Tig Notaro’s Critically Acclaimed Prime Video Gem One Mississippi Deserves a Weekend Binge
One Mississippi, the semi-autobiographical comedy-drama created by Tig Notaro and Diablo Cody, remains one of Prime Video’s best hidden gems, earning a remarkable 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Released in 2016 and running for two seasons until 2017, the series blends Notaro’s signature dry humor with deeply personal storytelling shaped by real-life grief, illness, and family complications. With only twelve tightly crafted episodes, it’s an easy and rewarding weekend binge.
The show follows Tig Bavaro, a Los Angeles radio host who returns to her hometown of Bay St. Lucille, Mississippi, after her mother Caroline (played by Rya Kihlstedt) is placed on life support. The pilot episode—co-written by Notaro and Oscar-winner Diablo Cody, and directed by Nicole Holofcener—sets the tone immediately: understated, honest, and filled with uncomfortable yet relatable humor. Notaro channels her own experiences, including the deaths, illnesses, and personal crises she has openly discussed in her stand-up, giving the series a rare emotional authenticity.
After surviving complications from C. diff and undergoing treatment for breast cancer, Tig moves back into her childhood home. There, she confronts a wave of grief and memory while navigating her strained relationships with her stepfather Bill, played by John Rothman, and her brother Remy, portrayed by Noah Harpster. Bill is one of the show’s standout characters—funny, rigid, heartbreakingly earnest, and known for quirks like ironing his jeans. Remy, meanwhile, offers warmth and confusion in equal measure as he tries to make sense of life and family expectations. Their dynamic forms the emotional backbone of the story as Tig uncovers old family secrets and tries to rebuild her identity.
The supporting cast adds meaningful texture, including Tig’s real-life wife Stephanie Allynne, who plays Kate, her radio producer and eventual love interest. Their natural chemistry gives the quieter narrative beats a grounded tenderness. Guest stars such as Casey Wilson and Sheryl Lee Ralph (long before her Abbott Elementary fame) enrich the small-town world the show paints so vividly.
What sets One Mississippi apart is how it helped pave the way for the modern “sadcom” movement—shows that blend emotional depth with comedy, such as Fleabag, Master of None, and Somebody Somewhere. Yet Notaro’s approach remains uniquely her own: humor drawn from vulnerability, not absurdity; laughs intertwined with quiet truths rather than showy punchlines. Moments can be dark, but they’re backed by warmth, hope, and an underlying sense of resilience.
Despite strong reviews and a devoted audience, Prime Video canceled the series after its second season, reportedly shifting toward broader, more commercial programming. You can read a detailed breakdown of that decision in this Variety article:
Amazon Cancels One Mississippi.
Though short-lived, One Mississippi remains a standout for those who appreciate grounded, character-driven storytelling. Between its thoughtful writing, bold honesty, and Notaro’s unmistakable comedic voice, the show still resonates strongly—and for new viewers, it’s a rare chance to discover a series that feels intimate, sincere, and refreshingly human.
