Why It’s Worth a Watch Wednesdays – Guys With…::snore::

October 31, 2012 By 7 Comments

With all of the new TV programs airing this fall, Tiffany and I have had a ton of homework to do…  This week, we tuned in and watched two of the most recent additions to the comedy lineups for our Why It’s Worth a Watch Wednesday reviews—NBC’s Guys with Kids and ABC’s The Neighbors.

I feel the need to preface this review with the following information: as I type this, I am battling an ear infection. If you’ve never had one, imagine coupling partial deafness with the dental pain.

Yeah. Awesome.

It stands to reason that I MAY just be a bit crankier than usual given the circumstances. I should also note  that I watched this show pre-infection, so, take that as you will.

Guys With Kids revolves around the lives of three guys played by Jesse Bradford, Anthony Anderson, and Zach Cregger. Each man has kids, although in slightly different situations, Chris (Bradford) is newly divorced with a baby, Gary (Anderson) is a married stay-at-home-dad with four boys (a set of twins among them), and Nick (Cregger) is married with a little girl and baby boy.

Conversations between the three friends often take place at a local bar, one they frequent with their babies in tow, strapped to their chests in non-branded Baby Bjorns.

The idea, I guess, is that fathering is funny.

And I’m not saying parenting overall isn’t. There are plenty of opportunities for laughs. (If you’ve ever had a baby pee in your face, you know humor is a key element in parenting.)

This show, however, missed the mark when it comes to humor. Which is problematic, since, you know, it is a sitcom. It’s also a big let down, given that Jimmy Fallon and one of the creators of The Office are involved in the show’s creation. (For the record, I’ve been a fan of The Office in the past, and enjoy Fallon.)

Adding insult to injury is the voice that tells us at the beginning of the show that this show is being taped in front of a live studio audience. If that canned laughter does actually come from the live audience, I fear for our future.

This show just isn’t funny. I watched three episodes, hoping that maybe the pilot was a fluke. After all, there are shows that need time to come into their own. (I would have never guessed that I would love Parks and Rec the way I do based on the pilot.) Sadly, I didn’t laugh.

And the acting is so…overdone. I don’t blame the actors for that one. I feel like that is the direction they are getting. “If you act like the joke is hilarious, the audience will believe you!” Yeah. Not so much.

I will say this much. One, I can’t remember any instances (at least in those first few eps) that made me want to cover my little guy’s ears. It’s fairly rare that I can watch anything that comes on after 8 PM without worrying about what my three year old is hearing. So, if NBC’s intent is to bring back the family sitcom, I give it props for trying.

But I’d like them to try hard enough that the show is worth watching. At least in the days of Full House and the like, the show was cheesy but could be funny to a kid, even some adults. This show just wasn’t funny.

The only other thing about the show that stood out for me was Zach Cregger. For any of you who remember Ryan Reynolds from his sitcom days (Two Guys, A Girl, and a Pizza Place), Zach reminds me a lot of him. Now, I know most ladies love Ryan Reynolds for other reasons, but I always loved the funny version of him way more than the “I just did a thousand crunches shirtless” version. So, I find Mr. Cregger’s presence comforting.

In the end, even Mr. Cregger couldn’t compel me to watch this show. Unless NBC is listening and makes some serious changes, I’m afraid this is some LOTV – liver and onions. Which would probably make Cregger the promise of bacon.

Did you watch Guys With Kids? What did you think? Are my comedy standards set far too high? Did you miss the show? You can catch all the episodes on Hulu.

Now head over to Tiffany’s blog and see what she thinks of another new sitcom, Neighbors. Has TV forgotten how to create comedy?

