United States of Tara (2009)
A darkly funny, emotionally rich Showtime dramedy about a woman with dissociative identity disorder navigating family life with humor, heart, and remarkable complexity.
United States of Tara - Series Information
- Original Title: United States of Tara
- First Air Year: 2009
- Last Air Year: 2011
- Created by: Diablo Cody
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 30 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 36
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: January 18, 2009 (United States - TV-MA), January 18, 2009 (Canada - 18+), January 18, 2009 (United Kingdom - 15), January 18, 2009 (Germany - 18), January 18, 2009 (France - 18), January 18, 2009 (Australia - MA 15+), January 18, 2009 (Brazil - 14), January 18, 2009 (Spain - 18)
- Networks: Showtime
- Alternative Titles: United States of Tara (US), Съединени щати на Тара (BG)
- Production Companies: DreamWorks Television
- Production Countries: United States of America
United States of Tara - Plot
Tara's multiple personalities include "T" the wild-child teenager, "Buck" the rough and tumble biker dude, and "Alice" the type-A homemaker. But with a family that loves her just the way she is, Tara never gives up hope that someday she can just be herself.
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United States of Tara - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Diablo Cody
Main Cast
- Toni Collette
- John Corbett
- Rosemarie DeWitt
- Keir Gilchrist
- Brie Larson
- Michael J. Willett
- Nate Corddry
- Patton Oswalt
- Griffin Gluck
- Hayley McFarland
Writers
- Dave Finkel
- Diablo Cody
- Brett Baer
- Alexa Junge
- Joey Soloway
Executive Producers
- Steven Spielberg
United States of Tara - FAQs
Did Toni Collette win awards for United States of Tara?
Toni Collette's performance earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy Series in 2009, along with a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Her portrayal of Tara and her multiple alters is widely considered one of the most technically demanding and celebrated performances in television history.
Is United States of Tara based on a true story?
The series is not based on a single real-life case, but creator Diablo Cody drew on research into dissociative identity disorder to shape Tara's alters and experiences. The show consulted mental health professionals to portray the condition with nuance, grounding its darkly comic storytelling in recognizable psychological and emotional reality.
Where can you stream United States of Tara?
You can stream United States of Tara on fuboTV, Paramount Plus Premium, and through Paramount+ channels on Apple TV, Amazon, and Roku. If you prefer to own it, all three seasons are available to buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home.
How does United States of Tara portray dissociative identity disorder?
The show depicts DID through Tara's distinct alters — the rebellious teenager T, the gruff biker Buck, and the perfectionist homemaker Alice — each emerging in response to stress or trauma. Rather than sensationalizing the condition, the series uses dark comedy and genuine emotional depth to explore how DID affects Tara and everyone around her.
Why was United States of Tara cancelled after three seasons?
Showtime cancelled United States of Tara in 2011 after three seasons, citing declining viewership despite continued critical praise. Creator Diablo Cody and the cast expressed disappointment, as the third season had pushed the story into bold new territory. The show ended on a cliffhanger, leaving many fans wanting more closure.
Who created United States of Tara and what inspired it?
United States of Tara was created by Diablo Cody, the Academy Award-winning screenwriter behind Juno. Steven Spielberg executive produced the series. Cody was drawn to the premise as a way to explore identity, family dysfunction, and mental health through a darkly comedic lens, blending sharp wit with genuine emotional storytelling.
What role did Brie Larson play in United States of Tara?
Brie Larson played Kate Gregson, Tara's sharp-tongued, fiercely independent teenage daughter. The role was an early career highlight for Larson, who brought considerable depth and humor to Kate's coming-of-age storylines. Her performance helped establish her as a compelling dramatic talent years before her Oscar-winning turn in Room.
What are good shows to watch after United States of Tara?
If you loved United States of Tara, Transparent offers a similarly bold, character-driven look at a complicated family navigating identity. Shameless delivers the same mix of dark comedy and dysfunctional family warmth. Shining Vale blends genre and family drama in a comparably offbeat way, and The Fosters explores non-traditional family dynamics with real emotional honesty.
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