Alex Cooper Is Far More Interesting Than Her Hulu Docuseries ‘Call Her Alex’: TV Review

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Today, podcasting is filled with diverse voices and perspectives from all over the world, dishing out opinions and guidance on a wide range of topics. One such voice that stands out is Alex Cooper, whose hit podcast “Call Her Daddy” is hard to ignore. Launched in 2018, just a year after the #MeToo movement started, this sex and dating podcast, initially partnered with Barstool Sports, quickly rose to fame and transformed the podcasting scene, eventually becoming the most popular podcast among women globally. Now, in a two-part Hulu docuseries titled “Call Her Alex,” directed by Peabody Award-nominated director Ry Russo-Young, fans get a deeper look into Cooper’s background. The docuseries delves into the events that shaped her and explains how she became the voice for zillennial women. While the show may not be unique in its format, it’s clear why Cooper has become so influential.

The initial segment of the series begins in 2023, where Cooper and her crew are getting ready for their inaugural live tour titled “The Unwell Tour.” Five years have passed since Cooper started “Call Her Daddy” podcast alongside her roommate Sofia Franklyn from their apartment in New York City. Now, Cooper’s fame and the popular podcast, boosted by a deal worth over $60 million with Spotify (which had previously been Barstool’s territory), are going through rehearsals.

In this episode, Russo-Young focuses on Cooper’s journey as she navigates the challenges of a seven-city tour, all while reminiscing about the special relationships she had with her executive producer, Lauren McMullen, and her future partner, Matt Kaplan. The narrative moves between behind-the-scenes preparations for the tour, live performances, and home movies from Cooper’s childhood. We discover that Cooper has always been gifted in storytelling; her father, Bryan Cooper, used to produce games for their local hockey league, igniting her passion for creating narratives. She would spend hours crafting stories with her closest friends in the basement, using these shared experiences as a source of comfort and camaraderie. Despite being a local star, Cooper reveals that she was often bullied at school because of her slender frame and red hair. She shares her struggles with self-image and feelings of not being desired, finding them humiliating.

The early aspects of the show delve into key moments and passions of Cooper’s life, but it’s not until the second half of Part 1 that “Call Her Alex” becomes truly captivating. Cooper reminisces about her college years at Boston University, where she played Division 1 soccer on a full scholarship. However, her senior year was cut short when she accused her coach, Nancy Feldman, of sexual harassment. Over the ensuing years, Cooper shares the tumultuous emotions she experienced – anger, fear, and deep anguish – and explains why the betrayal, particularly the university’s decision to protect Feldman, filled her with rage. This betrayal ultimately motivated her to find her voice again after graduation.

The second episode of the docuseries is more powerful than its first, delving into the beginnings of “Call Her Daddy.” In this installment, it focuses on significant milestones like Cooper’s Spotify and subsequent $125 million deal with Sirius XM, showing glimpses of her wedding and her interview with Vice President Kamala Harris during her presidential campaign. Insights from Cooper’s parents provide a fascinating look at the controversy surrounding the explicit podcast, as it led to them losing contact with family members and friends. Cooper also shares her thoughts on how the show has transformed, moving from its initial focus on sex to one centered around her vulnerability, leaving behind the “Daddy” persona and tackling various topics, including interviews with a diverse group of guests such as Jane Fonda, Janelle Monáe, Christina Aguilera, among others. Another captivating moment is when the host explains her strategic approach to avoiding politics until she felt compelled to advocate for women’s rights following the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022.

In summary, the series functions well with its main character, Alex Cooper, being exceptionally relatable and tenacious, showcasing a remarkable focus. Despite any challenges she encounters, viewers can understand her success. However, listeners of “Call Her Daddy” are already familiar with this, which is why the podcast continues to be popular. Although “Call Her Alex” wraps up all plotlines related to Cooper’s life neatly, it seems that the real woman and the empire she has created overshadow this straightforward narrative.

Both episodes of “Call Her Alex” premiere June 10 on Hulu.

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2025-06-09 02:16