Hulu has begun kicking their original series initiative into overdrive. Their latest original “Deadbeat” is an extremely funny take on not only death, but the life of those who claim to be psychic mediums. This well-written supernatural stoner comedy by Brett Konner & Cody Heller is hopefully a look at what’s to come from Hulu’s next batch of originals.

Deadbeat is a 2014 supernatural comedy that stars Tyler Labine as Kevin Pacalioglu a medium who helps spirits “move on from the dark to the light” & Brandon T. Jackson as his best friend & drug dealer Roofie, Cat Deely stars as the female lead Camomile, Kevin’s love interest & rival, and her assistant Sue is played by Lucy DeVito. It premiered on Hulu on April 9, 2014. It can be streamed exclusively on Hulu as a Hulu Original Series.

Tyler Labine (right) & Brand T. Jackson (left) star as main characters Kevin & Roofie, respectively.

If you’re a fan of shows that have had a similar premise such as Dead Like Me & Reaper, then chances are you’ll end up loving Deadbeat. Oddly enough, before starring in the Brad Pitt produced Hulu exclusive, Tyler Labine had a supporting role in the aforementioned Reaper. Deadbeat features quite a few prominent guest stars in it’s pilot season including Jason Biggs, Ray Wise, and others. This gives Deadbeat a unique feel compared to other streaming exclusives, and the characters these actors portray in the series are something to see. A prime example is Biggs playing an Cacomorphobic (fear of overweight people) fashion designer. Moments such as these make Deadbeat an excellent comedy series, but it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.

Cat Deely plays Camomile.

THE GOOD:  If you’re a fan of Tyler Labine’s past work, or have never seen Labine’s work in the past, but are a fan of actors of similar style such as Jack Black then chances are you’re going to enjoy Deadbeat, but I’d even take it further by saying if you’ve never seen any of Black or Labine’s work, nor a fan of either you’ll likely end up becoming a fan of the series, and subsequently the latter Labine. His energetic style of acting and look helps bring a sense of realism to Kevin Pacalioglu. Deadbeat isn’t like Reaper or Dead Like Me (only in premise and genre are they similar). For starters Kevin is a loser stoner who just so happens to be a medium, he’s stuck in a bit of a rut. Barely able to pay for rent, and the weed he enjoys so much, which is provided to him by his drug dealer/best friend Roofie a young man with a smart business mindset and is a bit of an entrepreneur. Despite his main criminal application, he usually acts as the big brother, voice of reason character to Kevin.

Kevin in his apartment where most of the show takes place.

What Deadbeat does right is taking a comedic look at the life of a medium, from the perspective of an average Joe. The comedy is there, from marathoning the first season I’ve laughed at least a few times at every episode, so consistency is a definite plus. I haven’t seen many Hulu originals, but out of what I have seen Deadbeat is definitely my favorite. In most cases each episode contains some kind of story that will coincide with the events of a following episode, this gives Deadbeat a unique feeling of continuity, whereas most other comedies are full of random storylines that for the most part have no form of continuation.

Kevin comes face to face with Camomile.

“The Sexorcism”  as a whole had some great moments itself such as Kevin having to help a young virgin who died back in WW2 cross over to the light by possessing his body so he could have sex with his lost love. Much to Kevin’s surprise this lost love ends up being about 60+ years old. Camomile being exposed as a fake by the episode’s end was rather funny.

Labine’s latest lead role is perhaps his greatest to date.

THE BAD:  If you’re not a fan of the aforementioned shows, then chances are that you won’t dig Deadbeat. I know that’s a bit contradictory from my earlier point, but it works both ways. It has potential to give you the incentive of checking out those shows as well.  Also if you’re not a fan of Jack Black or Tyler Labine, this one might be a miss for you, but I highly recommend gutting out at least the first three episodes, or pacing yourself by watching every episode per week or day.

Labine with Deely.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Deadbeat is a fun, witty comedy that gives star Tyler Labine a place to shine with his energetic style of acting. Fans of Labine’s previous series Reaper & a similar series Dead Like Me, will fall in love with Deadbeat. However those who aren’t fans will find it hit or miss,with hit being the likely case. Otaku Dome gives Deadbeat “The Sexorcism” an 90 out of 100.