Critics have not been shy in their appraisals of the new Netflix series Insatiable. Among the issues detractors have with the satirical comedy is the way they believe the show addresses issues regarding physical appearance. The online backlash to the premise was swift following the release of the show's trailer, and only got stronger from there. Debby Ryan, who plays Insatiable's lead character Patty, was asked about the criticism the show has received, and she appeared surprised by it, saying:
We knew that this conversation needed to be had. We knew that this societal brokenness needed to be addressed, but we didn't know how badly it needed to be addressed. My friend, a few days before the trailer hit, in reference to something else, said, 'The size of the reaction is the size of the wound,' and it stayed with me.
Released in early August, Insatiable's full first season offered up full context to everything people had an issue with in the trailer, but it has not done much to help the show's case. Despite the non-destructive intentions that Debby Ryan and Insatiable's creator Lauren Gussis have spoken out about regarding the series, critics and audiences have not been dissuaded in their more harsh opinions about the show.
In her interview, Debby Ryan subsequently shared with Teen Vogue that she has dealt with body dysmorphia, a condition where someone obsessively fixates on what they believe is a physical flaw. That played a part in why she decided to join the series in the first place.
Joining Ryan in public defenses is Insatiable star Alyssa Milano, who has expressed support for the show on social media, as well as at the show's Hollywood premiere. Milano has asserted that the show is a satire that also depicts the negative effects that being bullied can have on a person's life. The streaming platform's Vice President of Original Content Cindy Holland also responded to the backlash towards Insatiable, saying that criticism of those who body-shame people is woven within the show.
Following the release of the trailer for the then-upcoming Netflix series, a petition was launched in an effort to stop the show's streaming release. That petition amassed more than 200,000 signatures, too. But despite the brewing backlash, Netflix stood firm on its planned release for the series. No stranger to controversy, the streaming platform has dealt with similar firestorms in the past, and has similarly stuck to its guns in those cases.
For those unaware of its premise, Insatiable follows the exploits of Debby Ryan's Patty, a high school student who has been horrifically bullied for her weight. Reemerging at her school with a new look, Patty works to get revenge on her tormenters. While Netflix went forward with its release of the series, there is no word on a second season renewal for the controversial program. Of course, it is a little early in the game for that anyway, as Netflix tends to take its time making renewal decisions. No matter its choice, critics of Insatiable will have something to say about its eventual fate.
If you still haven't watched, Insatiable Season 1 is available to stream in full on Netflix. For new television content set to premiere on the service this year, check out our 2018 Netflix premiere rundown. For new television shows set to arrive this fall, check out CinemaBlend's guide to TV's fall premieres.
