Comedy sitcoms are a tricky beast. Let’s face it – finding the funny bone is hard. Wait, that came out wrong. But you know what we mean.
Rare few sitcoms make it beyond the pilot stage. The numbers dwindle even further when it comes to full season pick-up. Here is our selection of 5 new sitcoms that actually look promising (a rare feat indeed).
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Brooklyn Nine-Nine is about detective Jake Peralta (played by Samberg), who is very competent. And terribly childish. But then the new captain (played by Braugher) is appointed. And he is having none of it. Not only he expects Peralta to do silly stuff like wear a tie and show up on time, he also wants rules and regulations to be followed and silly pranks to stop because the precinct might burn down. Party pooper.
Reasons to watch: Andy Samberg and Andre Braugher.
Reasons not to watch: Can’t think of any.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1UzmW77F30
Hello Ladies
If you ever watched Ricky Gervais, the Office (the British version) and the Extras, you are probably familiar with Stephan Merchant. In this sitcom for HBO he plays Stuart, an Englishman and a web designer living in LA. Stuart wants to be a hit with the ladies. Stuart fails at it so spectacularly it will make you wince a little. And laugh a lot. And then cringe a bit.
Reasons to watch: Stephen Merchant.
Reasons not to watch: If you get embarrassed for other people easily.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_XyV-IO0lo
The Millers
Be forewarned – The Millers has a few fart jokes. Even more shocking – we find the fart jokes funny. Nathan Miller (played by Will Arnett) is a TV reporter. Nathan is also recently divorced. His mum and dad have been married for 43 years. But when his dad Tom (played by Beau Bridges) learns Nathan got divorced, he decides he wants to be happy, so he leaves Nathan’s mum Carol (played by Margo Martindale). Carol stays with Nathan and Tom goes to live with Nathan’s sister Debbie. Obviously, it does not go well. At all.
Reasons to watch: Will Arnett, Beau Bridges, Margo Martindale.
Reasons not to watch: If you dislike fart jokes. Also if you are fond of Dirty Dancing (there is a scene in the pilot that might ruin it for you. For eternity).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srilyrEppXQ
The Goldbergs
When Adam F. Goldberg was a little boy in the 80s, he videotaped his family. All the time. Those tapes served as a basis for the Goldbergs. Big hair, blue eyeshadow, jazzercise, cassette tapes (does anyone remember those? Anyone? Hello?!), a lot of shouting and one big dysfunctional family – you can find it all on the Goldbergs.
Reasons to watch: If you still remember what cassette tapes are, this will be a must watch.
Reasons not to watch: Can’t think of any.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXnKSay4cuY
The Michael J. Fox Show
We will preface this by saying – we like Michael J. Fox. A lot. Because, come on – Back to the Future?! So we are just a tad bit biased here. The Michael J. Fox Show is about Mike Henry, a beloved New York news anchor who has been diagnosed with the Parkinson’s disease.
After his diagnosis, Mike decides to give up his job and spend more time with his family. But his wife is busy, his kids are growing up fast and 5 years into his retirement, Mike decides to return to work (to the delight of his family).
Reasons to watch: If you like Michael J. Fox.
Reasons not to watch: If? you don’t like Michael J. Fox (if that’s the case – what in the world is wrong with you)?
cole says
Totally agree with Michael J Fox show!