Kristen Johnston has long been a familiar name in television, but with Netflix’s new sitcom Leanne, she has reasserted herself as one of the brightest comedic forces working today. Her performance as Carol, the outspoken younger sister to Leanne Morgan’s lead character, has captured audiences and critics alike, with many calling Johnston the true star of the series. The praise has been so loud that some outlets have begun referring to her as the “sitcom queen” of 2025, a title that seems not only fitting but overdue. For an actress who has built her reputation on bold, unforgettable performances, Leanne has become both a career milestone and a cultural talking point, elevating Johnston to a new level of recognition.

At the heart of the show lies the story of Leanne, played by stand-up comedian Leanne Morgan in her scripted television debut. The narrative follows a woman picking up the pieces after the collapse of a 33-year marriage, filled with moments of humor, heartbreak, and Southern wit. But while Leanne’s journey provides the foundation, it is her sister Carol—brought to life by Johnston—who consistently steals scenes. Brash, unpredictable, and unapologetically herself, Carol offers a counterbalance to her sister’s measured demeanor. Where Leanne embodies stability, Carol brings chaos, and it is that friction that gives the series its comedic spark.

Johnston’s Carol is not a caricature but a layered portrait of a woman who wears her flaws openly. Her two divorces, her reckless behavior, and her preference for cocktails over Sunday brunch could easily render her a stereotype. Yet Johnston infuses Carol with depth, exposing the vulnerabilities that sit beneath her loud exterior. Viewers laugh at her antics, but they also recognize the ache of being overlooked and underappreciated. This duality—raucous humor paired with relatable insecurity—makes Carol one of the most compelling sitcom characters in recent memory, and Johnston delivers it with effortless precision.

The chemistry between Johnston and Morgan has become a cornerstone of the show’s success. Their sisterly dynamic, filled with affectionate bickering and unexpected tenderness, resonates with audiences who see their own family relationships mirrored on screen. Johnston plays the foil to Morgan’s steadiness, but she also serves as her greatest ally. Watching the “responsible” older sister lean on her “reckless” sibling flips expectations and deepens the comedy, turning their relationship into something both funny and profoundly heartfelt. It is in these exchanges that Johnston’s talent shines most brightly, making Carol not just comic relief but the emotional anchor of the series.

Carol’s character arc over the course of the season underscores Johnston’s range. While Leanne’s narrative of healing unfolds in a fairly straightforward way, Carol’s path is messy and unpredictable. She ricochets between progress and setbacks, with storylines that are as absurd as they are moving. One moment, she is embroiled in a romance that ends with an FBI twist; the next, she is demanding attention in ways that reveal her deepest insecurities. Johnston handles each turn with authenticity, making Carol’s evolution feel lived-in rather than written. By the season’s end, when Carol finally accepts her place in her family, it feels like a triumph not just for the character but for the audience who has rooted for her all along.

For Johnston, Leanne represents more than just another strong performance. It feels like a culmination of years spent perfecting her craft in sitcoms like 3rd Rock from the Sun and Mom. Her timing, charisma, and willingness to throw herself completely into a role have always been her trademarks, but in Leanne, she has taken these qualities and combined them with a deeper vulnerability. Critics have noted that this role may be her defining one, the performance that cements her as not just a sitcom veteran but a central figure in the genre’s ongoing evolution.

Perhaps most exciting of all is what lies ahead for Johnston. Reports suggest she is preparing for a new role that could stretch her beyond the traditional sitcom mold, blending her comedic instincts with more dramatic tones. If Leanne proved that Johnston could carry both humor and heart in equal measure, her next project may elevate her into an even broader arena, redefining her place in television altogether. For now, though, her portrayal of Carol has captivated audiences and critics alike, transforming Leanne into one of Netflix’s surprise hits. Kristen Johnston has once again proven why sitcoms endure: they make us laugh, but the best of them also remind us of what it means to be human. In 2025, she stands not only as the queen of sitcoms but as one of television’s most versatile and enduring stars.