Come back next week when we return with an installment of Why It’s Worth a Watch Wednesday unlike any other… we’re reviewing the same show for the very first time!  Will we agree or disagree after watching Chicago Fire?
Remember to stop by the #watchwed hashtag in Twitter to discuss any of today’s reviews, or to mention any television programs that you’d like to see on Why It’s Worth a Watch Wednesday in the future.
And now, for something funny that involves both Jimmy Fallon and old school sitcoms, I bring you, THIS:

A Recap of The WatchWed Review System:
GTV (Gourmet TV): Everything we want and more
MacTV (MacNCheese TV): Guilty pleasure. Not perfect, but is satisfies
GMacTV (Gourmet MacNCheese TV): A combination of fine wine and comfort food
JFTV (Junk food TV): It’s not great for us, but we’ll go back for seconds
TBPTV (Twice Baked Potato TV): Part gourmet and delicious, while absolutely horrible for our cholesterol
SSTV (Still Simmering TV): It has potential, but the jury is still out
NIV (Nyquil Induced Viewing): Perfect for that late night television sleep timer
LOTV (Liver&Onions TV): Do we really have to explain? Blech

 

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Why It’s Worth a Watch Wednesday – The Mindy Project

September 12, 2012 By 5 Comments

This week on Why It’s Worth a Watch Wednesday, Tiffany and I get the chance to review something NEW! It seems networks are catching on to the fact that services like Hulu are becoming increasingly popular. In an effort to capture (or keep) audiences, several pilots are being released ahead of their premiere date via such services.

Tiffany and I are taking advantage of these sneak peeks, starting with this week’s review of two new Fox sitcoms, Ben and Kate and The Mindy Project.

The Mindy Project follows Mindy Lahiri (Mindy Kaling), a 31-year-old single doctor working in an OB/GYN practice. The story begins by showing us that she’s grown up watching the same romantic comedies most of us did (think Nora Ephron, Meg Ryan, Tom Hanks…) and due to that fact, has the same skewed, idealistic view of romance that many girls do.

Until a seemingly perfect “meet-cute” doesn’t end in the storybook way she expects.

Working with Mindy at the practice are two single guys. One (Ed Weeks) is handsome, charming, British, and not really relationship material. The other guy (Chris Messina) is arrogant, from Jersey (far as I can tell), and is direct, if not rude.

So, obviously, one is the irresistible bad boy and the other is the unlikely romantic interest we’re supposed to root for at some point, right?

There are some clever moments in the show, which shouldn’t come as surprise considering Mindy Kaling’s writing has been behind some truly funny episodes of the hit sitcom “The Office”.

But…

I’m not onboard at this point. I won’t know until it’s been given time, but it feels a little Bridget Jones-y for me. A little “woe is me, the single girl, for how can I be happy without a man to complete me”. I’m not against the romantic comedy shtick  but I do need some originality in the delivery.

Having said that, lots of women love the Bridget Jones vibe. And I definitely didn’t hate the show. This is going to be a case of SSTV for me. How predictable is every scenario going to be? The answer to that question will have a lot to do with how long it lives in my Hulu queue.

[It should be noted that the pilot did make me laugh. I made the hubs watch it and he couldn’t finish it. So far, I think this show is for the girls.]

Have you checked out the pilot for The Mindy Project yet? What did you think?

You can catch the pilot on Fox.com, Hulu, or even on Facebook. If you want to wait for the premiere, it airs Tuesday Sept. 25 at 9:30 PM on FOX.

Now head over to Tiffany’s to find out what she thinks of another FOX debut, Ben and Kate.

Tune in next week for more tips on what is worth a watch in the upcoming season!

Remember to stop by the #watchwed hashtag in Twitter to discuss any of today’s reviews, or to mention any television programs that you’d like to see on Why It’s Worth a Watch Wednesday in the future.
A Recap of The WatchWed Review System:
GTV (Gourmet TV): Everything we want and more
MacTV (MacNCheese TV): Guilty pleasure. Not perfect, but is satisfies
GMacTV (Gourmet MacNCheese TV): A combination of fine wine and comfort food
JFTV (Junk food TV): It’s not great for us, but we’ll go back for seconds
TBPTV (Twice Baked Potato TV): Part gourmet and delicious, while absolutely horrible for our cholesterol
SSTV (Still Simmering TV): It has potential, but the jury is still out
NIV (Nyquil Induced Viewing): Perfect for that late night television sleep timer
LOTV (Liver&Onions TV): Do we really have to explain? Blech

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Why It’s Worth a Watch Wednesday – Go On

August 22, 2012 By 20 Comments

This week on Why It’s Worth a Watch Wednesday, Tiffany and I get an opportunity to return to our reviews of brand new shows, pilots released on NBC on the heels of all the Olympic fervor. Tiffany will be discussing Animal Practice, while I check out Go On.

