I Simply Don't Understand Why More People Aren't Watching "Dickinson"
This fever dream–esque period piece is in its third season, and it's so completely underrated.
We hope you love the shows and movies we recommend! Just so you know, BuzzFeed may collect a share of revenue or other compensation from the links on this page. Oh, and FYI: Platform, prices, and other availability details are accurate as of time of posting.
The third and final season of Dickinson recently premiered on Apple TV+, and now that this early breakout series for the streaming platform is coming to a close, I have some questions — mainly, why aren't we all a little more obsessed with it?
BuzzFeed has been championing this show for a hot minute now, and its ratings over at Rotten Tomatoes would suggest critics and general audiences love it, but compared to the buzz of other comparable period pieces (see: Bridgerton), the attention this show is getting seems to be...lacking, to say the least.
Granted, I'm a huge fan of shows that chaotically walk the line between ~so good~ and *so bad it's good* (see: Riverdale, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, [accepting that I'll get hate for this one] even Bridgerton at times).
Dickinson's bold choices can be a bit out there, but in a media landscape saturated with countless shows that feel designed by an algorithm, shouldn't we reward those that choose to set themselves apart from the crowd — even when those choices lead to the casting of Wiz Khalifa as the literal embodiment of death?
Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself...let's go back to the beginning so I can better explain.
As some of us know (and too many don’t), Dickinson is a twisted retelling of the young life of poet Emily Dickinson (played by Academy Award nominee Hailee Steinfeld). Often referred to in *actual* history as a recluse who remained in her room as much as possible and kept even her writing to herself, the show chooses to portray quite a different version of the literary figure.
Creator Alena Smith brings Emily — “the original sad girl” — and her family members into the 21st century, but keeps the bonnets and sideburns of the 1800s close at hand, blending modernity and history in a not always seamless but nevertheless highly entertaining fashion. Dickinson chronicles Emily’s journey into adulthood, authorship, and romance all while trying to buck the patriarchal chains of society.
In the very first episode, the show says screw it, the long-debated subtext is just text now. Emily is in love with Sue, and the feelings are mutual — for the most part (it always has to be complicated, doesn't it?). Now, you would *think* that I've just majorly spoiled things for you, but no. This compelling plot point is introduced before the episode even really begins, truly setting the tone for how great the show is.
Sue - Forevermore! indeed...
And as if the show sailing the Emily + Sue ship so early on wasn't compelling enough, in just the first season alone, Dickinson comes up with some incredible cameos that had me pausing frequently to drag my boyfriend in from the other room and make him watch with me. John Mulaney as Henry David Thoreau had me in total hysterics.
And the choice to girlboss-ify Louisa May Alcott (author of Little Women), played on the show by the lovely and talented Zosia Mamet (Girls, The Flight Attendant), is one that I am *truly* here for.
Her jogging like a horse will never not haunt me in the funniest of ways.
Beyond the most prominent, headline-grabbing plot points, this show has real heart and the ability to evoke emotions not unlike those of Emily Dickinson's own body of work. Sure, the absolute bop-filled soundtrack, star-laden cast, and steamy make-out scenes will keep you entertained, but don't be fooled — waterworks *will* ensue.
Whether you're a fan of Emily Dickinson's poetry, an Easter egg–hunting Swiftie (such as myself) who buys into the Evermore x Emily Dickinson theories, or simply a lover of entertaining television, I can't think of a single reason why you shouldn't be talking about this show.
I mean, who doesn't want to watch an 1800s-style reimagining of a classic teen movie party scene?
Can someone fact check their casual usage of opium from this episode?
In summary, this show is severely underrated, and as its last episode is set to air Dec. 24, I fear we are running out of time to appreciate Dickinson for the weird, wondrous, and wild piece of television that it is.
But it's not too late to stream Dickinson while new episodes are still airing and allow yourself to rightfully become as obsessed with this show as I now find myself to be. Please, for me, watch it and then hit me up, okay?