In a world where streaming platforms churn out content faster than you can say “binge-watch,” one show has risen above the noise, capturing hearts, sparking laughter, and breaking records in a way no one anticipated. Leanne, the new Netflix sitcom co-created by comedy titan Chuck Lorre and stand-up sensation Leanne Morgan, has taken the world by storm since its July 31, 2025, premiere. With its 16-episode first season, this multicamera comedy has not only climbed to the top of Netflix’s charts but also shattered expectations, earning a staggering 93% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes’ Popcornmeter—tying with Lorre’s The Kominsky Method as his highest-rated show with viewers. This is the story of how Leanne became a cultural juggernaut, blending nostalgia, heart, and humor to redefine what a sitcom can be in 2025.

A Fresh Take on a Classic Formula

At its core, Leanne is a love letter to the golden age of sitcoms, delivered with a modern twist that resonates with audiences of all ages. The show follows Leanne Murphy, played by the effervescent Leanne Morgan herself, a Southern grandmother whose seemingly perfect life unravels when her husband of 33 years, Bill (Ryan Stiles), leaves her for a younger woman. Faced with heartbreak, menopause, and the chaos of starting over, Leanne leans on her quirky, tight-knit family to navigate this unexpected chapter with “grace, dignity, and Jell-O salad.” It’s a premise that feels both timeless and refreshingly bold, tackling the universal theme of reinvention through a comedic lens.

What sets Leanne apart is its unapologetic embrace of the multicamera sitcom format—a style that has largely faded from the spotlight in favor of single-camera dramedies. With its live studio audience, laugh track, and punchy dialogue, the show feels like a warm hug from the 90s, reminiscent of classics like Friends, Seinfeld, or Lorre’s own The Big Bang Theory. Yet, it’s far from a mere throwback. Leanne infuses its traditional setup with contemporary sensibilities, addressing midlife crises, modern dating, and family dynamics with a sharp wit and a Southern charm that’s impossible to resist.

The Leanne Morgan Effect

The beating heart of the show is Leanne Morgan, a 59-year-old Tennessee native whose journey to stardom is as inspiring as the character she plays. Morgan’s rise began with her 2023 Netflix special, I’m Every Woman, which skyrocketed to the platform’s Top 10 comedy specials, showcasing her relatable humor and down-home charisma. Her stand-up, rooted in her experiences as a mother and grandmother, struck a chord with audiences, catching the eye of Chuck Lorre, the “King of Sitcoms” behind hits like Two and a Half Men and Mom. When Lorre saw Morgan’s special, he knew he’d found a singular voice. “If you’ve seen even ten seconds of Leanne Morgan’s stand-up, then you know what a unique comedic force she is,” he said, sparking a collaboration that would change the sitcom landscape.

Morgan’s performance as Leanne Murphy is nothing short of revelatory. While the show isn’t autobiographical—Morgan is happily married to her real-life husband, Chuck Morgan—it draws heavily on her comedic persona. Her character is a whirlwind of warmth, resilience, and self-deprecating humor, navigating the absurdity of Tinder dates and hot flashes with a twinkle in her eye. Morgan’s ability to balance comedic timing with emotional depth makes Leanne a character you root for, laugh with, and want to invite over for a slice of pie. As she told Netflix’s Tudum, “Leanne uses humor to cope. Sometimes you just have to laugh to keep from crying.”

A Stellar Ensemble Cast

While Morgan shines as the titular star, Leanne is elevated by a powerhouse ensemble that brings the Murphy family to life. Kristen Johnston, known for her Emmy-winning role in 3rd Rock from the Sun, steals scenes as Carol, Leanne’s twice-divorced, sassy younger sister who moves back to Knoxville from Chicago. Johnston’s exaggerated facial expressions and dry wit provide the perfect counterbalance to Morgan’s folksy charm, creating a sisterly chemistry that’s both hilarious and heartwarming. The two bounce off each other like a comedic ping-pong match, with Carol serving as Leanne’s cheerleader, confidante, and occasional romance coach.

The supporting cast is equally impressive. Celia Weston and Blake Clark play Mama Margaret and Daddy John, Leanne’s lovably unfiltered parents, whose old-school Southern values add layers of humor and heart. Ryan Stiles, a Two and a Half Men alum, brings nuance to Bill, the ex-husband whose betrayal sets the story in motion. Graham Rogers and Hannah Pilkes round out the family as Leanne’s adult children, Tyler and Josie, each grappling with their own challenges—Tyler as a new dad under pressure, and Josie as a free-spirited rule-breaker. Recurring guest stars like Tim Daly and Jayma Mays add extra flair, ensuring there’s never a dull moment in Knoxville.

