Why SMILF Is Sometimes Hard To Watch For Rosie O'Donnell

Rosie O'Donnell SMILF
(Image credit: Danielle Levitt/SHOWTIME)

Have you ever watched a show and felt a little uncomfortable when it comes to certain content? Rosie O'Donnell has experienced this sensation as well, and on a show she stars in. When it comes to watching Showtime's SMILF, you can count O'Donnell as a fellow viewer. And she has opened up about what happens when she watches the show. Hint: it involves leaving her feeling a strong sense of something. Explaining the situation when she watches O'Donnell recently told CinemaBlend

I will say when I watch the show I get embarrassed because there's so much sex in it. Not my part, my daughter Bridgette and her friends. When I'm watching at home I'm going 'Oh my god! I can't believe she's doing that!' I get embarrassed for the girls. Even though they're not embarrassed, why should I get embarrassed?

Well, now you have further proof you are not alone when you get a bit flustered when TV sex scenes. Rosie O'Donnell made the candid confession during an interview with CinemaBlend's Corey Chichizola for Sleepless in Seattle's 25th anniversary. Unlike that classic romantic comedy, which runs light on sensual content, O'Donnell's new show features it far more prevalently.

With a title like SMILF, sex is, of course, to be expected. And Rosie O'Donnell will need to brace herself to experience more uncomfortable moments since the freshman comedy has already been renewed for a second season. On the series, O'Donnell stars as Tutu, the mother of the lead protagonist Bridgette. Tutu's daughter is a single mom raising her son in South Boston.

Since it premiered in November 2017, the half-hour comedy has been met with critical acclaim, as well as two Golden Globe nominations. It remains to be seen if the second season will dial down its sexuality. Since everything worked out so well for the first season, it would be surprising if the show altered that angle for the second.

SMILF has a special place on Rosie O'Donnell's filmography. It is the actress' first role on a television series as a series regular. Since you have seen her on television regularly, you may be wondering how that can be. While O'Donnell has had many roles on scripted television over the years, including the Freeform drama The Fosters and the CBS sitcom Mom (via IMDB); SMILF is the first scripted television show in which has been a regular cast member.

Despite making her feel "embarrassed" at times, SMILF clearly had something going for it to persuade Rosie O'Donnell to sign on for the scripted series, in this capacity. The Showtime series is undoubtedly a far cry from the tame nature of Sleepless in Seattle, which featured sensuality in a pretty sparing manner. As for SMILF, O'Donnell's decision to star in the TV show is paying off in the form of a critically beloved; ratings success.

Showtime has not announced a premiere date for the second season of SMILF yet, so stay tuned. You can also purchase the 25th Anniversary Edition of Sleepless in Seattle now. For new and returning television shows you can anticipate watching over the next couple months, check out CinemaBlend's guide to TV's summer premieres.

Britt Lawrence

Like a contented Hallmark movie character, Britt happily lives in the same city she grew up in. Along with movies and television, she is passionate about competitive figure skating. She has been writing about entertainment for 5 years, and as you may suspect, still finds it as entertaining to do as when she began.