In the ever-evolving landscape of streaming television, few shows have dared to blend workplace sitcom tropes with the burgeoning world of legal cannabis quite like Disjointed. Created by comedy powerhouse Chuck Lorre (known for hits like The Big Bang Theory and Mom) and David Javerbaum, this Netflix series premiered in 2017 and quickly became a polarizing yet endearing entry in the cannabis comedy genre. Starring the legendary Kathy Bates as the free-spirited dispensary owner Ruth Whitefeather Feldman and featuring a standout performance by Tone Bell as the security guard Carter, Disjointed offers a mix of broad humor, heartfelt moments, and timely commentary on marijuana legalization.
Whether you’re a fan of multi-camera sitcoms with laugh tracks or simply curious about how pot culture translates to mainstream TV, this review dives deep into what makes Disjointed worth watching—or why it might leave some viewers wanting more. From character dynamics to its cultural impact, here’s everything you need to know about this underrated Netflix comedy.
The Premise: A Dispensary Full of Highs and Lows
Disjointed centers on Ruth’s Alternative Caring, a Los Angeles-based medical (and later recreational) marijuana dispensary owned by Ruth Whitefeather Feldman (Kathy Bates). A lifelong cannabis activist and former lawyer, Ruth has spent decades fighting for legalization, only to find herself navigating the challenges of running a legitimate business in a post-legalization world. Her shop becomes a quirky family of “budtenders” and staff, each bringing their own eccentricities to the daily grind of selling strains, dealing with customers, and occasionally fending off federal scrutiny.
The title itself is a clever pun—referring both to a “joint” (marijuana cigarette) and the often chaotic, pieced-together nature of the characters’ lives and the show’s style. Episodes blend classic sitcom workplace banter with surreal interstitials like fake commercials, animated sequences, and dream-like skits, giving it a meta, almost SNL-inspired edge that sets it apart from Lorre’s more traditional network fare.
Kathy Bates: The Heart and Soul of Disjointed
At the center of it all is Kathy Bates, delivering one of her most charismatic and committed performances. As Ruth, Bates embodies the aging hippie archetype with authenticity and warmth. With her flowing gray hair, colorful outfits, and unapologetic passion for cannabis as medicine and culture, Ruth feels like a real person rather than a caricature. Bates infuses the role with maternal energy—she’s the protective “den mother” to her staff, always ready with a kind word, a toke, or a fierce defense of her beliefs.
Critics and fans alike praise Bates for elevating the material. Even in weaker episodes filled with predictable stoner jokes, her timing and emotional depth keep things grounded. Ruth’s journey—from underground activist to legitimate business owner—mirrors the broader evolution of the cannabis industry, and Bates makes every conflicted moment feel genuine. Whether she’s clashing with her business-minded son Travis (Aaron Moten) or offering wisdom to her young employees, Bates proves once again why she’s an Oscar winner capable of turning even familiar tropes into something special.
Tone Bell’s Standout Performance as Carter
While Kathy Bates anchors the series, Tone Bell quietly steals scenes as Carter, the dispensary’s security guard and a Gulf War veteran (note: some sources reference Iraq tours) dealing with severe PTSD. Unlike the rest of the staff, Carter starts as a teetotaler who has never touched marijuana. His arc explores the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis for veterans suffering from trauma, adding a layer of depth rarely seen in stoner comedies.
Bell’s portrayal is nuanced and affecting. Carter’s deadpan humor contrasts beautifully with the more exaggerated characters around him, and his gradual openness to using pot for symptom relief provides some of the show’s most poignant moments. Reviewers frequently highlight Bell’s work as a highlight, noting how it differentiates Disjointed from purely silly fare and elevates discussions around medical marijuana. In a series that could have leaned heavily on stereotypes, Bell brings humanity and restraint, making Carter one of the most memorable characters.
The Ensemble Cast and Humor Style
Supporting the leads is a solid ensemble that includes:
- Aaron Moten as Travis, Ruth’s ambitious son pushing for expansion.
- Dougie Baldwin as Pete, the eccentric master grower who talks to his plants.
- Elizabeth Alderfer as Olivia, the Midwestern budtender with mixed feelings about pot.
- Elizabeth Ho as Jenny, rebelling against cultural expectations.
The humor is broad and unapologetic—pot puns, munchies gags, forgetful stoner tropes, and raunchy language abound. The laugh track and multi-camera setup give it a nostalgic CBS sitcom feel, but the Netflix freedom allows for edgier content. Interstitial fake ads and animated bits add surreal flair, though they sometimes feel disjointed (pun intended) from the main plot.
While some critics found the jokes tired or the stereotypes overplayed, others argue the show shines when watched in the right mindset—perhaps with a little herbal assistance. The series isn’t trying to reinvent comedy; it’s a comforting, character-driven hangout show with a timely twist.
Cultural Impact and Why It Was Canceled
Disjointed arrived during a pivotal time for cannabis culture, as more states legalized recreational use. It mainstreamed conversations about medical benefits, veteran care, and the industry’s gray areas between state and federal law. However, the show received mixed reviews (around 43 on Metacritic) and was canceled after one season (20 episodes split into two parts), despite a passionate fanbase.
The cancellation disappointed many who felt the series was just finding its rhythm, with character arcs deepening in later episodes. Today, Disjointed remains a cult favorite for fans of Kathy Bates, Tone Bell, and lighthearted cannabis-themed entertainment.
Final Thoughts: Should You Watch Disjointed?
Disjointed isn’t perfect—its broad humor and laugh track may feel dated to some—but it’s elevated by outstanding performances from Kathy Bates and Tone Bell. Bates brings heart and authenticity to a role that could have been cartoonish, while Bell adds emotional weight to an often light genre. If you enjoy workplace comedies like Cheers or The Office with a cannabis twist, or simply want to see talented actors in fun roles, give it a stream.
In a sea of streaming content, Disjointed stands out as a bold, if flawed, experiment in blending mainstream sitcom structure with progressive themes. It’s a reminder that even in comedy, there’s room for healing, advocacy, and a good laugh.
