19 Years Later, This 96%-Rated Lee Pace Show Is Still One of the Most Charming Dramedies Ever Made
This series is perhaps the only one in the world that combines the scary with the incredibly charming in such a harmonious way.
In 2007, a series debuted that instantly became a cult classic, but unfortunately only lasted two seasons. Pushing Daisies, a grotesque black comedy set in a bizarre world, remains one of the most charming dramedies in TV history.
Created by Bryan Fuller, known for Hannibal and Dead Like Me, the series is a visual masterpiece reminiscent of Amélie and the works of Tim Burton.
What Is 'Pushing Daisies' About?
Since childhood, Ned has had an extraordinary ability: he can bring the dead back to life with a single touch. However, this gift operates according to strict rules: if the revived person is not touched again within a minute, someone else will die in their place.
As an adult, Ned uses his ability to solve murders – he revives the victim for a minute, learns the killer's name, and restores everything. His partner, private detective Emerson Cod, assists him in this unusual line of work.
Everything changes when Ned revives his high school sweetheart, Charlotte. She died under mysterious circumstances, so Ned decides to find out who killed her.
'Pushing Daisies' Is a Unique Show With Its Own Grotesque and Colorful Style
Thanks to its visual style, Pushing Daisies is an unforgettable show – bright, almost unnatural colors, perfectly symmetrical shots, and a fairytale atmosphere make each episode a work of art.
The creators used rich shades of yellow, red, and green to accentuate the magical yet grotesque setting. The set resembles the candy store where Ned works: everything is sweet, colorful, and slightly surreal.
This style, reminiscent of Tim Burton movies and Amélie, became the series' signature and influenced many subsequent projects.
'Pushing Daisies' Cast Will Make You Fall in Love With the Show From the First Minutes
The main strength of Pushing Daisies lies in its acting duo, Lee Pace and Anna Friel. Pace plays Ned, a kind and sincere man who carries immense pain.
Friel, as Charlotte, plays a woman who is full of life and energy despite being dead. Their on-screen chemistry is so strong that viewers believe in their love, even though they can't touch.
The supporting characters, the eccentric Olive and the cynical Emerson Cod, add humor and depth to the series.
What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Pushing Daisies'?
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Pushing Daisies has 96% from critics and 95% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.
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On IMDb, the series has a score of 8.4/10.
Where to Watch 'Pushing Daisies'?
Pushing Daisies is available to buy or rent on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
