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Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Life begins when the world doesn't end.

2015–2019Ended4 seasons51 episodes~30 min/epTV-14Midcredits score: 69th percentile of all shows

When a woman is rescued from a doomsday cult and lands in New York City, she must navigate a world she didn't think even existed anymore.

Your rating, lists and review

Where to watch

Where can I watch Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt streaming on Netflix.

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Highlights

What stands out about Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt?

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt earns 7 badges, led by Sharp dialogue and Standout acting.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood

Reception

Is Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt worth watching?

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt's Midcredits score is the 69th percentile of all shows, from 85K ratings across 2 sources. 79% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

69th percentile

Better received than 69% of shows

67th percentile among Comedy67th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)64th
Approval (how many liked it)70th

Acclaim

Crowd Pleaser: Rating-distribution shape vs the catalog

How much people like it

74 /100

64th percentile of all shows

65th percentile among Comedy62nd percentile among 2010s

Rating distribution

Most people land high, with a thin tail of low scores from those it didn't reach.

Approval

How many liked it

79% liked it

70th percentile of all shows

65th percentile among Comedy68th percentile among 2010s
79% rated it 7–1021% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

97th percentile

84K ratings across platforms

97th percentile among Comedy97th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 24% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the show is a zany, rapid-fire Tina Fey comedy with a strong cast, but while fans find it charming and clever, detractors find it forced and derivative.

Fans praised

  • Ellie Kemper's charm and warmth as Kimmy
  • Tina Fey's sharp, 30 Rock-style humor and writing
  • Strong supporting cast including Tituss Burgess, Carol Kane, Jane Krakowski

Detractors panned

  • Over-the-top acting and forced jokes
  • Offensive stereotyping, particularly of gay characters
  • Illogical and irrelevant premise, weak plot

What stands out

DialogueDivisive88

Rapid-fire one-liners and Tina Fey's sharp wit, though some find it forced

ActingDivisive85

Ellie Kemper's endearing lead, Tituss Burgess's scene-stealing, Carol Kane's quirky energy

HumorDivisive82

Polarizing but many find it hilarious and quotable

CharactersDivisive80

Well-drawn, eccentric characters with arcs, though some find them exaggerated

AtmosphereDivisive70

Bright, quirky, and optimistic world with a dark undercurrent

OriginalityDivisive65

Fresh take on an unusual premise but derivative of 30 Rock's style

PacingDivisive60

Slow start, binge-worthy once it finds its footing, but occasional lulls

Plot and storyDivisive55

Creative premise but sometimes illogical and sidelined

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 15 points higher than women.

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 11 points higher than users.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 8 points apart
  • US vs non-US 7 points apart

Episodes

4 seasons

Season 4 · 2018 · 12 episodes · 6.9 average across 9 rated episodes

  • S4E1

    Kimmy Is... Little Girl, Big City!

    May 30, 201826 minTMDB rating 7.4
  • S4E2

    Kimmy Has a Weekend!

    May 30, 201828 minTMDB rating 7.4
  • S4E3

    Party Monster: Scratching the Surface

    May 30, 201833 minTMDB rating 6.4
  • S4E4

    Kimmy Disrupts the Paradigm!

    May 30, 201829 minTMDB rating 6.2
  • S4E5

    Kimmy and the Beest!

    May 30, 201830 minTMDB rating 7.8Season best
  • S4E6

    Kimmy Meets an Old Friend!

    May 30, 201832 minTMDB rating 7.6

Watch experience

What is Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Wry, light and gentle — an even-paced watch that leaves you feeling good.

ToneFeelDemandexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

What it feels like

Moods
JoyfulAbsurdHopeful
Heaviest: throughout
Absurdist humor: Deliberately illogical; embraces nonsense.
Register
Wry · 7% of shows: Amused and slightly dry about it.Warm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.Resets each episode · 10% of showsOne continuous story
ToneThe show balances satire of modern life with genuine warmth for its characters, delivering jokes with a wry, knowing touch while maintaining a fundamentally affectionate tone.
The rideThe series maintains a consistently upbeat and silly mood, with rare dips into deeper emotional beats that never last long.
StructureStandard sitcom three-act structure with A and B plots.
Episode formatEpisodes are largely self-contained comedic scenarios with a status quo restored by the end, though a light serialized arc about Kimmy's growth runs across seasons.
Season formatEach season continues the same story and cast, with Kimmy's journey and the cult's aftermath evolving across all four seasons.

How it leaves you

what you carry away
Feel-goodHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe series' optimistic core and constant jokes leave viewers smiling and believing in second chances.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all shows
Monster — 18% of shows. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of shows. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 6% of shows. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 2% of shows. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 12% of shows. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 4% of shows. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 7% of shows. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 8% of shows. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 40% of showsPredator — 7% of shows. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 3% of shows. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of shows. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 3% of shows. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of shows. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of shows. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of shows. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of shows. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of shows. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of shows. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — 1% of shows. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of shows. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of shows. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of shows. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of shows. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 2% of shows. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 4% of shows. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of shows. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — under 1% of shows. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of shows. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 1% of shows. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — under 1% of shows. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of shows. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — under 1% of shows. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 2% of shows. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of shows. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of shows. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of shows. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 2% of shows. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of shows. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — under 1% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 1% of shows. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 1% of shows. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 1% of shows. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 1% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 3% of shows. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of shows. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 1% of shows. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of shows. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 6% of shows. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 1% of shows. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Comedy
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 18%: Predator 7% · Tyrant 3% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 3% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 6%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 2% · Mission 4% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage under 1%
  • Voyage 2%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 1% · Survival ordeal under 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent under 1%
  • Comedy 12% (this title): Romantic comedy 2% · Comedy of errors 3% (this title) · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 2%
  • Tragedy 4%: Hubris 1% · Obsession under 1% · Corruption arc 1% · Doomed love 1% · Crushed by fate 1%
  • Rebirth 7%: Redemption 1% · Healing 3% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 1%
  • Mystery 8%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 6% · Enigma 1%
  • No archetype 40%

Comedy: Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony. · Comedy of errors: Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.

12% of shows fit this archetype

Why this archetypeEach episode follows Kimmy's optimistic but naive approach to New York life, leading to misunderstandings and comedic situations, typical of a sitcom.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 31% of showsSelf — 27% of showsPower — 7% of showsMorality — 11% of showsSurvival — 9% of showsSociety — 10% of showsIdeas — 5% of showsRomantic love — 10% of showsMarriage — 2% of showsFamily bonds — 22% of showsParenthood — 1% of showsFriendship — 18% of showsLoyalty — 7% of showsIdentity — 20% of showsComing of age — 9% of showsAging — under 1% of showsSelf-worth — 7% of showsAmbition — 14% of showsPurpose — 16% of showsMemory — 3% of showsObsession — 2% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 5% of showsCorruption — 3% of showsGreed — 2% of showsClass — 4% of showsOppression — 2% of showsFreedom — 4% of showsJustice — 14% of showsDuty — 2% of showsRevenge — 1% of showsGuilt — 1% of showsRedemption — 3% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — under 1% of showsSacrifice — 2% of showsBetrayal — 3% of showsDeception — 6% of showsSurvival — 12% of showsWar — 1% of showsViolence — 2% of showsMortality — 2% of showsGrief — 4% of showsTrauma — 5% of showsMental illness — under 1% of showsAddiction — under 1% of showsIllness and disability — under 1% of showsCommunity — 25% of shows. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 3% of showsPrejudice — 2% of showsDisplacement — 1% of showsFaith — 1% of showsTradition vs change — 3% of showsFame — 5% of showsLegacy — 3% of showsFate — 1% of showsFree will — under 1% of showsTruth — 6% of showsHope — 4% of showsNature — 3% of showsArt — 2% of showsTechnology — 1% of showsSelfComingof age
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 31%: Romantic love 10% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 22% · Parenthood 1% · Friendship 18% (this title) · Loyalty 7%
  • Self 27% (this title): Identity 20% · Coming of age 9% (this title) · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 14% · Purpose 16% · Memory 3% · Obsession 2%
  • Power 7%: Power 5% · Corruption 3% · Greed 2% · Class 4% · Oppression 2% · Freedom 4%
  • Morality 11%: Justice 14% · Duty 2% · Revenge 1% · Guilt 1% · Redemption 3% · Forgiveness under 1% · Sacrifice 2% · Betrayal 3% · Deception 6%
  • Survival 9%: Survival 12% · War 1% · Violence 2% · Mortality 2% · Grief 4% · Trauma 5% (this title) · Mental illness under 1% · Addiction under 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 10%: Community 25% · Isolation 3% · Prejudice 2% · Displacement 1% · Faith 1% · Tradition vs change 3% · Fame 5% · Legacy 3%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 6% · Hope 4% · Nature 3% · Art 2% · Technology 1%

