Olive Kitteridge

A look at a seemingly placid New England town that is actually wrought with illicit affairs, crime and tragedy, all told through the lens of Olive, whose wicked wit and harsh demeanor mask a warm but troubled heart and staunch moral center. The story spans 25 years and focuses on Olive's relationships with her husband, Henry, the good-hearted and kindly town pharmacist; their son, Christopher, who resents his mother's approach to parenting; and other members of their community.

Olive Kitteridge (2014) is a four-episode American limited series created by Jane Anderson for HBO, adapted from the Elizabeth Strout novel. Frances McDormand plays Olive, a wicked-tongued retired schoolteacher whose harsh demeanor masks a warm but troubled heart, opposite Richard Jenkins as her good-hearted husband Henry, the kindly town pharmacist. Their strained relationship with their resentful son Christopher (John Gallagher Jr.) anchors the story, while Zoe Kazan, Ann Dowd and Bill Murray appear among the other residents whose lives unravel beneath the calm surface of a Maine town. Each episode moves through affairs, crime, illness and grief, gradually revealing how these neighbors are bound together over a span of twenty-five years. The tone is wry, melancholic and quietly devastating, built on sharp dialogue and long, unhurried scenes that let emotion surface slowly. Viewers who appreciate the intimate character studies of Mare of Easttown and the domestic undercurrents of Big Little Lies will find a similar resonance here. Its literary roots and measured pacing make it a rewarding, contemplative watch for adults who enjoy character-driven drama.

Critics broadly acclaim the miniseries for its restrained, novelistic portrait of a difficult woman and the strength of McDormand's lead performance.

• Mare of Easttownquiet small town drama, character study of a difficult woman, layered family and marital tensions
• Big Little Liesintimate American family drama, marriage and aging, understated tone and literary roots
• Olive Kitteridge (2014 film)New England town portrait, interconnected stories of ordinary lives with buried sorrow
• Mildred Piercebleak small town secrets, moral ambiguity beneath a placid surface, prestige limited drama

Created by

Jane Anderson

Release Date

2014-11-02

Episode runtime

60 min

Rating

8.2 / 10 (332)

What is Olive Kitteridge about?

A prickly New England pharmacist's wife and her quietly wounded community are laid bare over twenty-five years of secrets, affairs and grief.

What is Olive Kitteridge like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Olive Kitteridge as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as layered.

Is Olive Kitteridge violent?

Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Olive Kitteridge as mild.

What did critics think of Olive Kitteridge?

Critics broadly acclaim the miniseries for its restrained, novelistic portrait of a difficult woman and the strength of McDormand's lead performance.

Which shows are like Olive Kitteridge?

Shows with a similar feel include Mare of Easttown, Big Little Lies, Olive Kitteridge (2014 film), and Mildred Pierce.

How long is Olive Kitteridge?

Olive Kitteridge: 1 season, 4 episodes.

Is Olive Kitteridge still running?

No, Olive Kitteridge has ended.

Where can I watch Olive Kitteridge?

In United States, Olive Kitteridge streams on HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max.