Creator of BoJack Horseman Raphael Bob-Waksberg is bringing his unique perspective on Jewish American identity to the screen with his new animated Netflix series Long Story Short. The show, which drops its first season on August 22, follows the lives of the Schwoopers, a family from conservative Jewish background.
Bob-Waksberg, known for his nuanced storytelling, wants to showcase that being Jewish isn’t just about faith or cultural identity but also about grappling with religion and traditions. He says, “I wanted to show Jews that are Jews that do all the Jewish stuff.” The characters in Long Story Short are not anthropomorphic animals, but rather fully human beings, designed by supervising producer Lisa Hanawalt.
The 10-episode series jumps around in time, spanning from the early 2000s to nearly present day, and explores the Schwoopers’ loves and losses. Bob-Waksberg drew inspiration from his own experience of becoming a father, considering what he wants to pass down to his children. The show is not specifically about his own family but delves into themes of time, identity, and family dynamics.
Long Story Short tackles issues like the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on pop culture, while also incorporating Jewish traditions and customs in an authentic way. Bob-Waksberg aimed to avoid creating a show that could be misinterpreted or oversimplified, choosing instead to focus on character development and storytelling.
The series has already sparked debate among Jewish viewers, with some praising the nuanced portrayal of conservative Jewish values and others criticizing it for not addressing certain topics. However, Bob-Waksberg remains confident in his approach, saying, “I never want to underestimate an audience’s ability to attach themselves to a story that feels specific and true.”
Source: https://time.com/7310698/long-story-short-netflix-raphael-bob-waksberg-interview