I willingly jumped at the chance to review the Go On pilot, as it is the return of Matthew Perry to the small screen. (Well, he returned before, but that show didn’t fare well.)

Perry plays Ryan, a sports radio show host who attempts to return to work one month after the death of his wife. His boss (John Cho) objects to such an early return, and requires he attend mandatory group therapy before he is allowed to return to his job.

Group therapy brings with it the perfectionist, an angry lesbian, a creepy creeperson, crazy cat girl, and a few others. Ryan is already against the idea of group therapy, and being among this group of misfits doesn’t help. Also not helping is the enthusiastic and less-than-qualified leader of the sessions.

Of course, before the pilot is over, something changes that makes Ryan stick with it.

Otherwise, we’d have no show.

In watching the pilot, I couldn’t help but think of the lauded (yet ratings challenged) Community. The snarky, sarcastic, reluctant center of a band of socially awkward misfits could easily describe Perry’s Ryan or McHale’s Jeff Winger. Did I mention that the group therapy is at a community center?

Is that a bad thing? Not necessarily. It is entirely possible that taking the “band of unlikely friends” formula, minus the uber-inside jokes, with a dash of the serious (after all, these are people mourning loss), may appeal to a wider demographic.

Does it appeal to me? I’m on the fence. I really like Matthew Perry. There is something about the way he plays characters that is infinitely likeable, even if the character is a jerk. I was never a big fan of Friends, but Chandler Bing was the reason I bothered to watch. The show’s premise isn’t entirely original, but originality is hard to come by in sitcoms these days. It’s execution that matters.

Basically, I’m rooting for this show to work. I’m rooting for the writers to create something that lets Perry show a little more of what he can do (i.e. the angst and depth he shows in Birds of America, blended with the comedic timing everyone knows him for).

Is there anything about the show other than Matthew Perry that has me hopeful? The occasional moments of gross from Brett Gelman’s creepy Mr. K were definitely highlights. And I give them props for cute usage of the Google car. (Watch and see.)

I never expect a sitcom pilot to ‘wow’ me. Sitcoms need time to find their rhythm. I would have never guessed based on the pilot that I would have fallen madly in love with Parks and Recreation, but I did.

So, I am giving Go On an SSTV. This is a show I truly hope to revisit with a solid rating. Don’t fail me, writers. You’ve got great talent to work with. Make it happen.

[ed note: I rewatched the pilot after writing this and laughed more than I remembered. The potential is definitely there. NBC - if your writers aren't delivering, CALL ME. Or, you know, someone with proven talent.]

If you missed the pilot, you can check it out on Hulu (where I did – remember? I have no cable…), download it on iTunes, and likely find it in a few more places. The next episode airs Tuesday, September 11th at 9/8C.

Did you catch Go On? What did you think? Are you giving it a go when it airs in September?

Now head over to Tiffany’s to check out NBC’s other Olympic release pilot, Animal Practice. I hear there’s a monkey involved…  
 
Remember to stop by the #watchwed hashtag in Twitter to discuss any of today’s reviews, or to mention any television programs that you’d like to see on Why It’s Worth a Watch Wednesday in the future.
A Recap of The WatchWed Review System:
GTV (Gourmet TV): Everything we want and more
MacTV (MacNCheese TV): Guilty pleasure. Not perfect, but is satisfies
GMacTV (Gourmet MacNCheese TV): A combination of fine wine and comfort food
JFTV (Junk food TV): It’s not great for us, but we’ll go back for seconds
TBPTV (Twice Baked Potato TV): Part gourmet and delicious, while absolutely horrible for our cholesterol
SSTV (Still Simmering TV): It has potential, but the jury is still out
NIV (Nyquil Induced Viewing): Perfect for that late night television sleep timer
LOTV (Liver&Onions TV): Do we really have to explain? Blech

