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Season 1 – Enlightened

Play trailer Poster for Season 1 – Enlightened Oct 2011 Comedy Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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79% Tomatometer 29 Reviews 85% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
An ambitious corporate executive, Amy Jellicoe has succeeded despite the fact she can be her own worst enemy. After a series of self-destructive choices leads to a very public, humiliating nervous breakdown, Amy spends three months at a treatment center in Hawaii, where she learns to live a more enlightened existence. Upon returning home, however, she discovers her new passionate and honest outlook isn't accepted by her family, friends and co-workers, notably her mom, Helen, with whom Amy now lives, and her drug-addicted ex-husband, Levi. Immersed in a more complicated life, Amy must decide what's really important to her.
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Enlightened — Season 1

Enlightened — Season 1

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Critics Consensus

Enlightened is an outstanding and brave show, exemplifying how a television series can successfully present different elements of the human psyche.

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Critics Reviews

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Doreen St. Felix The New Yorker 05/09/2020
The character of Amy Jellicoe, an executive ground down to bones and nerve after a mental breakdown, could have been a sort of spiritual successor to Tony Soprano. It is a critical text in Dern studies. Go to Full Review Michael Judge Wall Street Journal 10/10/2011
This isn't just the story of one woman's search for relevance or power in a man's world; it's the story of one human being's search for meaning, one soul's search for redemption. Go to Full Review Alessandra Stanley New York Times 10/10/2011
The series embraces the absurdities of its subject with enough compassion to avoid outright parody. Go to Full Review Renee Scolaro Rathke PopMatters 10/10/2011
8/10
Enlightened doesn't belabor Amy's cluelessness beyond the first few episodes. Instead, it offers a complex portrait of her of working out belief and self-understanding - past that first moment of seeming transformation. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Alain E @AlainE Dec 30 I am a big fan of Laura Dern since Blue Velvet, but in my opinion this is a complete misfire. I wonder how she sees it herself fifteen years later. Obviously, it’s not realistic but the whole premise is hard to swallow. The heroine, who until her breakdown appeared to be middle level corporate management, is now unable to comprehend the consequences of her actions. I watched one and a half episode before I came to the conclusion that it’s a complete waste of time. See more Imaginarily B @ImaginIt Nov 16 An interesting premise. Good potential. However, while there are many comedic actresses who could have made Enlightened an interesting series to watch, Dern is not one of them. Dern plays her character as whining, controlling and self-involved. There is nothing comedic about her performance. And the viewer is left feeling only sorry for the other characters. See more Elise Feb 16 This show is so incredibly relevant to what our world if going through right now. Gosh I am learning so much as someone who too has come to this enlightened state. The story perfectly depicts what it feels like to become your higher self whilst everyone around doesn't seem to get it. Highly highly recommend!! See more 09/16/2021 I watched this as I loved the white lotus and thought this may be similar. It's not, I found it boring and with a very aggravating voice over. Wishy washy, no bite to it whatsoever. Disappointing See more 04/01/2021 A great hidden jam. Ahead of its time. Luvs it. Cringy af. See more Stephen G 12/05/2020 A sad, irritating show about a sad, irritating woman who has sad co-workers and a sad ex-husband and who works for a bad company. See more Read all reviews
Enlightened — Season 1

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Cast & Crew

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Laura Dern

Amy Jellicoe

Luke Wilson

Levi

Diane Ladd

Helen Jellicoe

Sarah Burns

Krista Jacobs

Timm Sharp

Dougie

Charles Esten

Damon Manning

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Oct 10, 2011 Pilot A corporate employee starts a new life after having a meltdown and receiving therapy at a holistic treatment center. Details Episode 2 Aired Oct 17, 2011 Now or Never Amy's hopes for a dream job are shattered; Amy struggles to reform her ex-husband and her mother. Details Episode 3 Aired Oct 24, 2011 Someone Else's Life Amy considers searching for a job that is more socially responsible. Details Episode 4 Aired Oct 31, 2011 The Weekend Amy convinces Levi to go on a river-rafting excursion with her. Details Episode 5 Aired Nov 7, 2011 Not Good Enough Mothers Amy attempts to generate interest in a woman's group at work. Details Episode 6 Aired Nov 14, 2011 Sandy A fellow group therapy alumna from Hawaii comes to visit Amy. Details Episode 7 Aired Nov 21, 2011 Lonely Ghosts Amy and Tyler confront emptiness; Dougie gets a promotion at work. Details Episode 8 Aired Nov 28, 2011 Comrades Unite! Amy and Dougie's conflict climaxes; Amy asks a favor of Krista. Details Episode 9 Aired Dec 5, 2011 Consider Helen Amy heads to work, leaving her mother home alone; Helen runs into an old acquaintance; Levi confronts Helen about her role in his breakup with Amy. Details Episode 10 Aired Dec 12, 2011 Burn It Down Amy convinces Levi to get treatment; Amy makes a presentation at work; Amy seeks Tyler's help. Details

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Enlightened — Season 1

Enlightened Enlightened Enlightened Enlightened View more photos

Season Info

Director
Mike White
Executive Producer
Mike White, Laura Dern
Screenwriter
Mike White
Network
HBO
Rating
TV-MA
Genre
Comedy, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date
Oct 10, 2011