutes a copyright violation. Summaries should be about 100 to 200 words in length, per MOS:TVPLOT, and those substantially less than 100 words are most likely to be scrutinized for possible copyright violation. -->
| ShortSummary = <!-- Episode summaries must be expressed in your own words. Do NOT submit content you find from another web site as it is plagiarism and likely a copyright violation, which Wikipedia cannot accept and will be removed or reverted. Superficially modifying copyrighted content or closely paraphrasing it, even if the source is cited, still constitutes a copyright violation. Summaries should be about 100 to 200 words in length, per MOS:TVPLOT, and those substantially less than 100 words are most likely to be scrutinized for possible copyright violation. -->
| LineColor = 000000
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==Production==
==Production==
''How to Die Alone'' was co-created by [[Natasha Rothwell]], known for her roles on ''Insecure'' and ''White Lotus'', and Vera Santamaria.<ref name="deadline" /> Both are also executive producers along with Jude Weng and [[Desiree Akhavan|Desiree Akhavan.]]<ref name="deadline" /> The series is produced under [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]]'s [[Onyx Collective]], [[ABC Signature]], Big Hattie Productions, and Welcome Stranger.<ref name="deadline" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Vera Santamaria |url=https://www.verasantamaria.com/ |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=Vera Santamaria |language=en-US}}</ref> Rothwell stated that she wanted to "to really explore the difference between loneliness and being alone" in the series.<ref name="Mashable">{{cite web |last1=Edwards |first1=Belen |title='How to Die Alone' is Natasha Rothwell's 'most vulnerable' work yet |url=https://mashable.com/article/how-to-die-alone-tca-panel |website=Mashable |access-date=7 July 2024}}</ref> In November 2022 it was announced that ''How to Die Alone'' was picked up by Onyx Collective for an eight-episode order starring Rothwell.<ref name=variety>{{Cite web |last=Hailu |first=Selome |date=2022-11-17 |title=‘Insecure’ Alum Natasha Rothwell to Write and Star in Hulu Comedy ‘How to Die Alone’ |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/natasha-rothwell-how-to-die-alone-hulu-1235435313/ |access-date=2024-07-07 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref>
''How to Die Alone'' was co-created by [[Natasha Rothwell]], known for her roles on ''Insecure'' and ''White Lotus'', and Vera Santamaria.<ref name="deadline" /> Both are also executive producers along with Jude Weng and [[Desiree Akhavan|Desiree Akhavan.]]<ref name="deadline" /> The series is produced under [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]]'s [[Onyx Collective]], [[ABC Signature]], Big Hattie Productions, and Welcome Stranger.<ref name="deadline" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Vera Santamaria |url=https://www.verasantamaria.com/ |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=Vera Santamaria |language=en-US}}</ref> Rothwell stated that she wanted to "to really explore the difference between loneliness and being alone" in the series.<ref name="Mashable">{{cite web |last1=Edwards |first1=Belen |date=February 10, 2024 |title='How to Die Alone' is Natasha Rothwell's 'most vulnerable' work yet |url=https://mashable.com/article/how-to-die-alone-tca-panel |access-date=July 7, 2024 |website=[[Mashable]]}}</ref> In November 2022 it was announced that ''How to Die Alone'' was picked up by Onyx Collective for an eight-episode order starring Rothwell.<ref name="variety">{{Cite web |last=Hailu |first=Selome |date=2022-11-17 |title=‘Insecure’ Alum Natasha Rothwell to Write and Star in Hulu Comedy ‘How to Die Alone’ |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/natasha-rothwell-how-to-die-alone-hulu-1235435313/ |access-date=2024-07-07 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |language=en-US}}</ref>


