Why Try’s independent comedy brings humor and comfort to those embracing life’s awkwardness and everyday misery.
When Aidan Kushner first created Why Try, he didn’t want to tell a story of triumph or redemption. Instead, he sought to capture something far more relatable, the beauty in the mess, the humor found in the mundane, and the joy of embracing life’s little failures. It’s a comedy about losers, but not in the typical sense. These characters aren’t defeated by huge tragedies or overwhelming struggles. They’re simply those who exist in the awkward in-between: the people who are perpetually a little offbeat, a little awkward, but still undeniably human.
The story begins in an emotional support group, where two strangers meet and bond over their mutual disdain for everyone else around them. It’s a bleak beginning, but Why Try takes a lighthearted turn as these two characters, along with their eccentric friend Daisy, navigate the complex, often absurd world of dating, social norms, and just trying to be decent human beings.
The web series, launching on YouTube on December 1st, blends humor with keen social observations, offering a fresh take on the comedy genre. Fans of Seinfeld and Peep Show will immediately recognize the show’s unique style: witty dialogue, awkward silences, and a strong sense of character-driven humor.
“I wanted to tell a story about the failures who don’t get the happy ending,” says Kushner, the creator behind the series. “It’s not about personal tragedies or grand emotional arcs. It’s about those who simply stay small, who remain in the mess of life. For many, it’s a show about the kind of misery we all can relate to, even if it’s not always the big, dramatic kind.”
What sets Why Try apart from other comedy series is its no-frills approach. It’s a low-budget production that doesn’t waste time on anything unnecessary. The humor is sharp, precise, and gets right to the heart of the joke. In a world where polished visuals often take precedence, Why Try proves that all you really need to make people laugh is a good script, some great performances, and a fearless approach to awkwardness. Kushner says, “Just close your eyes and pretend it’s in 4K.”
One of the series’ most memorable storylines is based on a real-life conversation Kushner had with a friend. “A friend of mine was tired of guys giving her ‘The Pre-Kiss Face’,” says Kushner. “You know, that dead-eyed stare that guys give right before they go in for a kiss. I thought it was interesting, so I wrote it into an episode. Both men and women seem to have very mixed opinions about it, and it’s sparked some great conversations.”
This focus on real social anxieties and awkward moments is what makes Why Try so relatable. Whether it’s grappling with the discomfort of modern dating or dissecting everyday annoyances, the series taps into the kinds of experiences that we all recognize but rarely talk about openly.
But it’s not just about the humor. Why Try also provides a comfort to viewers who might feel overlooked in the more conventional narratives of success and growth. This is a series that shows you it’s okay to stay stuck, to be imperfect, and to find humor in the fact that you might never have it all figured out.
Season 1, set to be released as a seven-episode series, is structured like a classic sitcom, short and sweet. The episodes are only a few minutes long, but when viewed together, they form a cohesive, 30-minute episode. And with Season 2 slated to follow the same format, Why Try feels like a series designed to fit seamlessly into the modern viewer’s world of binge-watching in short bursts.
Though the production is independent, the humor lands with a precision that rivals much higher-budget shows. The lack of a major studio backing doesn’t slow Kushner down. Instead, it’s a freedom that allows for bold, uncensored jokes that might not have made it past the filters of mainstream television.
The magic of Why Try is that it’s unapologetically awkward. Kushner says, “It’s like sitting with a friend and laughing about the things no one else notices, the tiny irritations that build up over time, the awkwardness that makes us human. I hope it’s a comfort for anyone who’s ever felt a little out of place.”
While there’s no denying that Why Try might not be for everyone, there’s a large audience out there who’ll find solace in its authentic, offbeat humor. For those who prefer a comedy that doesn’t sugarcoat life’s messiness but instead revels in it, Why Try will hit home. Kushner says, “Successful, happy people may not enjoy it. But luckily, it doesn’t seem like there are many of them out there.”
The web series also doesn’t shy away from acknowledging its inspirations, and while Why Try draws from classic sitcoms, it’s very much its own creation. A creator who acknowledges that “we have nothing to do with Ariana Grande, although we are admirers of her and her song” shows that even in its irreverence, the show never takes itself too seriously.
Starting December 1st, viewers can watch Why Try on Aidan Kushner’s YouTube channel, where the full first season will be available to stream. Fans can also follow the creator on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content and updates.
Watch Why Try on YouTube and join the awkward fun!
If you’re ready for a comedy series that breaks away from the traditional norms of television and embraces the everyday chaos of life, Why Try is the show for you. Laugh with characters who might not have it all figured out, but in their confusion, they just might help you feel a little less alone in yours.
Subscribe on YouTube: Aidan Kushner’s Channel
Follow on Instagram: @aidan_kushner
For more hilarious insights into life’s awkward moments, tune in to Why Try.
“You do not need to try, in order to watch a web series.” – Aidan Kushner
Why Try brings a fresh, no-frills comedy series that dives into the awkward realities of life, offering humor and comfort to those who are easily annoyed by everyday life.
