Why Try, an indie comedy web series, finds humor in life’s awkward moments, giving voice to the “losers” we relate to.
In a world dominated by polished, feel-good entertainment, Why Try takes a different approach. This independent web series doesn’t focus on transformation or triumph; it’s about those of us who find humor in the uncomfortable, the unremarkable, and even the frustrating moments in life. Created by Aidan Kushner, Why Try dives into the lives of two people who meet in an emotional support group. Their mutual distaste for the world around them leads to a series of awkward, cringe-worthy, yet laugh-out-loud situations. It’s a show for anyone who’s ever felt like an underdog or laughed at life’s smallest struggles.
A Comedy About Life’s Everyday Challenges
Creator Aidan Kushner explains the show’s concept: “It’s about people who experience an overwhelming sense of discomfort or frustration, even when there’s no clear reason behind it. We all feel confused by life’s expectations, and this show aims to capture that feeling.”
This isn’t about overcoming hardships or personal growth; it’s about those small, relatable moments that make life awkward. Whether it’s navigating a bad date or trying to make small talk at a party, Why Try finds humor in these uncomfortable, real-life situations.
A Sharp, Unfiltered Comedy That Speaks to Everyone
One of the standout features of Why Try is its unapologetic humor. There’s no unnecessary buildup or filler, just quick, sharp comedy that cuts straight to the point, capturing the awkwardness of everyday life with refreshing honesty.
Kushner describes the show’s approach: “Life is full of social grey areas and unwritten rules. That’s what we want to show, the small, unnoticed moments that make life both awkward and funny.”
A perfect example is the series’ exploration of “The Pre-Kiss Face,” a social interaction that’s both common and absurd. Kushner explains, “A friend once joked about the ‘dead-eyed stare’ men give just before kissing. It stuck with me because I’ve probably unfortunately made that face too. So, I wrote it into the show. Now we’ve created a dialogue about it where we can talk openly to assess the Pre Kiss Face, and its place in society.”
For Kushner, these relatable moments are what make Why Try stand out. “It’s the stuff we all go through but rarely talk about, the little social blunders that leave you thinking, ‘’Did that just happen?’
An Independent Success: The Brooklyn Buzz
Despite having a limited budget and a small crew, Why Try has made waves in Brooklyn, where it has been screened to sold-out crowds. The show has been described as “a hilarious new take on web comedy,” proving that humor doesn’t require a big budget to resonate with viewers.
“Being independent means we can’t afford to make it look like an HBO show. We can’t even afford to make it look like a Tubi show. But we make up for it with humor that feels real,” says Kushner. “We couldn’t have made it happen without a lot of free labor so I would like to thank everyone for their hard, unpaid work. I find that people who are unpaid, work harder. That’s not at all true, but it’s fun to believe.”
The Turning Point: Bringing the Vision to Life
The breakthrough for Why Try came when Kushner released the first season on YouTube. With seven short episodes, each only a few minutes long, the season gives fans a cohesive half-hour of comedy. Kushner wanted it to feel like a classic sitcom, but with a modern twist.
“When I first planned the series, I wanted it to be bingeable but without the commitment of full-length episodes,” says Kushner. “The way these episodes are cut is perfect for anyone who wants to laugh but has a terrible attention span.”
Season one of Why Try will premiere on YouTube on December 1st, and season two will follow the same format, continuing the humor and awkwardness that viewers have come to love.
Why Try Is for You: A Show for Failures Everywhere
What sets Why Try apart from other online comedies is its ability to find humor in things most people overlook. The show speaks to the underdogs, the people who don’t fit into the typical feel-good narratives, but who still deserve a moment to shine. Kushner’s mission is simple: make people laugh and show them they’re not alone in feeling like a disappointment.
“We’re not here to tell anyone to ‘try harder’ or ‘be better,’” Kushner says. “We’re here to say we are all struggling, let’s laugh about it.”
For more information, you can follow Aidan Kushner on Instagram here or check out his YouTube channel here.