The cast members were announced in February 2023.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Petski |first=Denise |date=2023-02-23 |title=Natasha Rothwell’s ‘How To Die Alone’ Sets Main Cast With Conrad Ricamora, KeiLyn Durrel Jones, Jocko Sims; Bashir Salahuddin To Recur |url=https://deadline.com/2023/02/natasha-rothwells-how-to-die-alone-cast-conrad-ricamora-keylyn-durrel-jones-jocko-sims-bashir-salahuddin-1235268752/ |access-date=2024-07-07 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> [[Conrad Ricamora]], [[Jocko Sims]], and KeiLyn Durrel Jones were announced as series regulars, and [[Bashir Salahuddin]] was announced as a recurring guest star.<ref name=":0" />
The cast members were announced in February 2023.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Petski |first=Denise |date=2023-02-23 |title=Natasha Rothwell’s ‘How To Die Alone’ Sets Main Cast With Conrad Ricamora, KeiLyn Durrel Jones, Jocko Sims; Bashir Salahuddin To Recur |url=https://deadline.com/2023/02/natasha-rothwells-how-to-die-alone-cast-conrad-ricamora-keylyn-durrel-jones-jocko-sims-bashir-salahuddin-1235268752/ |access-date=2024-07-07 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |language=en-US}}</ref> [[Conrad Ricamora]], [[Jocko Sims]], and KeiLyn Durrel Jones were announced as series regulars, and [[Bashir Salahuddin]] was announced as a recurring guest star.<ref name=":0"/>


== Release ==
== Release ==
''How to Die Alone'' premiered with its first four episodes on [[Hulu]] on September 13, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 14, 2024 |title=How to Die Alone season 1 release schedule: All episodes and when they arrive |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/shows/how-die-alone-season-1-release-schedule-all-episodes-arrive |access-date=October 10, 2024 |website=[[Sportskeeda]]}}</ref> The streaming service later released the remaining episodes in smaller batches, with two episodes dropping each week, leading up to the finale on September 27, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fuentes |first=Tamara |date=September 13, 2024 |title=Here’s When Every Episode of ‘How to Die Alone’ Drops |url=https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/tv/a62180880/how-to-die-alone-release-schedule/ |access-date=2024-10-09 |website=[[Cosmopolitan (magazine)| Cosmopolitan]] |language=en-US}}</ref>
The series premiered on [[Hulu]] on September 13, 2024 with the release of the first four episodes. Additional episodes will be released weekly thereafter.<ref name="deadline" />


== Reception ==
== Reception ==
⚫
On the [[review aggregator]] website [[Rotten Tomatoes]], 86% of 14 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6.2/10.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/how_to_die_alone/s01 |title=How to Die Alone: Season 1 |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |access-date=September 11, 2024}}</ref> [[Metacritic]], which uses a [[weighted average]], assigned a score of 76 out of 100, based on 13 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/how-to-die-alone/season-1/ |title=How to Die Alone season 1 |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=September 11, 2024}}</ref>


=== Viewership ===
Aramide Tinibu praised the series in ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'', "her first solo effort as a creator, is skillfully crafted, anchoring important themes and conversations in comedic musings. The humor in the show is almost shockingly authentic. Mel says ugly things to herself and others, but these jabs are woven impeccably into hilarious one-liners."<ref name=":2" /> Cristina Escobar wrote positive of Rothwell's performance for [[RogerEbert.com]], "Rothwell has the dramatic chops to pull off Melissa’s low and high moments, telegraphing vulnerability with her big brown eyes. The costuming helps, charting her internal sense of beauty without any silly, big-reveal moment (such as the infamous and oft-repeated scene of movies past where the girl takes off her glasses and cardigan and becomes hot)."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-13 |title=Natasha Rothwell Finds New Life in Hulu's Winning “How to Die Alone” {{!}} TV/Streaming {{!}} Roger Ebert |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/streaming/how-to-die-alone-review |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=www.rogerebert.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
TVision, which utilizes its TVision Power Score to evaluate [[Connected TV|CTV]] programming performance by factoring in viewership and engagement across over 1,000 apps and incorporating four key metrics—viewer attention time, total program time available for the season, program reach, and app reach—calculated that ''How to Die Alone'' was the eleventh most-streamed series from September 16 to September 22.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=September 25, 2024 |title=The TVision Power Score - Week of September 16-22, 2024 |url=https://www.tvisioninsights.com/signal/september-25-2024 |access-date=2024-10-09 |website=TVision Insights |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lafayette |first=Jon |date=September 25, 2024 |title='Agatha All Along' Levitates to Top of TVision Power Score Rankings |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/agatha-all-along-levitates-to-top-of-tvision-power-score-rankings |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241006214501/https://www.nexttv.com/news/agatha-all-along-levitates-to-top-of-tvision-power-score-rankings |archive-date=October 6, 2024 |access-date=October 4, 2024 |website=[[Broadcasting & Cable]]}}</ref> It moved to tenth place during the week of September 23 to 29.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=October 2, 2024 |title=The TVision Power Score - Week of September 23-29, 2024 |url=https://www.tvisioninsights.com/signal/october-2-2024 |access-date=2024-10-09 |website=TVision Insights |language=en}}</ref>

