Club Benefits
Peacock’s latest offering is a high-concept dramedy that delivers exactly what it says on the tin. Starring Matthew Macfadyen and Elizabeth Banks, "The Miniature Wife" follows a married couple struggling to navigate the fallout of a freak lab accident that has shrunk Lindy Littlejohn (Banks) to a mere six inches tall. Needless to say, life at one-twelfth scale requires a significant adjustment period for everyone involved.
Based on a short story by Manuel Gonzales, the series finds a sweet spot between science fiction, romance, and comedy, even if its central premise leans toward the delightfully quirky. It explores the domestic friction and absurd logistical hurdles of a marriage literally out of balance.
'I Dream of Jeannie'
"The Miniature Wife" leans into a comedic sensibility that feels like a modern homage to 1960s domestic fantasies, making "I Dream of Jeannie" a natural follow-up. Larry Hagman stars as an astronaut who, after crash-landing on a deserted island, discovers a beautiful genie in a bottle (the creatively named Jeannie, played by Barbara Eden). After she rescues him, Jeannie stows away in his duffel bag to return to the United States. Over five seasons, their "will-they-won’t-they" relationship evolves, propelled by Eden’s crackling energy and the lead duo's undeniable chemistry.
Watch free on the Roku Channel
'Made for Love'
There’s something slightly dystopian about the technological advances in "The Miniature Wife" that lead to Lindy’s predicament, and "Made for Love" is another comedy that explores the darker side of tech. It stars Cristin Milioti as a woman escaping a smothering marriage to a tech mogul, only to discover he has implanted a tracking device in her brain. What’s more, he plans to use the chip to allow them to fully "merge" as a couple — a prospect just about as horrifying as it sounds. Bolstered by sharp performances and a strong writing team, Made for Love ran for two seasons on HBO Max, but has since been removed from the library.
Buy on Prime Video Video (only in the U.K.)
Outside the U.K.? Use NordVPN for access when abroad
'Severance'
Speaking of high-concept blends of science fiction and social commentary, it’s impossible to ignore Apple TV+’s hit series "Severance." Featuring an all-star comedic cast, it is set in a corporate landscape where employees have their work and personal lives literally split. While at work, they have no memories of their home lives; when they’re off the clock, their jobs are a total blank. While it initially looks like the ultimate work-life balance, it becomes clear early on that the company is far more nefarious than it seems.
Watch on Apple TV
'The White Lotus'
Although "The Miniature Wife" focuses its energy on the shifting dynamics between a husband and his now-tiny wife, it shares the satirical edge that made "The White Lotus" a cultural phenomenon. Each season features a new ensemble cast in a different luxury vacation destination. While the surroundings are idyllic, the complicated friction between the guests and the resort staff creates immense depth. It is compulsively watchable and packed with talent, from F. Murray Abraham and Aubrey Plaza to Carrie Coon and Jason Isaacs.
Watch on HBO Max
'Maniac'
Unlike other entries on this list, "Maniac" doesn’t necessarily share its comedic tone with "The Miniature Wife," but rather its fascination with futuristic, glitchy tech. While the Peacock series utilizes a miniaturization machine, "Maniac" centers on an intense pharmaceutical trial that brings Owen (Jonah Hill) and Annie (Emma Stone) together. Trippy and creatively ambitious, the series won accolades from critics and audiences alike. Plus, its self-contained 10-episode narrative makes it a perfect quick binge for those wary of a multi-season commitment.
Watch on Netflix
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