World • 5h ago
‘Weirdness, paranoia and extremity’: why HBO’s Neighbors is TV’s most fascinating show
**Neighbors**, a new docuseries on HBO, has captured the attention of audiences with its unique portrayal of disputes over property and personal space. The five-part series, created by Dylan Redford and Harrison Fishman, explores the complexities of relationships between neighbors in various locations across the United States.
While working as a local reporter in small-town Montana, the author learned firsthand that threats to one's property can bring out the most extreme versions of individuals. A similar dynamic is on display in **Neighbors**, where disputes over seemingly mundane issues escalate into heated conflicts. In the series, a gay couple in Kokomo, Indiana, is at odds with their neighbor over a farm built in their cul-de-sac, while a retired state senator in Texas is upset about a concrete wall constructed by her neighbor. These disputes are just a few examples of the many bizarre and extreme conflicts featured in the show.
The series operates as a post-Covid exploration of American weirdness, paranoia, and extremity. Executive producers include A24 and the Marty Supreme team, Josh Safdie and Ronald Bronstein, which lends an air of sophistication and artistic flair to the production. The show's creators have woven together a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, making it a standout in the world of television.
One of the most striking aspects of **Neighbors** is its use of a hyper-stylized, fish-eye lens to capture the disputes. The show's editing is a key element in its success, as it skillfully weaves together multiple storylines and perspectives to create a rich and immersive viewing experience. This approach is reminiscent of other prestige doc series, such as **The Rehearsal** and **How to With John Wilson**, which also explore the complexities of human relationships and the ways in which we interact with one another.
The show's ability to balance humor and pathos is another key factor in its appeal. While the conflicts featured in **Neighbors** can be extreme and disturbing, the show never shies away from finding the humor in these situations. This approach makes the series both entertaining and relatable, as audiences are able to laugh at the absurdity of the situations while also empathizing with the individuals involved.
As the series nears its conclusion, with the sixth and final episode premiering tonight, viewers are left to ponder the complexities of human relationships and the ways in which we interact with one another. **Neighbors** is a thought-provoking and entertaining exploration of these themes, and it is easily one of the best TV shows of the year.