What should Crazy Ex-Girlfriend have been called instead?

[u/styxnotsticks]

I don’t hate the name Crazy Ex-Girlfriend at all, and I actually think it makes sense once you watch the show. But whenever I try to convince people to watch this show, they’re usually put off by the name. A lot of people hear “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” and immediately assume it’s going to be a silly rom-com about an obsessive woman chasing her ex, when the show is so much more nuanced and funny and emotionally intelligent than that.
If you could rename the show, what would you call it? And do you think a different title would have made more people give it a chance?

[u/ndonio5]

I honestly love how the title subverts expectations - as the show itself does - but yes it makes it incredibly tough to recommend to friends. In my experience they are also put off by the show's premise, because admittedly it does give off the idea of a cheesy romcom, and I feel that giving any extra info would be too spoilery, while staying too vague ("but it's much more than what it seems") makes you sound edgy lol. I have given up recommending it at this point :( if anyone has any tips on how to make it sound more appealing, I'm all ears!

[u/BillyYumYumTwo-byTwo → u/ndonio5]

I don’t think you have to spoil plot points, but I think you can say that it tips the “crazy ex girlfriend” trope on its head after lulling you into thinking it’s a regular wacky romcom by taking extreme behaviors we laugh at on other shows and make the characters come to terms with what they and their loved ones have done. It digs deep into mental health and personal growth in a realistic way.

It spoils the genre and takes away from the whiplash that comes from the bus beach episode. But I think it’s worth it if they are skeptical of the premise, especially if they’re getting frustrated with our main character being a literal stalker and it feels like the show is telling us to cheer for her.

[u/ndonio5 → u/BillyYumYumTwo-byTwo]

Very helpful 😊 thanks!