Why Leanne Resonates

So, what makes Leanne such a phenomenon? For starters, it fills a void in the sitcom landscape. In an era dominated by edgy, serialized comedies, Leanne dares to be comfort food—accessible, relatable, and relentlessly optimistic. Its 20-minute episodes are perfectly paced, delivering laughs without overstaying their welcome. The show’s humor, while occasionally leaning on familiar gags, is grounded in real human experiences: the sting of betrayal, the awkwardness of starting over, and the joy of rediscovering your strength. As Morgan puts it, “It’s powerful for women to realize—sometimes only when they’re forced to—that they’re stronger than they ever knew.”

The show’s Southern setting adds a unique flavor, with Knoxville serving as more than just a backdrop. From church potlucks to aerobics classes, Leanne captures the quirks of Southern life with authenticity and affection. Fans on social media have praised the show for its spot-on depiction of Bible Belt culture, with one viewer noting, “I’m a Southern woman from Knoxville, and the writers got it spot on!” The show’s ability to blend regional humor with universal themes makes it a hit with diverse audiences, from twentysomethings to retirees.

Breaking Records and Defying Expectations

Leanne’s meteoric rise is perhaps best illustrated by its record-breaking performance on Rotten Tomatoes. With a 75% critics’ score and a jaw-dropping 93% audience score, the show has outpaced Lorre’s previous hits like The Big Bang Theory and Young Sheldon in viewer approval. This makes it one of the highest-rated sitcoms in Lorre’s storied career, tying with The Kominsky Method for audience acclaim. Its climb to the number-two spot on Netflix’s Top 10 most-watched shows shortly after its premiere further cements its status as a cultural touchstone.

Critics have lauded Leanne for its blend of goofiness and sincerity, with Collider noting that it “gives a platform to women who struggle to believe they can have a second lease on life.” While some reviewers have called its humor dated or overly reliant on laugh tracks, the overwhelming audience response suggests that its old-school charm is exactly what viewers crave. Social media is abuzz with fans comparing it to Reba and Roseanne, with one Reddit user proclaiming, “It’s like Cybill plus Reba equals Leanne.” The show’s Certified Fresh status and record-breaking audience score signal that it’s more than just a nostalgia trip—it’s a fresh take on resilience and reinvention.

The Chuck Lorre Magic

Of course, none of this would be possible without Chuck Lorre, whose Midas touch has turned Leanne into a masterclass in sitcom craftsmanship. With a career spanning Roseanne, Cybill, and The Big Bang Theory, Lorre has a knack for turning stand-up comedians into sitcom stars, as seen with Brett Butler in Grace Under Fire. His decision to fly to Knoxville and meet Morgan’s family for inspiration speaks to his commitment to authenticity. The result is a show that feels personal yet universal, with Lorre’s signature blend of heart and humor shining through.

Lorre’s hands-on approach, from co-creating the series to shaping its tone, has paid off. He assembled a writing team that includes Susan McMartin and Nick Bakay, both veterans of his previous projects, ensuring that Leanne delivers consistent laughs and emotional beats. The 16-episode order—an unusually high number for a Netflix sitcom—reflects the streamer’s confidence in Lorre’s vision and Morgan’s star power. With a second season already greenlit as of September 2025, Leanne is poised to become a staple of Netflix’s comedy lineup.

A Dream Come True

For Leanne Morgan, the show is the culmination of a lifelong dream. “When I started comedy 25 years ago, my goal was to be a part of a sitcom,” she told Netflix. “I’m a grandmama from Tennessee, and now I have a TV show with Chuck Lorre. What in the world!?” Her journey from selling jewelry door-to-door to starring in a Netflix hit is a testament to perseverance, proving that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.

For viewers, Leanne is a reminder that life’s messiest moments can lead to the most beautiful beginnings. It’s a show that makes you laugh, cry, and cheer for a woman who refuses to let heartbreak define her. Whether you’re a fan of classic sitcoms or just looking for a dose of Southern charm, Leanne is the binge-watch you didn’t see coming—but won’t be able to stop watching. As the show continues to break records and win hearts, one thing is clear: Leanne Morgan and Chuck Lorre have created something truly special, and the world is ready for more.