Self

Coming of age · 9% of showsFriendshipTrauma · 5% of shows
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeKimmy must navigate adult life and heal from her past while forming a found family.
StanceThe show celebrates resilience and found family, treating Kimmy's coming-of-age with earnest affection despite its satirical edge.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticStylized realism
PopOrchestral modernSupportive music · hybrid · Jeff Richmond
SettingBright, colorful New York City with eccentric apartments and landmarks.
MusicThe theme song 'Unbreakable' by Ellie Kemper and the cast is a catchy, upbeat anthem.

Content guide

Is Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt okay for kids?

TV-14

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is rated TV-14. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at minimal (13/100), sexual content at moderate (38/100), language at moderate (36/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (35/100) and frightening material at mild (17/100). Overall it is heavier than 13% of TV-14 shows.

Ratings in 30 other countries
  • UK15
  • Canada14+
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • Ireland15
  • New ZealandM
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil14
  • ArgentinaSAM 13
  • Austria14
  • Belgium12
  • Czechia15+
  • Hungary16
  • IDD
  • IndiaU/A 16+
  • LU12
  • MA16
  • MY18
  • Netherlands12
  • Poland16
  • PRTV-14
  • RO15
  • Russia12+
  • SingaporeM18
  • South Africa13
  • Spain12
  • Switzerland16
  • THน 13+
  • Türkiye18+
  • VITV-14
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 14% of all showsHeavier than 13% of TV-14 shows
Violence & Gore
None / Minimal
light for a TV-14 show
heavier than 11%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate
typical for a TV-14 show
heavier than 49%
Profanity
Moderate
typical for a TV-14 show
heavier than 41%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for a TV-14 show
heavier than 43%
Frightening / Intense
Mild
light for a TV-14 show
heavier than 17%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is sexual content, heavier than 49% of TV-14 shows.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other shows that have them.

What content warnings does Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt?

Cast

2 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen.

Ellie Kemper
as Kimmy Schmidt
Emmy nominee: Primetime Emmy nomination — Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy SeriesTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Tituss Burgess
as Titus Andromedon
Emmy nominee: Primetime Emmy nomination — Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Carol Kane
as Lillian Kaushtupper
Career best: Their highest-reaching show role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Jane Krakowski
as Jacqueline White
Career best: Their highest-reaching show role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Sara Chase
as Cyndee Pokorny
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Sol Miranda
as Donna Maria Nuñez
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Lauren Adams
as Gretchen Chalker
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Mike Carlsen
as Mikey Politano
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Amy Sedaris
as Mimi Kanassis
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Jon Hamm
as Richard Wayne Gary Wayne
Emmy nominee: Primetime Emmy nomination — Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series

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