=== Critical response ===
⚫
On the [[review aggregator]] website [[Rotten Tomatoes]], 91% of 23 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 7.3/10. The website's critics consensus reads, "Leveraging creator and star Natasha Rothwell's firecracker energy for a sweet and sour character study, ''How to Die Alone'' is a handy manual for relatable viewing."<ref name="rottentomatoes">{{cite web |title=''How to Die Alone'': Season 1 |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/how_to_die_alone/s01 |access-date=September 21, 2024 |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]}}</ref> [[Metacritic]], which uses a [[weighted average]], assigned a score of 76 out of 100, based on 13 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.<ref>{{cite web |title=How to Die Alone season 1 |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/how-to-die-alone/season-1/ |access-date=September 21, 2024 |website=[[Metacritic]]}}</ref>

Aramide Tinibu of ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' found described ''How to Die Alone'' as "a witty and thoughtful dramedy about loneliness, accountability, and the courage to get out of one’s own way" with Natasha Rothwell delivering a "flawless" performance.<ref name=":2" /> Tinubu praised Rothwell's writing, describing the series as "beautifully relatable and introspective".<ref name=":2" /> Tinubu appreciated the show's nuanced portrayal of airport life and its reflections on the difference between being alone and feeling lonely.<ref name=":2" /> Cristina Escobar of ''[[RogerEbert.com]]'' wrote that ''How to Die Alone'' offers a balance of bleak subject matter and humor, with Natasha Rothwell delivering a standout performance. She praised Rothwell's ease in delivering jokes and highlighted the talents of the supporting cast. Escobar also stated that while the show has sitcom elements, it focuses on its protagonist growth beyond romance, working on her career and relationships. She complimented the tone and called Rothwell a "fantastic leading lady," expressing hope for more seasons, especially given the need for more Black sitcoms.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cristina |first=Escobar |date=September 13, 2024 |title=Natasha Rothwell Finds New Life in Hulu's Winning “How to Die Alone” {{!}} TV/Streaming {{!}} Roger Ebert |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/streaming/how-to-die-alone-review |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=[[RogerEbert.com]] |language=en-US}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
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[[Category:Onyx Collective original programming]]
[[Category:Onyx Collective original programming]]
[[Category:Television shows filmed in Toronto]]
[[Category:Television shows filmed in Toronto]]
⚫
[[Category:Television shows set in Toronto]]
[[Category:2020s American comedy television series]]
[[Category:2020s American comedy television series]]
[[Category:2024 American television series debuts]]
[[Category:2024 American television series debuts]]
⚫
[[Category:Television shows set in New York City]]

Latest revision as of 11:33, 17 November 2024

How to Die Alone
The poster shows the main character, Mel, wearing a windbreaker and a reflective vest on a runway, under a plane that's taking off. The series title is written in white blocky text in the bottom third of the photo.
GenreComedy
Created byNatasha Rothwell
ShowrunnersNatasha Rothwell
Vera Santamaria
StarringNatasha Rothwell
Conrad Ricamora
Jocko Sims
KeiLyn Durrel Jones
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes8
Production
Production companiesBig Hattie Productions
Welcome Stranger
ABC Signature
Onyx Collective
Original release
NetworkHulu
ReleaseSeptember 13, 2024 (2024-09-13) –
present

How to Die Alone is an American comedy series created by and starring Natasha Rothwell. The series follows a woman who has never been in love, and decides to change her life after a near-death experience. Conrad Ricamora, Jocko Sims, and KeiLyn Durrel Jones also star. It premiered on Hulu on September 13, 2024.

