What is Physical (TV) About?
Physical is an American television series set in the 1980s, centered around a San Diego housewife, Sheila Rubin. Portrayed by Rose Byrne, Sheila is depicted as a character struggling with her own self-worth and personal demons, which she keeps hidden under the façade of a quiet suburban life. The narrative delves into Sheila's battle with bulimia and her challenging marital relationship with her eco-conscious husband Danny Rubin, played by Rory Scovel. The turning point in her story arrives when she discovers the world of aerobics, which presents her with an unconventional path to find her voice and assert control over her life. Additional characters who impact Sheila's journey include John Breem, a conservative mall owner, and Bunny Kazam, an aerobics instructor, who weave into the narrative’s exploration of empowerment, culture, and the human psyche. The series is recognized for its nuanced portrayal of the complexities of self-image and personal transformation against the backdrop of the vibrant and often superficial decade of the 1980s.
The first episode of Physical aired on June 18, 2021 and the most recent episode to air was on September 26, 2023.