Since going to Santa Monica and Los Angeles back in 2011 before actually watching the show, I’ve never found anything than this that encapsulates the aesthetic of a city so perfectly. Especially in the summer. Californication follows troubled novelist and rock and roll enthusiast Hank Moody (David Duchovny) who moves to California from New York and suffers from writers block. Not only is he suffering from his inability to write, but also his drinking, womanizing and drug abuse are beginning to complicate his relationship with his true love Karen, and their daughter Becca.
The show bleeds the Californian aesthetic, and also has undoubtedly the best soundtrack to grace any television show that I’ve come across (which probably is a tad biased, since it’s all my favourite music). The soundtracks for each season mainly consist of bands and musicians that Hank is a fan of, as am I. Whether that be The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, The Who or Warren Zevon. Even Foo Fighters, Nirvana, Alice in Chains and Soundgarden are thrown in for good measure.
Californication has become a staple summer re-watch for me since I first watched it in 2013. And with every rewatch, it makes my longing to move to either Venice Beach or Malibu that much stronger. I honestly cannot recommend this show enough. Just promise to look past the scrutiny that the media gave it for an exceeded amount of nudity involved with the sex, drugs and rock and roll.
The heart of the story is really what matters. A story about a guy trying to keep it together while falling apart, and getting true love right the first time.
You can binge-watch Californication now, with all seven seasons available on Amazon Prime Instant Video.