Premise

[edit]

The story centers on Mel, a down-on-her-luck Black woman working at JFK airport. After a near-death experience, she decides to take control of her life and begins a journey of self-empowerment and personal transformation.[1]

Cast and characters

[edit]

Main cast

[edit]
  • Natasha Rothwell as Melissa, also known as "Mel"[2]
  • Conrad Ricamora as Rory, Mel's best friend[2]
  • Jocko Sims as Alex, Mel's ex[2]
  • KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Terrance, Mel's co-worker, a baggage handler[2]
  • Jaylee Hamidi as Allie, Mel's friend[3]
  • Michelle McLeod as Patty, Mel's co-worker and nemesis[3]
  • Chris Powell as DeShawn, a baggage handler[4]
  • Arkie Kandola as Shaun, a baggage handler[4]
  • Elle Lorraine as Kaya, Mel's co-worker and friend
  • Melissa DuPrey as Tamika, Mel's friend[5]

Guest

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Episodes

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No.Title [8]Directed byWritten by [9]Original release date [8]
1"Stop Living"Jude WengNatasha RothwellSeptember 13, 2024 (2024-09-13)
2"Lie and Deny"Renuka JeyapalanKristen BartlettSeptember 13, 2024 (2024-09-13)
3"Burn Bridges"Renuka JeyapalanMara Vargas JacksonSeptember 13, 2024 (2024-09-13)
4"Settle"Shahrzad DavaniHalsted SullivanSeptember 13, 2024 (2024-09-13)
5"Trust No One"Tiffany JohnsonMarquita J. RobinsonSeptember 20, 2024 (2024-09-20)
6"Let Fear Win"Shahrzad DavaniJen ReganSeptember 20, 2024 (2024-09-20)
7"Kill Your Darlings"Tiffany JohnsonVera SantamariaSeptember 27, 2024 (2024-09-27)
8"Get Lost"Jude WengNatasha RothwellSeptember 27, 2024 (2024-09-27)

Production

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How to Die Alone was co-created by Natasha Rothwell, known for her roles on Insecure and White Lotus, and Vera Santamaria.[6] Both are also executive producers along with Jude Weng and Desiree Akhavan.[6] The series is produced under Disney's Onyx Collective, ABC Signature, Big Hattie Productions, and Welcome Stranger.[6][10] Rothwell stated that she wanted to "to really explore the difference between loneliness and being alone" in the series.[2] In November 2022 it was announced that How to Die Alone was picked up by Onyx Collective for an eight-episode order starring Rothwell.[11]

The cast members were announced in February 2023.[12] Conrad Ricamora, Jocko Sims, and KeiLyn Durrel Jones were announced as series regulars, and Bashir Salahuddin was announced as a recurring guest star.[12]

Release

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How to Die Alone premiered with its first four episodes on Hulu on September 13, 2024.[13] The streaming service later released the remaining episodes in smaller batches, with two episodes dropping each week, leading up to the finale on September 27, 2024.[14]

Reception

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Viewership

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TVision, which utilizes its TVision Power Score to evaluate CTV programming performance by factoring in viewership and engagement across over 1,000 apps and incorporating four key metrics—viewer attention time, total program time available for the season, program reach, and app reach—calculated that How to Die Alone was the eleventh most-streamed series from September 16 to September 22.[15][16] It moved to tenth place during the week of September 23 to 29.[17]

Critical response

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On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 91% of 23 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 7.3/10. The website's critics consensus reads, "Leveraging creator and star Natasha Rothwell's firecracker energy for a sweet and sour character study, How to Die Alone is a handy manual for relatable viewing."[8] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned a score of 76 out of 100, based on 13 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.[18]

