The creator of BoJack Horseman, Raphael Bob-Waksberg, has once again collaborated with Netflix to create another engaging adult animated comedy-drama, Long Story Short, about one family over time. Following the success of BoJack Horseman, Bob-Waksberg once again connects with his audience on a deeper level by portraying family dynamics in their most open and honest forms.
Long Story Short is a ten-episode series that follows the Schwooper family in a show that breaks standard narratives using non-linear storytelling methods that tie into the title of the show. The experience, shared ubiquitously amongst families when discussing a long story told short, is woven into the show’s being. Each episode title could easily be recognized as the start of a memory about to be shared amongst family, such as “Yoshi’s Bar Mitzvah,” channeling that familial sense of comfort that draws the audience in.
Focusing deeply on the specificity of the Schwooper siblings, Bob-Waksberg knew there would be “universalities that other people would find their ways into,” creating a show that breaks free from any restrictions, such as being considered “the Jewish show,” and instead targeting a broader audience in hopes of being recognized as “the family show” that all cultures could relate to in some way.
While sitting with our own Junior Felix, it was evident his vision was a success as Felix shared the many ways this story related to his own family dynamics. Family jokes were one way Bob-Waksberg placed a small touch of his own life, as he hoped to connect this “secret language” many families feel is impenetrable, especially when thinking of himself and his sisters and their many catchphrases that come to them naturally.
Bob-Waksberg, however, was not the only one who found inspiration for this story from his own family, with actress Lisa Edelstein (voice of Naomi Schwartz) stating she was “born to do it” as she linked a lot of her character to her experiences in life, crediting her mother and grandmother as inspiration that helped her lovingly connect to Naomi.
Edelstein went on to say that Long Story Short, for her, had many moments in which she felt connected to the Schwooper family, specifically mentioning the portrayal of the impact assimilation has had on Jewish families that changed each generation’s experiences throughout the years, creating a familiarity that drew her in and brought her joy to explore.
With a refreshing art style that draws viewers in, Long Story Short is beyond relatable as comedy and drama blend to recreate a depiction of family people around the world can see themselves in.
The ultimate goal for Long Story Short comes from Raphael Bob-Waksberg,
“It’s a show for families to watch together.”
About “Long Story Short”
Long Story Short is an animated comedy from the creator of BoJack Horseman about one family, over time. Jumping through the years, we follow the Schwooper siblings from childhood to adulthood and back again, chronicling their triumphs, disappointments, joys, and compromises.
CAST:
Lisa Edelstein (Naomi Schwartz)
Paul Reiser (Elliott Cooper)
Ben Feldman (Avi Schwooper)
Abbi Jacobson (Shira Schwooper)
Max Greenfield (Yoshi Schwooper)
Angelique Cabral (Jen)
Nicole Byer (Kendra Hooper)
Dave Franco (Danny Wegbreit), Recurring Guest
Michaela Dietz (Hannah Schwooper), Recurring Guest
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