The title actually refers to the online-dating relationship status, but “Casual” also seems to be a mandate for the cast and creative crew behind this laid-back but thoughtful and well-observed comedy about love and family in the modern age. This Hulu series doesn’t break much new ground, chronicling the melancholy exploits of two single siblings and the daughter-niece they’re raising together under one roof. But for every familiar story beat there’s an equally nuanced and smart takeaway, the ensemble digging in to make these characters deeply felt.
Judged by its first five half-hour episodes, “Casual” is quite confident taking its time, letting its central trio’s separate narratives develop in realistic, small-scale ways.