Aramide Tinibu of Variety found described How to Die Alone as "a witty and thoughtful dramedy about loneliness, accountability, and the courage to get out of one’s own way" with Natasha Rothwell delivering a "flawless" performance.[4] Tinubu praised Rothwell's writing, describing the series as "beautifully relatable and introspective".[4] Tinubu appreciated the show's nuanced portrayal of airport life and its reflections on the difference between being alone and feeling lonely.[4] Cristina Escobar of RogerEbert.com wrote that How to Die Alone offers a balance of bleak subject matter and humor, with Natasha Rothwell delivering a standout performance. She praised Rothwell's ease in delivering jokes and highlighted the talents of the supporting cast. Escobar also stated that while the show has sitcom elements, it focuses on its protagonist growth beyond romance, working on her career and relationships. She complimented the tone and called Rothwell a "fantastic leading lady," expressing hope for more seasons, especially given the need for more Black sitcoms.[19]

References

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  1. ^ Kumar, Pulak (September 12, 2024). "How to Die Alone season 1: Release date, cast, plot, and everything you need to know". Sportskeeda. Retrieved October 10, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d e Edwards, Belen (February 10, 2024). "'How to Die Alone' is Natasha Rothwell's 'most vulnerable' work yet". Mashable. Retrieved July 7, 2024.
  3. ^ a b Davidson, Denton; Ford, Latasha (2024-09-05). "'How to Die Alone' red carpet premiere: Interviews with stars Natasha Rothwell, Conrad Ricamora, Jaylee Hamidi and more … [WATCH]". GoldDerby. Retrieved 2024-09-11.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Tinubu, Aramide (September 13, 2024). "Natasha Rothwell's Fantastic 'How to Die Alone' Is Witty, Raw and Brutally Honest: TV Review". Variety. Retrieved 2024-09-14.
  5. ^ "Natasha Rothwell Finds New Life in Hulu's Winning "How to Die Alone" | TV/Streaming | Roger Ebert". www.rogerebert.com. 2024-09-13. Retrieved 2024-09-14.
  6. ^ a b c d Andreeva, Nellie (July 5, 2024). "Natasha Rothwell's Onyx Comedy Series 'How To Die Alone' Gets Premiere Date, Key Art". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 7, 2024.
  7. ^ Hereford, André (2024-09-08). "Natasha Rothwell on 'How to Die Alone' and Her Return to 'The White Lotus'". Metro Weekly. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
  8. ^ a b c "How to Die Alone: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved September 21, 2024.
  9. ^ "How to Die Alone". Writers Guild of America West. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  10. ^ "Vera Santamaria". Vera Santamaria. Retrieved 2024-09-11.
  11. ^ Hailu, Selome (2022-11-17). "'Insecure' Alum Natasha Rothwell to Write and Star in Hulu Comedy 'How to Die Alone'". Variety. Retrieved 2024-07-07.
  12. ^ a b Petski, Denise (2023-02-23). "Natasha Rothwell's 'How To Die Alone' Sets Main Cast With Conrad Ricamora, KeiLyn Durrel Jones, Jocko Sims; Bashir Salahuddin To Recur". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 2024-07-07.
  13. ^ "How to Die Alone season 1 release schedule: All episodes and when they arrive". Sportskeeda. September 14, 2024. Retrieved October 10, 2024.
  14. ^ Fuentes, Tamara (September 13, 2024). "Here's When Every Episode of 'How to Die Alone' Drops". Cosmopolitan. Retrieved 2024-10-09.
  15. ^ "The TVision Power Score - Week of September 16-22, 2024". TVision Insights. September 25, 2024. Retrieved 2024-10-09.
  16. ^ Lafayette, Jon (September 25, 2024). "'Agatha All Along' Levitates to Top of TVision Power Score Rankings". Broadcasting & Cable. Archived from the original on October 6, 2024. Retrieved October 4, 2024.
  17. ^ "The TVision Power Score - Week of September 23-29, 2024". TVision Insights. October 2, 2024. Retrieved 2024-10-09.
  18. ^ "How to Die Alone season 1". Metacritic. Retrieved September 21, 2024.
  19. ^ Cristina, Escobar (September 13, 2024). "Natasha Rothwell Finds New Life in Hulu's Winning "How to Die Alone" | TV/Streaming | Roger Ebert". RogerEbert.com. Retrieved 2024-09-14.
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