Michaela Coel, our newest East London bestie-in-our-head, created one of the best comedies on Netflix you're not watching. But for those of you obsessed with it like we are, we finally learned why there's ONLY 6 episodes per seasons....
We've been obsessed with "Chewing Gum" since it made its Netflix debut last year. While the rest of the world was seemingly sleeping on it (folks are definitely more woke about it now that season 2 is out), we were binging that ish like a pan of Patti Pie.
The 29-year-old writer and creator of the now BAFTA-winning sitcom gives us life as the virginal, evangelical-raised "Tracey" who is trying her damndest to lose her virginity in the most hilarious, Thot-iest, and unfortunate ways possible. Too bad chick gets a nosebleed every time she gets horny. It's a hot mess – and so is her equally hilarious on-screen sister played by Susan Wokoma– and we can't get enough.
That's why we (and everybody else) have been frustratingly perplexed by the super short 6 episode seasons. We thought chick was just holding out! But, there's a good reason. A REALLY good reason. The boss chick is the sole writer of the series, and flushing out more than 6 episodes by herself just ain't the move.
Michaela explained via Twitter today:
Why is Chewing Gum only 6 episodes? Ok so if you check IMDb or just google, you'll notice most shows have at least a tiny little writer room
— Michaela Coel (@MichaelaCoel) April 14, 2017
It is a standard thing in TV, especially US TV because it is kuh-raaazy to write a show by yourself, it's actually stupid
— Michaela Coel (@MichaelaCoel) April 14, 2017
I wrote every word of Chewing Gum by myself. when sum1 once tried to help, it didn't work bcoz u kinda need to live in my disturbed head
— Michaela Coel (@MichaelaCoel) April 14, 2017
Anymore than 6 eps per season is low key suicide. And we don't have the economy in the U.K. TV industry to pay for anymore.
— Michaela Coel (@MichaelaCoel) April 14, 2017
By the way, her Twitter bio deserves a Creative Emmy of its own. It reads:
Sole writer and creator of #ChewingGum Double BAFTA & RTS winner. 2017 Leader of entertainment Forbes Under 30, yet my ex still won't bang me.
Ha!
Photos: Getty/Netflix
