Why We Should Lament ABC’s Selfie

ABC did not cancel AMWF comedy Selfie, as reported, but will not renew Selfie after its initial 13-episode order.

Jocelyn did a great write-up with five reasons to watch Selfie, and with Selfie only surviving for another seven episodes, here’s why we should continue to tune in, lamenting its demise.

An AMWF lead and not one, but two interracial couples! 

The leads, Eliza and Henry, portrayed by Karen Gillan and John Cho respectively, have begun falling for each other, especially after some meddling and prodding by their boss.

Their boss’ wife happens to be white, and the boss’ daughter marries a white man in the first episode.

Although there still isn’t loads going on romantically between Eliza and Henry, it’s beginning to heat up, and this week’s episode will spotlight a budding fixation between both characters.

On a very different note, Selfie highlights what happens when millennials do not put down the technology, obsessing over likes and followers on Instagram, and even competing with those closest to us over such shallow pursuits. Cho’s character, not of the same generation as Gillan’s character, exposes Eliza to a world beyond the screen. Without giving away too much, (as you should watch while you still can!), Henry also learns a lesson or two from her.

I continue to tolerate Selfie because I like seeing an AMWF couple in the spotlight, but I have used the word tolerate as I’m not particularly fond of Gillan’s character, particularly the millennial stereotyping or the fact that she needs Henry to achieve a sense of normalcy. 

It’s not all that funny or exciting, however, primetime TV needs more AMWF, intercultural, and interracial couples. It’s a shame TV is all about ratings. 

Watch Selfie on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. Eastern/ 7p.m. Central on ABC. It’s also available to stream online at ABC and Hulu.