'Joe and Kate' Explores Oh-So-Awkward Cohabitation

The Theater of Uncomfortable is explored with Strike TV’s Joe and Kate. Directed by Ryan Suffern (Warthog) and written and performed by Joe Kelly (How I Met Your Mother) and Kate Purdy (Cold Case, Mad TV), Joe and Kate perfectly captures those oh-so-awkward couple moments between dating and marriage.

Take a look at the following exchange, promoted by Joe randomly skwaing Philadelphia accent at the breakfast table, taught to him by a “buddy“ of his.

(Note to women: Yes, guys do this.):

Garnished by deadpan humor and long pauses, the viewer takes delight in the unspoken inner-monologue of the actors clearly written across their faces. Joe’s flashes of embarrassment and briefly bracing for a disappointed girlfriend are only topped by Kate’s collected and thoughtful air of cool.

If you think these interactions feel genuine, that’s because they are. In an interview with Jamison, Purdy revealed that all the content is derived from two years of experience she and Kelly had as a young, unmarried couple:

But what really works for this comedy web show is the length. These are reductive snippets of a healthy, pre-marital cohabitation, uber-short, 1-minute episodes with a singular joke. Buddy = Ex-girlfriend. Bam! And you’re out of there want ing more. “I know what a vagina looks like” = Teddy Bear Gynecology. Bam! And you’re out of there wanting more!

Joe and Kate isn’t going to be Strike.TV’s mega-sensation (i.e. you won’t be seeing the characters’ faces on kids’ T-shirts in developing countries), but it’s certainly entertaining enough to become a genuine hit.

Watch their lessons on growing your relationship through honest, uncoordinated dialogue on Strike.TV.