There is something refreshingly uncomfortable about Slightly Awkward, a four-part web series that follows Keneilwe, or Kenny, a 30-year-old creative whose life seems to be held together by a very thin thread. Between a toxic job, complicated relationships, a questionable business opportunity and a secret that could come back to haunt him, Kenny is constantly trying to keep everything under control, while somehow making everything a little more complicated.
And honestly, the title could not be more fitting.
The first episode immediately throws you into Kenny’s world in a way that feels, well, slightly awkward. He walks out of a theatre alone before finding himself answering questions from a woman in a scene that leaves you wondering exactly where the story is going. It is a strange introduction, but one that quickly starts to make sense as Kenny’s personality unfolds.
Early on, his friend calls him out for giving relationship advice and jokingly labels him “Mr. Commitment Phobe”. At first, it feels like a throwaway joke. As the series progresses, however, you begin to understand just how accurate the label is.
Kenny is someone who seems to live permanently on the edge, in his career, his relationships and even in the decisions he makes for himself. He knows what he wants, or at least seems to, but standing up for it is another story. There is a constant sense that he is running from something, whether that is commitment, confrontation or simply having to make a decision that could change his life.
That becomes particularly interesting when it comes to his romantic life. His connection with his fling feels genuine, but Kenny’s tendency to disappear whenever life gets complicated makes it difficult for him to fully embrace it. Rather than being completely incapable of connection, he seems incapable of staying still long enough to let that connection become something real.
Then there is the job.
Without giving too much away, Kenny’s already messy work situation takes a much darker turn, involving finances, a disastrous assignment and a secret that threatens to expose him. What begins as an ordinary workplace crisis gradually spirals into something far more chaotic. The series does a good job of allowing each problem to create another problem, keeping the story moving without making it difficult to follow.
One of the strongest aspects of Slightly Awkward is its simplicity. The storyline is easy to catch onto, but that doesn’t make it predictable. Each episode leaves you wanting more, which is particularly effective given the short format. By the time you’re settling into the story, the episode ends, and you’re left wondering what Kenny is going to do next.
“Slightly Awkward is the kind of series that leaves you laughing, questioning Kenny’s decisions. It’s witty, unpredictable and refreshingly easy to get into.”
– Khanya Mncube
The series also benefits from a strong production and a cast that includes some familiar faces from the acting industry. There is something satisfying about seeing recognisable talent in a story that feels relatively grounded and accessible. The production complements the storytelling rather than distracting from it, allowing the characters and their increasingly questionable decisions to remain at the centre.
By the final episode, Kenny is finally faced with an opportunity he has spent much of the series running away from. His decision raises the biggest question of the series: does choosing a new path actually mean he is ready for a new beginning?
We don’t necessarily get all the answers, and that is part of what makes the ending work. Instead, Slightly Awkward leaves you wondering whether Kenny’s decision will finally push him towards the life he has been avoiding or simply lead him into another mess.
And by the time the credits roll, the biggest problem is that there isn’t another episode to immediately watch.
If you’re into funny drama with a little blackmail, workplace chaos and plenty of tea, Slightly Awkward is definitely one to add to your watchlist. What makes the series even more enjoyable is the cast, with each character bringing something different to the story and playing their part in keeping the drama moving from the opening scene right through to the finale.
A special mention has to go to T.J. Mokhuane, who carries Kenny’s character so well. His portrayal captures the awkwardness, indecisiveness and constant inner conflict of a man who seems to be perpetually trying to escape the consequences of his own choices. Deon Coetzee also deserves his flowers for his portrayal of Kenny’s mean boss, while Kgopotso Chawane’s Tiny Tim brings an entirely different kind of energy to the series. There is drama, there is tea, and somehow there is always another problem waiting around the corner.
Slightly Awkward is short, funny, chaotic and surprisingly relatable. It doesn’t try to make its protagonist perfect, in fact, Kenny’s flaws are exactly what make the story work. If anything, watching him stumble through his career, relationships and questionable decisions makes the series feel like a reminder that sometimes the most uncomfortable thing we can face is our own inability to choose what we really want.
Verdict: Definitely worth the watch.