Leanne on Netflix is the comfort sitcom comeback we've been waiting for

Over the past decade, sitcoms have unfortunately become a dying art. Yes, there are still super popular multi-cam sitcoms on the air and even on streaming services, but they are not nearly as celebrated or popular as they once were. Thankfully, Netflix looks to further revive the classic sitcom with a little help with one of the freshest voices in modern comedy.

Leanne made its premiere on July 31 and defied Netflix norms in various ways. Not only is the streamer launching a new multi-cam sitcom, but for what might be the first time, Netflix dropped all 16 episodes of the series at once. In the past, the streamer has split the vast majority of its multi-cam efforts into small parts, like the overly complicated release pattern of The Upshaws.

Who would have thought that it would be daring to release a new multi-cam sitcom? That's where we are, especially in a time when a Frasier revival series can't make it past two seasons. But Morgan teamed up with sitcom powerhouse Chuck Lorre to create a sitcom based on her comedy, a practice that was once the sought-out pipeline for comedians. And let me tell you... It still works!

Leanne isn't completely based on Morgan's real life, just her comedy. She's still happily married, while her character, Leanne Murphy, has just been dumped by Bill (Ryan Stiles), her husband of over 30 years. Together, they share a son Tyler (Graham Rogers), who's married with a son and a baby on the way, and a daughter Josie (Hannah Pilkes), a hot mess who owns it. (In real life, Morgan has a son and two daughters.)

In the show, Leanne's younger sister Carol, played to hilarious perfection by Mom alum and Emmy Award-winning 3rd Rock from the Sun star Kristen Johnston, sticks by her side to help her navigate suddenly becoming single when she least expected it. Leanne also takes care of her elderly parents (played by Celia Weston and Blake Clark), who offer some scene-stealing moments and a stark look at family dynamics in middle age.

If you loved 2000s family comedies that focused mostly on the adults, such as Reba and Everybody Loves Raymond, you will simply adore Leanne. It's a comforting throwback for sitcom fans, a return to episodes that are 22 minutes long (or less!) and feature non-stop laughs. But even while Leanne provides a tasteful amount of nostalgia, it doesn't feel outdated or inaccessible. Morgan's delightful comedy blooms into life as a Middle America sitcom anyone can enjoy.

Before the series premiered on Netflix, I was able to watch eight of the 16 episodes. Since I hadn't seen Morgan's stand-up (something I will be remedying very soon with her Netflix special), I wasn't sure if I would connect with the sitcom. From the first scene, Morgan's off-the-charts likability ensured I would be watching every episode. Seriously, I haven't seen someone who's just absolutely meant to be where they are since I watched Reba on The WB as a kid.

In another timeline, Leanne would be one of the highest-rated sitcoms on CBS, and Morgan and Johnston would be nominated for an Emmy every season. While the series could still very well become one of the most popular sitcoms on Netflix, we're just not in a place in pop culture where sitcoms are recognized the way they should be. However, Leanne doesn't need critical acclaim or award nominations, just viewers who will laugh and relate.

Watch Leanne only on Netflix.

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