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The Tambernies, Part II: Comedies and Reality

August 15, 2012 By 12 Comments

It’s awards season, which means we talk time on Why It’s Worth a Watch Wednesday to discuss our take on the nominations. Our choices have been dubbed, “The Tambernies”.

Last week over at Tiffany’s blog, we discussed our “Tamberny” picks for drama. Given, well, the way I am, it seemed only appropriate that we house the comedy picks here.

So, here it goes!

Outstanding Comedy Series
The Big Bang Theory – CBS
Curb Your Enthusiasm – HBO
Girls – HBO
Modern Family – ABC
30 Rock – NBC
Veep – HBO

Viewers’ Choice: Big Bang Theory

Amber: I have to admit, I’m disappointed about Parks and Rec not making it into this category, and I’m curious to see who fares better: network comedy or cable. Veep sounds promising, Girls makes me want to stab myself in the face, and Curb Your Enthusiasm is Larry David, so that pretty much guarantees some ridiculous humor. The network offerings have amused me on occasion, but none of them have wowed me lately.

I’m feeling rather “meh” about this category this year. I’ll give it to Modern Family. Reluctantly.

Tiffany: I’m kinda surprised to see Girls made the nomination list… maybe I should check this out.  I keep hearing all sorts of things about it.  But other than that, this list looks like the usual suspects.  Where’s New Girl?  Where’s Suburgatory?  These are two of the funniest shows on television today.  Oh, I know–they don’t have the ensemble casts that these other shows have.  Well, all except Girls that is.  Even Veep brings back one of television’s sweethearts in Julia Louis-Dreyfus.  So predictable, really.

I vote for New Girl.  

Oh, that’s not good enough?  Fine.  Curb Your Enthusiasm.  I think Larry David is hilarious.  

Amber: You swayed me. I haven’t watched in ages, but give it to CYE.

And yeah, where is Suburgatory?? I call FOUL.

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Lena Dunham – Girls – HBO
Melissa McCarthy – Mike & Molly – CBS
New Girl – Zooey Deschanel – FOX
Edie Falco – Nurse Jackie – Showtime
Amy Poehler – Parks and Rec – NBC
Tina Fey – 30 Rock – NBC
Julia Louis-Dreyfus – Veep – HBO

Viewers’ Choice: Tina Fey

Amber: Amy Poehler really deserves this. The show she’s on deserves this. Please??

Tiffany:  Now we’re talking!!  Zooey Deschanel all the way.

Sorry, Amber.  Can’t help ya.

Amber: I enjoy New Girl, but its become more about loving Schmidt for me. I am, however, interested in seeing what Zooey wears to the awards. She was a cool sense of style.

Tiffany: THAT, and hopefully she sings…

Amber: Cute the adorable!

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Jim Parsons – The Big Bang Theory
Larry David – Curb Your Enthusiasm
Don Cheadle – House of Lies
Louis C.K. – Louie
Alec Baldwin – 30 Rock
Jon Cryer – Two and a Half Men

Viewers’ Choice: Jim Parsons

Amber: I’m still feeling “meh”. Let’s go with Don Cheadle.

Tiffany: I know I just said up above that I love Larry David, but I’m actually agreeing with Amber on this one–Don Cheadle.  Have you watched House of Lies?  OMG.  Showtime does it again with an absolutely hilarious, raunchy comedy.  And Don Cheadle is fantastic leading his team of misfit consultants and trying to be the best single father he possibly can.

Amber: I have NOT seen it. This was my “let’s pick a name out of the hat” guess. I’m too good.

