The landscape of television comedy is expanding to welcome stories of a different kind of transition. The CBC series "Small Achievable Goals" has debuted its highly anticipated second season, continuing its mission to bring humour and raw insight to the life changes surrounding menopause. The show, available on CBC Gem and CBC, premiered its new episodes on January 6, 2026.
Embracing the Chaos of Midlife
Created by and starring comedy veterans Jennifer Whalen and Meredith MacNeill (both alumnae of "Baroness von Sketch Show"), the series dives fearlessly into topics often left unspoken. From unpredictable hot flashes and shifts in libido to navigating a frustrating medical system and even random body odours, no aspect of the menopause experience is off-limits. The show positions itself as a vital and hilarious "coming-of-a-certain-age" story.
The dynamic between the two leads drives the narrative. MacNeill plays Kris, a free-spirited podcaster, while Whalen portrays Julie, her more professionally minded producer. Their chemistry, forged in the first season's makeshift makeup podcast, has evolved into a powerful friendship and advocacy partnership.
Physical Comedy and Unflinching Reality
The new season promises an escalation in both laughter and authenticity. "There's a bit more physical comedy this year," revealed MacNeill in a joint interview. She described a scene filmed in a farmer's field where, to the crew's familiar amusement, she found herself climbing over hay bales and even performing a cartwheel in front of a pumpkin.
However, the comedy is firmly rooted in real-world experiences. A pivotal scene in Episode 5 features an internal medical exam for Kris. The creators were adamant about portraying the often-grim reality of women's healthcare. "Meredith was very insistent that all of the medical things weren't dirty enough," Whalen explained. "There wasn't enough dust, and things weren't gungy enough." This commitment to truth left a lasting impression, particularly on male crew members who had never witnessed such a frank depiction.
Tapping into a Cultural and Economic Shift
"Small Achievable Goals" arrives at a crucial cultural moment. With an estimated 10 million Canadian women over 40 affected by perimenopause and menopause, and older millennials now entering this stage, conversations are becoming more open. The show is part of a larger movement where content creators are demanding better support and understanding, while also acknowledging the inherent absurdity that can accompany these changes.
This cultural shift has spawned a significant economic response. The series' second season smartly addresses the explosion of products and advice marketed to menopausal women. The global menopause market was valued at approximately US$17 billion in 2023, with projections from Grand View Research suggesting it will surpass US$24 billion annually by 2030. As Kris and Julie grapple with a new boss and a shifted podcast focus, they navigate this booming, and sometimes overwhelming, new landscape.
Ultimately, "Small Achievable Goals" does more than just generate laughs. It normalizes conversations about women's health, challenges systemic inadequacies in healthcare, and celebrates the resilience and humour found in enduring friendship through life's most unpredictable chapters.
