Lindy West Reveals Struggles as 'Shrill' Creator

Memoir details feelings of being 'weird and invisible' on set of her hit Hulu series.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:58am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract composition of jagged, overlapping black silhouettes against a muted, earthy color palette, conceptually representing the themes of feeling 'weird and invisible' as a creator.Lindy West's memoir reveals the personal struggles of bringing her acclaimed series 'Shrill' to life, exposing the power dynamics and isolation that can plague the creative process.Los Angeles Today

In her new memoir 'Adult Braces', writer and creator Lindy West opens up about her challenging experiences bringing her semi-autobiographical series 'Shrill' to life on Hulu. West shares how she often felt isolated and undermined by the production dynamics, with her creative input treated as a courtesy and her real personality not reflected in the writers' room.

Why it matters

West's account sheds light on the power dynamics and challenges faced by creators, especially those bringing personal stories to the screen. Her experiences highlight the importance of fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment in the entertainment industry.

The details

West relocated from Seattle to Los Angeles with 'naive positivity' that 'Shrill' would be a collaborative effort. However, she soon discovered the reality was far different, with the show picked up straight to series without a pilot. In the writers' room, West felt her input was often treated as a courtesy, and elements like the lead character's name and setting were altered without her. West also described feeling excluded from the social dynamics of the production, with the cast and crew often socializing without her.

  • West's memoir 'Adult Braces' was published in April 2026.
  • 'Shrill' was canceled in 2021, three months before West received a package from the production office that seemed to confirm her feelings of invisibility.

The players

Lindy West

The creator of the Hulu series 'Shrill' and author of the memoir 'Adult Braces', in which she opens up about her struggles during the show's production.

Samantha Irby

West's friend who was cut from the 'Shrill' Season 2 writers' room, an event that was a turning point for West in speaking up about the power dynamics on the show.

Aidy Bryant

The lead actress of 'Shrill', whose 'magic' West felt overshadowed the show's creators in the narrative.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I felt weird and invisible on set.”

— Lindy West, Creator, 'Shrill'

The takeaway

West's memoir is a powerful reflection on the creative process and the challenges of bringing a personal story to life. It raises important questions about the power dynamics in the entertainment industry and the need for more inclusive and collaborative environments for creators.