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Mayim Bialik – The Big Bang Theory
Kathryn Joosten – Desperate Housewives
Julie Bowen – Modern Family
Sofia Vergera – Modern Family
Merritt Wever – Nurse Jackie
Kristen Wiig – SNL

Viewers’ Choice: Mayim Bialik

Amber: Even though I don’t find it as funny as everyone else, I DO think Mayim Bialik delivers on her role really well, so I’ll go with the viewers on this one.

Tiffany: Forget about the typicals here… The Big Bang Theory, Modern Family, Nurse Jackie…  and I hate to talk ill about the dead (R.I.P. Kathryn Joosten), but I’m going with Kristen Wiig here.  She may annoy a lot of people with her portrayals on SNL, but I personally LOVE her.  SNL will not be the same without her.  Who’s going to play Gilly?  Doonesse?  Mindy Grayson?  Kath?  

Amber: My dad LOVES Gilly. I wouldn’t be upset if she took it.

Tiffany:  Gilllyyyy….

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Ed O’Neill – Modern Family
Jesse Tyler Ferguson – Modern Family
Ty Burrell – Modern Family
Eric Stonestreet – Modern Family
Max Greenfield – New Girl
Bill Hader – SNL

Viewers’ Choice: Max Greenfield

Amber: YAY! SCHMIDT! Okay. I have to admit, he is my favorite thing about New Girl and makes me laugh every episode. He deserves this one.

Tiffany: WHAT IN THE WORLD????  YES, I’M SCREAMING HERE!!!  I’M SO HAPPY WE ALL AGREE–SCHMIDT IS MY FAVORITE!!!  

Okay, I’ll lower my voice now.  

Ssschmmmidt….  So happy.

Amber: Woo!

I will, however, take a moment of silence for the fact that Alan Tudyk was totally overlooked. He is HILARIOUS in Suburgatory. I don’t know how that fact was missed.

Tiffany: I wish I had something witty to say here, but instead I’ll just agree.  Alan Tudyk is a comedic genius.

Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series
Community – Remedial Chaos Theory
Girls – Pilot
Louie – Pregnant
Parks and Rec – The Debate
Parks and Rec – Win, Lose, or Draw

Viewers’ Choice: Parks and Rec – The Debate

Amber: FINALLY. Parks and Rec is, in my opinion, one of the better crafted sitcoms on right now. The characters are all flawed, yet likeable. The actors depicting them are amazing. The writing is great.

Tiffany: Are we in the Twilight Zone?  I’m agreeing with Amber again?  And the readers?  What is going on?   Parks and Rec definitely deserves a writing nod here.

Amber: We ARE in the Twilight Zone. I feel right, Tiffany. I feel right.

Tiffany:  Doo-do-doo-do.  Doo-do-doo-do.

Outstanding Casting for a Comedy Series
The Big C – Showtime
Girls – HBO
Modern Family – ABC
New Girl – ABC
Nurse Jackie – Showtime
Veep – HBO

Viewers’ Choice: TIE – Modern Family/New Girl

Amber: I’m torn. Modern Family seems the shoe in, given the way they dominate the acting nominations. But I’m not sold.

Tiffany:  “Hey, Girl.  Whatcha’ Doin’?”  Yes, I’m singing the New Girl theme song to Amber.  What are you doing??  Best casting should totally go to New Girl!  Why?  Because they took virtually unknown actors and created the best casting-chemistry on TV.  

Amber: Then let’s give it to them. (Because, you know, we have that power, right?) Modern Family has received a lot of love already.

Tiffany: Go-Go-Tamberny-Power!!

Outstanding Variety Series
The Colbert Report
The Daily Show
Jimmy Kimmel Live
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon
Real Time with Bill Mahrer
SNL (Saturday Night Live)

Viewers’ Choice: Jimmy Fallon

Amber: I’m so torn. I’m nothing if not loyal, and everyone here knows that loyalty goes to my jaunty-eared favorite, Stephen Colbert. Yet, Jimmy Fallon has really made his late night role his own. SO TORN.

