By Wanjiku Kungu
When I first saw the title of the comedic web series The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl I thought someone had posted a documentary of my life. After watching the first episode, I knew I had to watch more, and with every one I became more addicted. Now the show has just ended its second season, hinting the possibility of a movie. With over one million views on the first episode, anything is possible. Awkward Black Girl is the epitome of straightforward inner-conscience comedy and it makes being awkward relatable.
The plot centers on the life of J, an African American woman in her mid-twenties, and all of her awkward moments. From her job at a weight-loss pill company to her love life, J cannot get away from her awkward tendencies which usually get her in some difficult situations, like surviving a first date with ‘white Jay’ or trying to dodge her one-night-stand at a stop sign. Fortunately she finds solace in her new coworker Cece who also has awkward habits.
Complementing the hilarious plot, J’s inner thoughts are a voice-over letting the viewers really understand her feelings. But what helps J cope with stress is when she freestyles – one of the most unique and honest parts of the show that will have you in tears from laughing so hard. Though the plot and characters are not exactly normal situations or people that most encounter (well I hope not), J’s awkwardness is what people can relate to the most. Like saying the wrong thing at the wrong time or waving at someone who wasn’t waving at you; we’ve all done that at some point. The characters, the acting, the plot—all aspects of the show balance each other out.
As time went on and Awkward Black Girl became more popular, the quality of the show has improved. For the second season, the show paired with super producer and rapper Pharell Williams’s YouTube channel, I Am Other where episodes can be viewed as well. As an avid viewer of internet shows, I can honestly say that this show is one of the funniest I have ever seen. It even won a Shorty Award for Best Web Show in 2012 beating out over 700 web series. So take my word for it and watch an episode on the official website or on YouTube. You probably won’t be able to stop watching. Even better you’ll start repeating famous catch phrases like “bitches be trippin.” That’s my favorite.