Hulu now offers streaming of my beloved classic comedy series, delivering 8 seasons of fantastically absurd humor
In 1964, the world was introduced to the enchanting world of "Bewitched", a supernatural sitcom that has aged remarkably well and is now streaming on Hulu. The series, directed by multiple directors, with William Asher being the primary director, follows the life of Samantha Stephens (Elizabeth Montgomery), a witch living a double life as a suburban housewife in the unassuming town of Westbury.
Samantha's all-powerful abilities are a constant source of amusement, as the writing is sharp and inventive, and the jokes are just as funny now as they were 60 years ago. Her magical family expands over the course of the series, with various one-off cousins, aunts, uncles, and recurring characters like Uncle Arthur (Paul Lynde) and Samantha's doppelganger cousin Serena (also Montgomery).
The relationship between Samantha and her husband Darrin, portrayed by Dick York in earlier seasons and Dick Sargent in later seasons, is healthier than most sitcom marriages. Despite the magical obstacles, the couple manages to navigate their relationship with a surprising amount of understanding and acceptance.
However, the most intriguing character might be Samantha's meddling mother, Endora, played by Agnes Moorehead. Endora is a progressive woman unencumbered by obligations to any men and baffled by the constraints that her daughter wants to live by. Her relationship with Darrin is playful, giving her a sense of purpose and a way to exercise her creativity. If Endora were to get rid of Darrin, she might feel a bit lost.
Endora uses her magic freely and enthusiastically, living a life of hedonistic pleasure without any regrets. Her snide commentary about Samantha's marriage and Darrin delivers a delightful dose of sarcasm and wit.
The series also features Samantha's daughter Tabitha (Erin Murphy), who has magical powers, adding an extra layer of complexity to the magical world existing just beyond the Stephens' home. As more relatives are introduced, the show paints a weird, multifaceted portrait of this magical world.
"Bewitched" presents a progressive view of marriage and family within a traditional sitcom setting. The show's ability to balance the supernatural with the mundane, and its portrayal of a strong, independent woman in Samantha, make it a fascinating snapshot of the changing times in the 1960s.
So, if you're in the mood for a classic supernatural sitcom that still feels fresh and relevant today, look no further than "Bewitched", now streaming on Hulu.
