Lots of sitcom news coming in recently! Here’s a quick catch-me-up:
- Happy Endings returns to ABC tonight after Modern Family. It’s the best returning sophomore comedy on TV, so make sure to check it out (if you missed the first season and want some background, check out my original review HERE). Additionally, Suburgatory premieres tonight, also on ABC - the name aside, it’s getting some pretty good reviews - I’ll chime in with some First Impressions tomorrow.
- New Girl, the “adorkable” Zooey Deschanel vehicle on FOX, has become the first new fall show to get its back end filled in…wait, let me rephrase…became the first new fall show to receive a full series order, adding to its original order for 13 episodes with 11 more to premiere add on to the back end of the season. There it is. Maybe a slightly premature call after only two episodes, but one that makes me happy nonetheless (these are my First Impressions from the pilot). The ratings are strong - it won the night in viewers under 50 last night - and it makes me chuckle. Still waiting to outright laugh out loud, but I think we’ll get there.
- NBC is making some moves, but should probably make a few more - NBC announced that it has signed a deal with Dane Cook to develop and star in his own sitcom for next fall. The network has a similar deal in place with Sarah Silverman, so expect even more sitcoms starring stand-up comedians to invade your lineup. But where to put all these shows? If I’m NBC, here’s what I’m thinking: Free Agents is quickly approaching the realm of cancellation based on the ratings - tonight may be its last chance to prove itself, in fact. Soon enough, the general public SHOULD come to their senses regarding Whitney and that will kick the bucket as well. This will leave a slot open for Up All Night on Thursdays, which is a much better fit in that lineup anyway considering the tone and the talent of the show.
- Elsewhere, over in in Cable-land, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is off to a cracking start reminding me why it holds the crown for the most irreverent comedy on TV (do NOT go under the boardwalk!), Workaholics on Comedy Central returned for a second season and continues to be what I would call Sunny-lite, which is not a bad thing at all, and I eagerly await the returns of The League and Bored to Death, two more underrated but very enjoyable comedies in their own right.