Tiffany: I do like Jimmy Fallon, more so his opening sequences than his interviews.  I also like Stephen Colbert… that man is funny.  But I’m going with SNL here, a TRUE variety series, not just a talk show..

Amber: I gave up on SNL LONG ago, so maybe I need to watch it again. I feel like Jimmy Fallon took some of the best of what SNL did with him and incorporated it into a late night show. Clever. Not to mention that he seems like all around decent human being.

Same with Colbert. I love voting for someone who seems awesome off screen as well as off.

Tiffany: Maybe now’s not the time to try SNL again.  Two of the best cast members left following last season.  I’ll do you a favor and watch the next season and let you know if it’s worth it…

Outstanding Animated Program
American Dad! – Hot Water
Bob’s Burgers – BurgerBoss
Futurama – The Tip of the Zoidberg
The Penguins of Madagascar – The Return of the Revenge of Doctor Blowhole
The Simpsons – Holidays of Future Passed

Viewers’ Choice: TIE – Simpsons/POM

Amber: The reality here? I just don’t care.

Tiffany: Is there an echo in here?  I really don’t care either…

Where’s Archer?  I vote for Archer.  If Archer was on here, I’d care.  The Emmy’s love the FX programming in the Drama category, why not here?

Amber: I am starting to wonder if that “high” animated series’ enjoyed for a while is starting to dwindle.

Tiffany: It’s better than anything listed here… that’s for sure.

Outstanding Reality Program
Antiques Roadshow
Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution
MythBusters
Shark Tank
Undercover Boss
Who Do You Think You Are?

Viewers’ Choice: Mythbusters

Amber: Sure. Mythbusters.

Tiffany: Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.

Amber: Haha. Resorting to the write-in vote?

Tiffany: Why not?  I’m really wondering about the “powers that be.”

Outstanding Reality-Competition Program
The Amazing Race
Dancing With the Stars
Project Runway
So You Think You Can Dance
Top Chef
The Voice

Viewers’ Choice: So You Think You Can Dance

Amber: I haven’t watched any of these this season (and some ever). I did enjoy SYTYCD in earlier seasons, as well as Top Chef. I’ll go with the viewers.

Tiffany: Survivor.

Amber: And again.

Outstanding Host for Reality/Reality-Competition
Phil Keoghan – The Amazing Race
Ryan Seacrest – American Idol
Betty White – Betty Whites Off Their Rockers
Tom Bergeron – Dancing with the Stars
Cat Deeley – So You Think You Can Dance

Viewers’ Choice: Betty White

Amber: I don’t know why I am so cranky when it comes to Betty White. I don’t want her to get it. Really. I can’t explain it. I do think that Cat Deeley seems like the nicest person ever and is one of the few reality-competition hosts that doesn’t make me want to scream at the TV.

Tiffany: Jeff Probst.

Amber: Now it’s just getting ridiculous. But then again, this IS the reality TV category.

Tiffany:  That’s right–I’m just keeping it real.

Outstanding Non-Fiction Series
American Masters – PBS
Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations
Frozen Planet – DC
Inside the Actors Studio
The Weight of the Nation – HBO

Viewers’ Choice: Anthony Bourdain

Amber: I need to brush up on my non-fiction series. I’ve only watched Bourdain and Inside the Actors Studio. To call either “outstanding” seems a bit much. I did see a few minutes of Frozen Planet and feel far better about giving it to them.

Tiffany: Not my favorite category… I watch TV to escape.  But Frozen Planet works for me.  My guy watched some of that, therefore, I did too.  I’d prefer Through the Wormhole, but as with the above categories, not many of my preferences are nominated.    

Amber: OH YES. Through the Wormhole. How is that NOT here??

We’ve done a lot of agreeing this time around. Must be something in the water.

Tiffany: THAT, or we both know how to appreciate good comedy… but we can go with the water.

That’s it! Thanks for hanging with us, as always, through the TV year. What do you think of this year’s Emmy noms? Did they miss any of your faves? Are we way off based with any of our picks?

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