Back to Headlines
Entertainment
Jun 05, 2026
Analyzed by GPT OSS 120B

The Dark Comedy of “Alice and Steve” Dissects Friendship, Betrayal and Generational Clash

AI Summary
The Guardian’s review of the new Disney+ series “Alice and Steve” examines how the show blends surreal comedy with a raw look at platonic love, sexual betrayal and generational divides. Starring Jemaine Clement and Nicola Walker, the series pushes the boundaries of the wrong‑com genre while probing the fragility of long‑term friendships.

The Lead: A Surreal Wrong‑Com That Puts Friendship on Trial

The Guardian’s latest review spotlights Alice and Steve, a Disney+ “wrongcom” that follows two 50‑ish ex‑lovers‑turned‑best‑friends as their bond is shattered by a scandalous affair with a 26‑year‑old daughter. The series uses dark humor to explore how love, loyalty and generational values collide when a platonic relationship is tested by sexual betrayal.

The Show’s Premise: A Friendship Framed as a Love‑Story Lab

  • Created by Sophie Goodhart, the series treats every stage of love as a microscope experiment.
  • Central characters: Nicola Walker as Alice, a fiercely protective friend, and Jemaine Clement as Steve, her long‑time confidant.
  • Plot catalyst: Steve’s affair with Alice’s 26‑year‑old daughter Izzy (Yali Topol Margalith).

Generational and Sexual Ethics Tension

The affair ignites a clash between Gen X attitudes and contemporary sexual mores. Clement notes the “different sets of rules” that separate generations, while Goodhart emphasizes that the age gap is secondary to the emotional explosion it triggers.

Performances and Comic Chemistry: Walker’s Fury Meets Clement’s Surrealism

Walker delivers a “white‑hot rage” that feels authentic, echoing her roles in Unforgotten and The Split. Clement balances a “cad” perception with genuine empathy for his friend, creating a comic chemistry that keeps the absurdity grounded.

Thematic Exploration: Friendship, Marriage, and the Limits of Loyalty

Beyond the scandal, the series interrogates long‑term marriage (Alice’s relationship with Daniel, played by Joel Fry) and the idea that platonic bonds can be hotter than marital ones. Goodhart states the show aims to “look at love in all its different shapes and sizes,” from marital stagnation to teenage experimentation.

Outlook: A Bold, Controversial Entry in the Wrong‑Com Landscape

With its blend of dark humor, drug‑laden realism and a willingness to dissect uncomfortable power dynamics, Alice and Steve positions itself as a daring, conversation‑starter for future seasons. Its success will likely hinge on whether audiences embrace its unapologetic examination of friendship turned rivalry.