“Go On” is a heartwarming and witty television series that first graced our screens in 2012, created by Scott Silveri. This sitcom, rich in humor and humanity, offers a unique and compelling exploration of grief, friendship, and personal growth. The series introduces us to Ryan King, a charismatic and witty sports radio host, played by Matthew Perry, who embarks on an unexpected journey of healing and self-discovery.
The show opens with Ryan King in the aftermath of a personal tragedy, having lost his wife, Janie, in a car accident. He is devastated and struggles to come to terms with his grief. His witty, sardonic humor becomes his defense mechanism, as he tries to cope with the overwhelming sense of loss that surrounds him.
In an attempt to move forward, Ryan reluctantly joins a support group for people dealing with loss. The group is led by the well-intentioned but unorthodox Lauren Bennett, portrayed by Laura Benanti. Ryan initially dismisses the group and its members as a collection of misfits and oddballs who don’t understand his pain.
However, as the series unfolds, it becomes clear that the support group is a dynamic and diverse ensemble of characters, each dealing with their own unique forms of grief. There’s Anne Marie Sakowitz (Julie White), who is mourning the loss of her cat but insists on attending to support Ryan. There’s Sonia (Sarah Baker), a woman who lost her girlfriend, and George (Bill Cobbs), an elderly widower who delivers pearls of wisdom with humor and heart. There’s also Yolanda (Suzy Nakamura), who lost her husband, and Steven (John Cho), who hides behind a stoic facade.
The interactions within the support group provide the core of the show’s humor and emotional depth. While the members have diverse backgrounds and deal with different forms of loss, they form a tight-knit, quirky community that begins to help each other heal and grow. They challenge each other to confront their grief, explore new avenues for personal growth, and even engage in some unconventional, and often hilarious, therapy sessions.
Lauren, the group’s leader, strives to guide the members through the healing process, but her well-intentioned methods often clash with Ryan’s skepticism and humor. Their dynamic creates both comic and heartfelt moments as they learn from each other’s perspectives on life, love, and loss.
Ryan’s journey toward healing takes another turn when he returns to work as a sports radio host. His boss, Steven, provides a contrasting perspective to the group’s emotional support, emphasizing the need to move forward and carry on. This professional environment and his interactions with the eccentric radio station staff contribute to the humor and insight of the series.
As “Go On” progresses, we see Ryan’s evolution from a man consumed by grief and sarcasm to one who becomes more open to the support of his group and the possibility of finding happiness again. His relationships with Lauren, his work colleagues, and the diverse members of the support group continue to grow and provide both comedic and poignant moments.
The series deftly explores themes of grief, coping, and the importance of human connection. It shows that even in the darkest of times, humor and the support of others can be powerful sources of healing. “Go On” reminds us that, in our most vulnerable moments, it’s the relationships we build and the community we create that can help us find our way back to joy and hope.
Matthew Perry delivers a standout performance, blending humor with heartfelt emotion in his portrayal of Ryan King. The supporting cast, including Laura Benanti and the ensemble of grief support group members, adds depth and charm to the show. “Go On” is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of friendship and laughter, making it a memorable and heartwarming addition to the world of television.