My friend Charlie and I have a running joke where we send coded messages to each other. When one of us says “Am back on the horse,” it really means we’re rewatching BoJack Horseman—which is our way of saying we’re having a mental health crisis. The other knows to show up with pastries and a reminder to go outside. That show changed everything for me. While The Simpsons redefined cartoons, and Ren & Stimpy and South Park pushed boundaries, Raphael Bob-Waksberg’s story about a washed-up actor seeking redemption wasn’t just adult animation—it was deeply meaningful.
So I was nervous approaching the creators’ new animated series. This one isn’t about fame, there are no talking animals, no underwater worlds, no Will Arnett. How could I watch without comparing it? It feels unfair, but inevitable—like judging a new relationship against an old one.
Long Story Short (Netflix, August 22) may not have a famous horse, but it’s just as ambitious. It’s a sprawling family saga told across multiple timelines, following the Schwoopers—a loud, messy Jewish family. Each episode zooms in on a different character or relationship, jumping between the 1950s and the 2020s as they navigate love, growing up, divorce, parenting, old wounds, joy, and loss. Think Bluey meets Tolstoy.
The Jewishness isn’t just background—it’s central. Naomi Schwartz is the classic Jewish mother, endlessly critical but fiercely proud. Her daughter Shira is more modern (“We’re a lesbian couple with biracial Jewish sons. We’re impressive,” her partner Kendra quips). In one episode, teenager Danny (voiced by Dave Franco) hypes up his friend’s bar mitzvah speech: “Dude, your davening was on point! Mr. Leibowitz was kvellin’ like a felon!”
Of course, it’s melancholy. Most dramas stick to one timeline, but Long Story Short treats every era equally, weaving past and present to reveal the full weight of time. Characters reappear, relationships deepen, and we’re left with the bittersweet truth of how fleeting life is.
And it’s hilarious. The show loves wordplay, absurdity, and surprise. Poor Yoshi gets tricked into selling explosive mattresses in a tube (yes, there’s a “soft launch”). Avi’s daughter’s school is overrun by wolves, but no one seems to care. Kendra and Shira have a dog named The Undeniable Isadora Duncan. Okay, fine, there are animals in this one.
The dialogue flies fast, especially at the Schwooper dinner table, and it takes a minute to adjust—but BoJack Horseman also needed time to find its footing. (In fact, its first season improved so much that IndieWire started reviewing full seasons instead of individual episodes.) Here, I was hooked by episode two. It’s rare for a comedy to make me actually laugh out loud, but this one did—like when Shira struggles with a reCAPTCHA asking her to “select squares containing bisexuals.” (“How am I supposed to—?”) Kendra deadpans, “Where are your glasses? It says bicycles.”
But above all, it’s beautiful. The show lingers on moments when hearts break open. One episode ends with Kendra attending shul for selfish reasons, and the raw humanity of it left me breathless.
The emotional depth is woven into its structure, reminding me of Merrily We Roll Along—a story told backward, where every choice ripples through time. Long Story Short does something similar, showing how lives intertwine across decades, full of love, regret, and the quiet magic of being alive.The show has hints of Pachinko and the movie Boyhood. Its clever structure feels effortless, and with ten half-hour episodes, Long Story Short never overstays its welcome. It’s a pleasure to watch, even if you miss some of the Fiddler on the Roof nods. I’m happy it’s been renewed—like with people I’ve lost, I just want more time with it.
FAQS
### **FAQs About “In Short: This Jewish Family Comedy from the Creator of…”**
#### **Basic Questions**
**1. What is this show about?**
It’s a Jewish family comedy created by , focusing on humor, family dynamics, and cultural traditions in a lighthearted way.
**2. Who created the show?**
The show was created by , who also worked on .
**3. Where can I watch it?**
You can stream it on .
**4. Is the show based on real life?**
While it may draw from real cultural experiences, it’s a fictional comedy.
**5. Is the show appropriate for kids?**
It’s family-friendly but best for older kids and teens due to some humor they’ll understand better.
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#### **Advanced Questions**
**6. How does this show compare to the creator’s previous work?**
It has a similar comedic style but focuses more on Jewish family life, whereas was about .
**7. Are there recurring themes in the show?**
Yes—family bonds, generational differences, and cultural identity are common themes.
**8. Does the show include Yiddish or Hebrew phrases?**
Yes, but they’re usually explained or easy to understand from context.
**9. Are there guest stars from other popular shows?**
Occasionally! Some actors from or other comedies make cameos.
**10. Will there be more seasons?**
No official announcement yet, but if it’s popular, chances are good!
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#### **Practical Tips & Fun Facts**
**11. How can I get the most out of watching?**
Pay attention to small cultural jokes—they make the humor richer!
**12. Are there running gags or inside jokes?**
Yes, like the overbearing grandma or the uncle’s bad business ideas.
**13. Is the show relatable for non-Jewish viewers?**
Absolutely! The family dynamics and humor are universal, even if some jokes are culturally specific.
**14. What’s the best episode to start with?**
The pilot gives a good intro,
