This age-gap romance might creep you out, but it made me snort with laughter

As I watched the first episode of the new Disney Plus sitcom, Alice and Steve, I couldn't help but feel a sense of discomfort. The story revolves around a 30-year friendship between Alice (Nicola Walker) and Steve (Jemaine Clement), which is put to the test when Steve starts dating Izzy (Yali Topol Margalith), Alice's 26-year-old daughter. At first glance, it seems like a recipe for disaster, a man in his 50s dating a woman nearly a quarter of a century younger than him. But as the episode progresses, it becomes clear that the show's writers are not interested in exploiting this uncomfortable dynamic for shock value. Instead, they use it as a clever catalyst for a series of hilarious and relatable moments.

The show's premise is simple: Steve, a man in his 50s, has recently been on a boozy night out with Alice after the funeral of their close friend, and he's at a mental low. He crashes on Alice's couch, and it's there that he meets Izzy, Alice's 26-year-old daughter. Young and vibrant, Izzy makes the moves on Steve, and before long, they're a couple. But their relationship is not without its complications. Alice is, understandably, horrified by the thought of her best friend dating her daughter, and she's not afraid to make her feelings known.

As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that the show's writers are not interested in shying away from the uncomfortable aspects of Steve and Izzy's relationship. Instead, they use it as a springboard for a series of hilarious and relatable moments. Everyone around them knows that their relationship is weird, even Steve and Izzy themselves. But that's where the comedy lies, in their attempts to prove to everyone that they're in it for the long haul. Alice, in particular, is. Livid about her best friend dating her daughter, she becomes laser-focused on taking the romance down by any means necessary, even if it means destroying her own marriage to the mousey Daniel (Joel Fry).

One of the show's greatest strengths is its ability to comment on the hypocrisy of its characters. Steve and Alice, in particular, are likeable but petty and immature, seemingly too self-involved to see the other person's side, or their own hypocritical actions. They're a far cry from the central characters in Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman's slapstick comedy The Roses from last year, which also explored themes of one-upmanship and hypocrisy.

As I watched the first episode of Alice and Steve, I found myself snort-laughing at the show's absurdity. It's a delicious descent into chaos, and one that I'm eager to continue. With its talented cast, clever writing, and willingness to tackle uncomfortable subjects, Alice and Steve is a show that's not to be missed.

• 6 x 30-minute episodes in the first season
• Disney Plus is the exclusive streaming platform in the UK
• Nicola Walker and Jemaine Clement star as Alice and Steve
• Yali Topol Margalith plays Izzy, Alice's 26-year-old daughter
• Joel Fry plays Daniel, Alice's husband

As I reflect on the show, I'm struck by its willingness to tackle uncomfortable subjects in a humorous and relatable way. It's a commentary on the hypocrisy of its characters, and the absurdity of their situations. I'm eager to see where the show goes from here, and how it will continue to tackle the complexities of relationships and one-upmanship.