I’ve been watching Nine Perfect Strangers which is streaming on Hulu. The premiere of this limited series is the most-watched Hulu original series premiere to date.
It’s based on the 2018 novel of the same name by Liane Moriarty.
Melissa McCarthy appears in a starring role, and she is one of the executive producers.
McCarthy has that rare ability to flawlessly merge comedic timing with dramatic acting chops. This gives dimension to the characters she plays and adds elements of vulnerability and strength to every role.
This month I’m featuring all things Melissa McCarthy for my streaming recommendations. I’ve tried to list some of her most popular roles as well as where you can stream them.
Availability is subject to change, so while the streaming information listed is accurate according to my internet searches, it can change at any time.
Streaming has become so popular, many major networks are creating their own streaming services and pulling their content from Hulu and Netflix.
Gilmore Girls – McCarthy played Sukie St. James best friend to Lorelai Gilmore in 153 episodes of this popular series from 200-2007. The entire series is available to stream on Netflix worldwide.
Samantha Who – From 2007-2009, McCarthy played Dena, the needy, but a well-meaning friend of Samantha (Christina Applegate) in 35 episodes. Currently, you can watch this series on ABC for free with commercial interruptions or buy it to download on Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies, Vudu, or Amazon Video.
Mike & Molly – McCarthy starred as Molly with Billy Gardell (Mike). Mike and Molly meet at an Overeater’s Anonymous meeting in Chicago and fall in love. In addition to trying to lose weight, Mike and Molly must deal with their overbearing families. The series ran from 2010 to 2016 (127 episodes). Mike & Molly is available to stream on Paramount Plus, CBS’ streaming service that currently costs $4.99/month with a free trial period or you can purchase individual episodes on iTunes or Amazon.
Bridesmaids – McCarthy plays Megan Price, the blunt, foul-mouthed, but friendly sister of Doug (Tim Heidecker) the groom who is marrying Maya Rudolph. Her part isn’t large, but McCarthy is a genuine scene-stealer and plays her part to perfection. You can currently stream Bridesmaids on Peacock for free or rent it on several streaming services.
Identity Thief – Identity Thief stars Melissa McCarthy, Jason Bateman, Amanda Peet, Jon Favreau, and Morris Chestnut. Diana (McCarthy) steals the identity of Sandy Patterson (Bateman). Posing as an identity theft protection service operator, Diana tricks Sandy into giving her his personal information which she uses to go on a spending spree in Florida where illegal drugs have also been purchased. Sandy goes to Florida intent on bringing Diana back to Denver to clear his name and mayhem ensues. Though the movie was panned by critics, it did well at the box office because audiences liked the chemistry between McCarthy and Bateman. It is available on Hulu, HBO Max, or Amazon Prime Video with premium subscriptions, or for rent/purchase on YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV, or Vudu.
The Heat – McCarthy stars as a foul-mouthed hot-tempered Boston detective forced to work with uptight, by-the-book FBI Special Agent, Sarah Ashburn (Sandra Bullock) to capture a drug lord. The movie received mixed reviews, but their performances and the chemistry between McCarthy and Bullock were well received. It is available to watch on Sling Tv with a premium subscription or rent/purchase on YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV, Vudu, or Amazon Prime Video.
Tammy – Tammy Banks (McCarthy) is having a bad day that escalates when she discovers her husband is seeing another woman. Tammy leaves town with her incorrigible alcoholic grandmother, Pearl (Susan Sarandon). Mayhem ensues as Pearl gets them into trouble at every turn. McCarthy is also listed as the producer. The film was co-written with her husband, Ben Falcone who also directed it. Though it was a box office success, the film was panned by critics for language, predictable characters, and poor performances by McCarthy and Sarandon. It is available to stream on Hulu and Sling TV with premium subscriptions. It can be rented/purchased on YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV, Vudu, or Amazon Prime Video.
St. Vincent – Bill Murray stars as Vincent a grumpy senior whose wife is an Alzheimer’s patient in a nursing home. Murray regularly poses as a doctor to gain access to his wife’s room in the locked ward to care for her. Maggie (McCarthy) is his new neighbor. While Maggie and her son, Oliver are moving in their moving van accidentally damages Vincent’s beloved car and he demands payment. Vincent agrees to babysit Oliver while Maggie is working for money to help pay for his wife’s care. The two form an unlikely friendship, but trouble occurs when Maggie’s ex learns Vincent has been taking Oliver to the track and allowing him to gamble. This movie was second runner-up at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival for the People’s Choice Award. It is available for rent/purchase on YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV, Vudu, or Amazon Prime Video. It may still be available to stream on IMBD TV Amazon Channel.
Spy – Susan Cooper (McCarthy) is a desk-bound CIA analyst who assists agents in the field. When she sees her partner Bradley Fine (Jude Law) being killed on his video link, Susan also learns other agents’ identities have been compromised, she volunteers to complete the mission though she has no field experience. Susan quickly finds herself involved in a web of deceit but discovers she has a knack for fieldwork and chemistry with fellow agent Rick Ford (Jason Statham). McCarthy’s comedic timing and chemistry with Law and Statham shine. This film received critical praise and was a hit at the box office. It is available to stream on Hulu and Sling TV with premium subscriptions. It can be rented/purchased on YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV, Vudu, or Amazon Prime Video.
The Boss – The Boss was co-written by Ben Falcone, Melissa McCarthy, and Steve Mallory. Falcone directed and he and McCarthy also were among the producers listed. Michelle Darnell (McCarthy) is a wealthy woman who loses her fortune after being arrested and sent to prison for insider trading. After being granted parole, Michelle, and her former assistant Claire (Kristen Bell) partner to rebuild her empire by getting Claire’s daughter’s Dandelion Girls troop to sell Claire’s homemade brownies. Critics generally panned the script but praised McCarthy’s comedic timing and strong performance. It can be rented/purchased on YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV, Vudu, or Amazon Prime Video.
Ghostbusters – Depending on how much you liked the original Ghostbusters movie, you will love or hate this female-led sequel starring McCarthy as Dr. Abigail Yates, the female version of Bill Murray’s Peter Venkman in the original film franchise. It also stars Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, Chris Hemsworth, Justin Kirk, and Neil Casey with cameos by Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Annie Potts, Ernie Hudson, and Sigourney Weaver stars of original Ghostbusters films. Director/producer Ivan Reitman from the original franchise also has a cameo as a passerby in the film. Despite initial excitement for the project, fans didn’t accept the female cast as well as expected. The film was expensive to make and though it did respectably at the box office, it didn’t break even. It is available to stream on Hulu and Sling TV with premium subscriptions. It can be rented/purchased on YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV, Vudu, or Amazon Prime Video.
Can You Ever Forgive Me? – Melissa McCarthy received Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for Best Actress for her role as Lee Israel. The film is based on Israel’s controversial memoir which chronicles her attempts to save her failing writing career by forging letters from deceased authors and playwrights. It can be rented/purchased on YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV, Vudu, or Amazon Prime Video.
Image of Melissa McCarthy:
By https://www.flickr.com/photos/greg2600 - https://www.flickr.com/photos/greg2600/45574562892, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=77794769
Sources for this article:
www.justwatch.com