I feel like of all the multi-cams being pushed on us this year, B Positive is the only one that really attracts a younger viewer with the ol’ Darma And Greg energy buuuut with the incredibly talented Thomas Middleditch. Don’t get me wrong, Annaleigh Ashford is WONDERFUL. But my initial reaction is that Thomas Middleditch is being wasted in this format. After starting this premiere Season, I’ve realized that all of his best qualities that sky-rocketed Silicon Valley and Middleditch & Schwartz are actually being put to use in every episode of B Positive. He is doing stellar work, I can see a path to an Emmy on this show (for both of them).

I’m an actor’s actor- I root for actors and celebrate their wins. Both Thomas Middleditch and Annaleigh Ashford (and Linda Lavin) are giving this show their ALL. And this is the only way to keep a show like this rolling year after year. We are getting a huge education on dialysis, kidney transplants, medical frustrations, and emersion in a retirement facility culture. The concepts are very adult, but put forth in a youthful energetic way. I am actually learning a lot. I’m pretty embarrassed at how much I’m learning about this subject.

Quick Stop: About Kidney Disease

A diagnosis of kidney disease means that a person’s kidneys are damaged and cannot filter blood the way they should. This damage can cause wastes to build up in the body. Kidney disease can cause other health problems, such as heart disease. If you have kidney disease, it increases your chances of having a stroke or heart attack. Major risk factors for kidney disease include diabetes, high blood pressure, and family history of kidney failure. (according to National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)

Fast Facts

• The overall prevalence of CKD in the general population is approximately 14 percent.
• High blood pressure and diabetes are the main causes of CKD. Almost half of individuals with CKD also have diabetes and/or self-reported cardiovascular disease (CVD).
• More than 661,000 Americans have kidney failure. Of these, 468,000 individuals are on dialysis, and roughly 193,000 live with a functioning kidney transplant.
• Kidney disease often has no symptoms in its early stages and can go undetected until it is very advanced. (For this reason, kidney disease is often referred to as a “silent disease.”)
• Compared to Caucasians, ESRD prevalence is about 3.7 times greater in African Americans, 1.4 times greater in Native Americans, and 1.5 times greater in Asian Americans.
• Each year, kidney disease kills more people than breast or prostate cancer. In 2013, more than 47,000 Americans died from kidney disease.
• 17,600 kidney transplants were performed in the United States in 2013.
• Less than one-third of the transplanted kidneys were from living donors in 2013.
• From 2012 to 2013, there was a 3.1 percent increase in the cumulative number of recipients with a functioning kidney transplant.
• Among candidates newly wait-listed for either a first-time or repeat kidney-alone transplant in 2009, the median waiting time to transplant was 3.6 years.

This Chuck Lorre baby is going to be at the center of mainstream network pop-culture conversation for a long time (His last hit The Big Bang Theory lasted 12 years for goodness’ sake). My one request is that they mix up their principal cast to showcase better representation of traditionally underrepresented groups and upgrade some cast members to real meaty storylines to explore the incredible inequalities in medical care for certain characters. I want to find a way for loyal audiences to push for representation in shows like this. I want longevity for those actors. I want the education to explore more than just an upper middle class white guy’s experience. Those moves can come from above AND from audience participation, so if you’re inclined to watch a multi-cam network comedy with potential – watch THIS one and ask for equitable story arcs, celebrate characters with diverse backgrounds, make those actors FAMOUS, and share these kidney/dialysis facts with your peers, it could save a life one day!

If you haven’t checked it out, add this one to your list. Check it out HERE.