SIX OF THE REASONS WHY WE STILL NEED SHOWS LIKE ‘PUSHING DAISIES’
Some of the best television shows earn the unfortunate badge that is “cancellation.” Sometimes, this cancellation needs to happen (because some shows are that bad), but then there are also the favorites gone too soon. This brings us to the subject of today’s silly little listicle. I speak of Pushing Daisies and reasons why we still need shows like it!
The story revolves around a shy business owner who owns a pie shop. All owing to a freak childhood accident, our hero Ned is cursed, literally. Bad enough as is, his reality only gets worse. Ned’s touch can also resurrect a person, but if within two minutes Ned doesn’t touch the person again, someone nearby to the deceased then must die. Now instead of showing affection, Ned’s touch means certain death. If there is one thing good to come from this, Ned teams up with a wise-cracking PI, and together they solve mysterious murders. This all works fine until Ned’s former sweetheart, Charlotte “Chuck” Charles dies… and then reenters his life.
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SIX OF THE REASONS WHY WE STILL NEED SHOWS LIKE ‘PUSHING DAISIES.’ Looking at some of the reasons why #PushingDaises style shows is STILL needed. Share on XNot only did I happen upon this show late in the game, but I also fell head over heels in love with it knowing there would be no more seasons. There’s something about the story that makes it impossible to dislike the show. There are so many reasons why this ABC show (which aired from 2007-2008 for only two seasons) deserved more time. Among them are three key reasons:
1: The Creativity (writing, sets, costumes, colors, characters)
2: The Humor
3: The Old-Fashion Storytelling
In a TV world where shows often “give in” and go dark, there is a missing hole in the culture of light and happy TV shows. Even things like Virgin River, which is lighthearted, deals in some heavy topics. No, we still need happy shows like Pushing Daisies. It’s a show that may be “unrealistic” or mocked by some, but it’s darling and required. I miss this kind of creative, yes, but also just fun television. The kind of show that doesn’t end depressing us, but rather with a smile. Old-fashion and bursting with charm, this show did steal my heart. Despite it being about death, it’s still a show that brings sunshine.
Sadly, no matter how hard I try, I’ve not found a TV show like Pushing Daisies. As my search continues, today I wanted to take a trip down memory lane because why not? Here are six specific reasons why I miss this show.
PUSHING DAISIES and the REASONS WHY WE NEED SHOWS LIKE THIS
CHARACTERS
Whether it’s the quirky and big personalities of Chuck’s eccentric aunts or the loyalty of Ned’s employee, Olive, the characters played by this talented cast are memorable. Then there is Lee Pace in the role of Ned. He’s got that cute boy-next-door look and personality that gives the audience a sense of comfort. He’s the quintessential modern gentleman. In fact, I still think of these characters anytime I see the cast in other roles. They’re the kind of personalities that beg to not be forgotten.
CREATIVITY
The creativity of this show is brilliant. Of course I’m coming into this as a mere layperson, but there is just something here that is unique and fun and charming. The colors and the “whimsy” of this entire show is just so dang likable and delightful. It’s hard to describe, really, though ask someone else and they would probably say this show is, well, stupid. pushing daisies shows like this
THE COLORS
It may sound silly, but color…! We need aesthetics like this. Pushing Daisies is full of color and florals and loveliness. I love the aesthetics of the program and how it looks.
SIX OF THE REASONS WHY WE STILL NEED SHOWS LIKE ‘PUSHING DAISIES.’ Looking at some of the reasons why #PushingDaises style shows is STILL needed. Share on X
NED
Should I mention Ned separately after already gushing over him? Perhaps not. But I will anyway.
PIE
Because who doesn’t love a good slice of pie? Of course, the pies in this show look simply divine.
STORYTELLING
There’s something wholesome and old-fashion about this storytelling. This may very well be due to the creator, Bryan Fuller. Prior to watching this show, I knew nothing about him. Watching this show reminds me of a kind of cheery painting. At the surface, it’s a simple set scene with lots of colors, but look closer and you’ll discover layers of artistic personality. This is what Bryan does for this show. He layers the story in personality and colors the world with idiosyncrasies that draw the viewer in. Maybe it’s as a result of the vintage costumes or perhaps the romantic connotations, but whatever that “it” factor is, it’s endearing.
Given the subject, it seems strange to say that this show is a happy go lucky one that makes its viewer smile, but it is. Like anything, it won’t be for everyone, but it’s a show with heart. That’s worth so much in today’s television. For those of you who have not seen this show, and might be interested, the series does earn a nice albeit abbreviated conclusion, which I hope encourages you to look this one up.
In case I didn’t say this already, Pushing Daisies is like its name, a cheerful bit of storytelling.
You can buy Pushing Daisies on places like Prime Video or on DVD. Or stream, at publication, with a Max subscription.
Photos: Alamy
Did you ever watch the show? If so, what are some of your favorite memories or thoughts on it? What are your opinions on if we need Pushing Daisies and shows like this? Do you have any favorite comedy show recommendations? Sound off below with your thoughts!
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Note: this post did first appear on Silver Petticoat several years ago. It has been updated and published for RissiWrites.com
