Jemaine Clement and Nicola Walker on Their Wild New Comedy About Betrayal

The “Wrongcom” Revolution: Why Modern Television is Ditching Traditional Romance

The landscape of television comedy is shifting. We are moving away from the predictable “boy meets girl” tropes toward what critics are calling the “wrongcom”—a genre that prioritizes the messy, often uncomfortable realities of human connection over fairy-tale endings. The upcoming series Alice and Steve, starring Nicola Walker and Jemaine Clement, epitomizes this trend, using a boundary-crossing premise to explore the fragility of long-term friendship and the shifting dynamics of modern love.

When Friendship Turns Into a Minefield

At its core, the “wrongcom” thrives on the premise that our most significant relationships—our best friends—can sometimes be the source of our greatest betrayals. In Alice and Steve, the central conflict arises not from a lack of love, but from a catastrophic lapse in judgment. When a lifelong platonic partner starts dating his best friend’s daughter, the narrative forces us to ask: Is there a statute of limitations on forgiveness?

This reflects a broader trend in storytelling where creators are no longer interested in “toxic masculinity” as a monolithic villain. Instead, they are looking at the “new man”—the put-upon, slightly hapless and deeply flawed individuals who are trying to navigate a world where the rules of intimacy are constantly being rewritten.

Generational Divides: Why One can’t Agree on Rules

One of the most compelling aspects of current character-driven dramas is the “generational embassy” problem. As Jemaine Clement notes, different age groups often feel like they are operating from different countries, each with its own set of social rules.

While Gen X characters may be grappling with the “appalling” things they say without realizing the impact, younger generations—like the 26-year-old Izzy in the series—are often portrayed as having more agency than their parents give them credit for. The future of television writing is moving toward this nuanced middle ground: acknowledging that parents are often the last to realize their children have become capable, independent adults.

Key Trends Shaping Future Dramedies:

• Authentic Chaos: Moving away from sanitized portrayals of domestic life to include “real-life” elements like substance experimentation and unfiltered, uncomfortable conversations.
• De-centering Romance: Prioritizing the “A-team” dynamic of platonic friendships over the traditional romantic lead structure.
• The “Righteousness” Trap: Exploring characters who are convinced they are the only ones “marching in time to the band,” only to realize their own perspective is flawed.

Pro Tip: How to Spot a “Wrongcom”

If you’re looking for your next binge-watch, look for shows that don’t try to make their leads likable. The most engaging stories today are built on “mystified indignation”—where characters are acting on their own version of the truth, even when that truth is objectively destructive to those around them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a “wrongcom”?

It is a sub-genre of comedy-drama that focuses on morally ambiguous situations and relationships that break social taboos, prioritizing sharp, uncomfortable humor over traditional romantic resolutions.

Is Alice and Steve based on a true story?

While not a direct biography, creator Sophie Goodhart draws heavily from real-life observations about the complexities of age-gap relationships and the intense, often complicated nature of long-term platonic friendships.

Why is there so much focus on the “best friend” dynamic?

Modern audiences are increasingly interested in the “platonic soulmate” concept. When that bond is threatened, it provides a higher level of narrative tension than standard romantic breakups.

What do you think? Is there a point of no return in a friendship, or can any bond be repaired? Join the conversation in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more deep dives into the future of television.