The new television season is always greeted with eager anticipation. The return of old favorites and the introduction of new shows serve to stimulate the interest of viewers. As the fall season begins in earnest, it is time to take a quick look at some of the season’s newest comedy offerings. Although the number of new comedies is limited due to the television industry’s profound interest in promoting reality programming, there are still a few offerings this fall that the viewing public might find intriguing.
Take, for instance, ABC’s new show, “The Neighbors.” The premise of the show is reminiscent of former television hits, “Alf” and “3rd Rock from the Sun,” in that it is based on a human family living in a neighborhood dominated by aliens but the comparison of this show with either of those highly creative shows stops there. “The Neighbors” is neither creative nor entertaining. The humor in this show is juvenile at best and the actors seem to be uncomfortable in their roles. The character development is poorly done and the outlook for this program becoming even a minor hit with viewers is minimal.
Fox Network’s new show, “Ben and Kate,” on the other hand shows real promise. This show is based on a more basic premise, a brother and sister, living together but is far better written and the two main characters, Ben, played by Nat Faxon, and Kate, played by Dakota Johnson, are well suited for their roles and seem to have a connection that allows the dialogue to work. There is nothing particularly complex about this comedy sitcom. It merely examines the basic human condition and points out how such condition is naturally humorous much in the way that led to the success of such programs as “Friends” and “Cheers.”
On another network, CBS, is a similar program based upon the relationship between a gay man and his best friend who is straight. This new show is produced and written by the creators of “Will and Grace” but in the early going it lacks the magical connection between the characters that “Will and Grace” enjoyed. The writers of this show have enjoyed phenomenal success so the show may improve as it progresses but in the early stages the dialogue is struggling.
The Fox Network may have another new hit in the form of the new show, “The Mindy Project.” This show is based primarily on a character that is a young female physician searching for her vision of an idealized romantic relationship. The humor is fashioned around this search and the turmoil and frustration involved therein. This show is well-written but owes a great deal of its early success to the personality and talents of the main character, Dr. Mindy Lahiri played by Mindy Kaling. Kaling not only plays the main character but is also responsible for producing and creating the program.
NBC enters the comedy mix with its new program, “The New Normal.” Again, there is a gay theme to this program as the show examines the relationship between a gay couple who decide to have a baby by using a surrogate. The humor generated by the relationship between the couple and those involved in their lives is inconsistent and the show seems to try too hard to establish the premise that there is no real normal. Like many sitcoms from television’s past, however, this program might just need some time to establish a following.
The new season has just begun and it is too early to determine which of the new shows will be successful and enjoy some staying power. If the history of television tells anything it is that early assessments of programs are not always accurate. “Friends,” “Cheers,” and “Seinfeld” all struggle early for viewers but seemed to ultimately do quite well. Perhaps some of this year’s new programs will do the same.
Take, for instance, ABC’s new show, “The Neighbors.” The premise of the show is reminiscent of former television hits, “Alf” and “3rd Rock from the Sun,” in that it is based on a human family living in a neighborhood dominated by aliens but the comparison of this show with either of those highly creative shows stops there. “The Neighbors” is neither creative nor entertaining. The humor in this show is juvenile at best and the actors seem to be uncomfortable in their roles. The character development is poorly done and the outlook for this program becoming even a minor hit with viewers is minimal.
Fox Network’s new show, “Ben and Kate,” on the other hand shows real promise. This show is based on a more basic premise, a brother and sister, living together but is far better written and the two main characters, Ben, played by Nat Faxon, and Kate, played by Dakota Johnson, are well suited for their roles and seem to have a connection that allows the dialogue to work. There is nothing particularly complex about this comedy sitcom. It merely examines the basic human condition and points out how such condition is naturally humorous much in the way that led to the success of such programs as “Friends” and “Cheers.”
On another network, CBS, is a similar program based upon the relationship between a gay man and his best friend who is straight. This new show is produced and written by the creators of “Will and Grace” but in the early going it lacks the magical connection between the characters that “Will and Grace” enjoyed. The writers of this show have enjoyed phenomenal success so the show may improve as it progresses but in the early stages the dialogue is struggling.
The Fox Network may have another new hit in the form of the new show, “The Mindy Project.” This show is based primarily on a character that is a young female physician searching for her vision of an idealized romantic relationship. The humor is fashioned around this search and the turmoil and frustration involved therein. This show is well-written but owes a great deal of its early success to the personality and talents of the main character, Dr. Mindy Lahiri played by Mindy Kaling. Kaling not only plays the main character but is also responsible for producing and creating the program.
NBC enters the comedy mix with its new program, “The New Normal.” Again, there is a gay theme to this program as the show examines the relationship between a gay couple who decide to have a baby by using a surrogate. The humor generated by the relationship between the couple and those involved in their lives is inconsistent and the show seems to try too hard to establish the premise that there is no real normal. Like many sitcoms from television’s past, however, this program might just need some time to establish a following.
The new season has just begun and it is too early to determine which of the new shows will be successful and enjoy some staying power. If the history of television tells anything it is that early assessments of programs are not always accurate. “Friends,” “Cheers,” and “Seinfeld” all struggle early for viewers but seemed to ultimately do quite well. Perhaps some of this year’s new programs will do the same.
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