There are some things I will never understand. How did we land on the moon 40 years ago, but our best electric cars go no more than a few hours before recharging? How did Three 6 Mafia win an Oscar before Martin Scorsese did? Butter is healthier than margarine?
Britney Spears' albums have out sold
Nine Inch Nails four-to-one? But there is one question, even more boggling that truly evades me: how is it that good comedy on TV is repeatedly skipped over and out-favored by bad (and I mean really atrocious) sitcoms? “
Arrested Development” was on the air for three years and never gained more than six million viewers, while “Two And A Half Men” averages 14 million viewers a week, has lasted six seasons (so far), and is the top-rated comedy on TV. Oy vey. Here is a list of 11 comedies that somehow made it, while shows like “Arrested Development,” “Freaks and Geeks,” and "Undeclared" never had a chance.
If you are looking for the lowest common denominator, look no further. The entire series is a running gag about how stupid and buffoonish men are, which might appeal to some middle-aged women who hate their husbands, but come on. The jokes are clichéd and tired, and if a show uses a laugh track this much, it should be a red flag. Add an annoying child actor who is quickly becoming too old to live off of his "cute appeal", and you've got a recipe for disaster – or a top-watched show on TV, I guess.
The premise is good enough (a man who becomes unwillingly altruistic by misinterpreting his father's dying wishes), but what plays out is a version of “Golden Girls” meets Steve Urkel. Furthermore, there is something about the voice the lead actor uses that sounds like nails on a chalkboard. The good news is that Madea hasn't entered the picture yet (is she still in jail?), and no switch to a big network is in talks.
I don't like this show for the same reasons I don't like country music: to me it's nothing fresh, and they sing about the same problems over and over. I get it! You spilled Bar-B-Que sauce on your white tee, and your cowgirl rode off with another buck. “The Bill Engvall Show” is the same over-used premise of a man maladjusted in his own family -- a bratty daughter, a condescending wife, the works – who tries to assert his dominance unsuccessfully. It wasn't funny on “Everybody Loves Raymond” or “Yes, Dear”, and it's certainly not funny here. Take a tip from Jeff Foxworthy - if you're trying to appeal to blue-collar red-state America, BE blue-collar red-state America and don’t hold back.
“Greek” is a decent show dealing with college love and life without throwing too many forced, witty lines in. But this is one of those shows that doesn’t know when it’s supposed to be funny and when it’s supposed to be serious. Right now, I'm not laughing when I'm supposed to laugh because the jokes aren't funny, and I'm not serious when I'm supposed to be serious because I'm not sure if I should be laughing. Which leaves only one option.... kegger anyone?
This new show on USA about a concierge doctor living it up in the Hamptons shoots for the “Entourage” appeal but ends up falling awkwardly (and not funnily – damn it, that should be a word) flat on its face. The dialogue makes you cringe, and with the exception of the brother character, CPA Evan R. Lawson, none of the characters have what I like to refer to as “comedic timing.” Not sure if we’re even supposed to classify this as a comedy, but either way, the show sucks.
For starters, this show is on at 2 a.m., which leads me to believe that its own network (Comedy Central) knows it isn't funny. Second, this show about one man who makes prank-calls in different character voices rarely uses more than the same 3 characters! Furthermore, these characters’ schticks get old after only a few minutes. “Fonejacker” might work as a series of YouTube videos, but this certainly is no “Crank Yankers”. Mr. Fonejacker, let us know when you master a new accent.
A modern reincarnation of Don Rickles, but actually more insulting than funny. I must give credit where it is due -- Chelsea Handler is the only woman other than Joan Rivers to have a late-night show, but, for the sake of women everywhere, couldn't you have picked someone better? E! has become a network of C-level celebrities ragging on B-level celebrities, but this show takes it to an unnecessary extreme. And another thing, enough about your vagina, Chelsea, no one wants to hear it.
Making silly faces and bouncing off the walls might have been funny in Lucile Ball's 1950s, but today's audience is more sophisticated with its humor. "Head Case”’s guest stars seem to understand this, but sadly, lead actress Alexandra Wentworth does not. I wonder if the show's premise about an unconventional shrink at times more unstable than her Hollywood patients is actually reality not farce.
This used to be one of the greatest sitcoms on TV. However, it has evolved into a goofy show that’s too self-aware of its quirkiness . What used to make this show so great is now a cheap replica of itself. What’s next, Zack Braff? Garden State 2?
I'm gonna be honest, I've never even watched this show about married couple playfully bickering and then realizing they love each other (wait a second…). But everything in my body tells me it’s God awful. Please. Tell me I’m wrong.
Since when was a copy-cat anything good? There is a reason the store-brand cereal is so much cheaper. "Parks and Recreation" is a knock-off of "The Office" (shaky cameras, personal interviews, and all), but without the funny. Such a talented cast (Amy Poehler of "SNL", Aziz Ansari of “Human Giant”, and Rashida Jones of I Love You, Man) never gets the opportunity to shine because the writing always falls flat.
