Description from Starz:



Starz On Demand already has the pilot available.

I was waiting for someone to start a thread for this one. I already watched the pilot. Granted I was into this show from the get go just by virtue of the assembled cast. Between the Veronica Mars people, Martin Starr and Lizzy Caplan it was a no brainer for me.

I enjoyed the pilot, though most of the critics who have reviewed it have said it really starts to come together in the third episode. I'm hoping this show won't get completely ignored just because it's on Starz.

I wasn't hugely crazy about the pilot, it had an Arrested Development feel, but didn't quite hit the same mark that that show did in its pilot. I do love Rob Thomas so I'll give it a few episodes, I looked at the cast list on IMDB and it looks like many VM actors will be filtering in and out of episodes. A warning though the pilot contains more of Enrico Colantino than you'll ever want to see

I didn't think the pilot was amazing, but I'm also going to chalk that up to it being a pilot. I still liked it. The critics, who got to see the first three episodes, seem to be pretty jazzed about it, so we'll see.

Can't watch the pilot on the website, probably because I'm outside the US. :(

http://www.starz.com/originals/PartyDown/ScreeningRoom

I have heard what you have all heard about the first two episodes not being the strongest - from people who work on the show as well as critics. It's supposed to be uphill from the third though, so I plan to stick it out.

Kristin Dos Santos recommends it and then some.

It's promising--coming from Rob Thomas how could it be otherwise? I guess the buzz is that this is the one that clicks, not the Cupid do-over, though I will also check that one out.

I will throw in that I adore Jane Lynch, and she's doing her thing big time in the pilot. Great to see Ken Marino and Ryan Hansen again too.

Oh, and glitter5579, didn't mind your tagged item in the least! Others' mileage may vary, of course.

If you have Directv, T101 will show both Party Down and Head Case tomorrow(thursday).

Anything with Jane Lynch gets an automatic 2-3 episodes of my time. The fact that Ken Marino and Lizzy Caplan are in it just further sweetens the deal for me. I'm excited to see the premiere this week.

Netflix already has the pilot up and you can watch free online. I did and I loved it.

"Ordinary *ucking People"

Mo Ryan posted her thoughts about the show. Like just about every other critic, she says it really starts to pick up steam with the 3rd episode.

The second episode is now up on Netflix too. It really is the entire Veronica Mars cast in various guest roles. I don't think I've seen some of these people since that show as cancelled.

After seeing the first two episodes, I think the biggest criticism with this show is going to be that the Ken Marino role is basically a variation on Michael Scott. This is more evident in the second episode than it was in the pilot. That said, the creators have said upfront that this show is supposed to be in the vein of the UK version of The Office, so that is to be expected to some extent. But the Ron character doesn't exactly come across as fresh anymore.

The very end in the car was supposed to be a reference to the Tell Me You Love Me pilot, wasn't it?

Hi, everyone, and look forward to interacting with you as the season plays out. I enjoyed the first episode myself, and Enrico Colantoni will hopefully get an Emmy Guest Comedy Actor nomination for that role; he was kickass.

MTV News visited the set as they filmed the May 22 season finale, and interviewed most of the cast, including guest star Kristen Bell. Also, there's a video included herein. :)

I'm diggin' it so far. I've always had an immense amount of love for shows that make me consistently chuckle as opposed to the ones that go for huge guffaws, so this is right up my alley. Also, I'm a genuine fan of all 6 lead actors and it's really cool seeing all of them on the same show.

Though, I was entirely weirded out by the scene with Kyle and the daughter because the last time I saw that actress she was playing Shane Botwin's girlfriend on WEEDS. All I kept thinking was "Ohmygodshesatween!" Then, I remembered that was awhile ago. It still creeped me out little.

ETA: Watching the show randomly reminded me that I need to go buy DIGGERS. I have no idea why Party Down made me think of it, because Ken Marino's characters aren't alike at all, but I that was the movie that officially put KM on my Actor Crush List.

That actually freaked me out, too. When the one guy was checking her out I was like, she is a CHILD! Then Ryan Hansen started making out with her and it seriously disturbed me. That doesn't usually bother me (age difference), but she looks very young.

I thought I would like it more than I did, but I did really like it. I'd probably watch it even if it sucked just for the vast VM-ness.

I'm ashamed to admit I'm super excited for ep 2 because of Jason Dohring.

I watched episode 1 episode 2 (on netflix) and I think it definitely gets stronger as it goes along. Especially in episode 2 when Ken Marino is trying to "distress" the flag, and Jane Lynch says "since when is Toronto not a part of the United States of America?" My only gripe is that the catering company waiters and bartenders seem to do a lot of socializing with the party guests. It seems like it would be more realistic, and just as funny, to have them observing/commenting on/screwing with the interactions between the guests.

Here are a few articles:

Adam Scott parties down with the Daily News

Funny Girl Next Door (Lizzy Caplan)

I may be one of the few people in the world who didn't watch Veronica Mars at all, but as soon as I saw the cast list, I was hooked.

I just saw the first episode that I had DVRed from Starz, and it wasn't bad. Mainly, I'm only watching for Jane Lynch (whom I love from the Christopher Guest movies) and Ken Marino (whom I love from The State). They're both so good at playing crazy and/or desperate. Or both, in this case. 

The Wisemans winning the Christmas decoration contest just cracked me up for some reason. Loved it. I just really am hoping they refrain from any romance between Casey and Henry. If not, this will definitely be The Office.

Ethereal, according to the pre-show interviews with Adam Scott, Henry and Casey most definitely get together. Though according to him, there is no will they or won't they Jim/Pam type stuff going on. It's more like they do and then have to deal with the aftermath of it all.

Thanks, spanana! That being the case, I really really hope it's handled well. I can only deal with one Jim-Pam relationship in my lifetime. Well, two if you count Tim-Dawn in the original.



I guess I don't need to re-spoiler this quote since episode 2 aired last night on Starz. Just wanted to say that this scene was the funniest scene out of both episodes so far. When called out the black guy and the gay guy for being at the Republican meeting, I was rolling! And Ken Marino's general craziness, especially with the flag. . . Those two mightily make this show for me. 

ETA: Forgot to mention that Fred Savage directed episode 2. I had no idea he was doing directing, but I thought the epi was great.

He directed the first episode too, didn't he?

Yes, and it looks like he directs future episodes too. I just didn't notice before when I was watching Episode 1. 

Watched the pilot and I'm gonna watch episode 2 in a few minutes. While I wasn't blown away by the pilot, I love the potential this show has. I am already invested in all of the characters. Also, I'm a Veronica Mars fan, so the possibility of a reunion of the actors is what got me to watch in the first place. Nice to see Ryan Hansen stretching himself. Heh. What are the chances TWoP will recap this show? I suppose if this thread takes off like crazy it might happen. Can't wait for episode 3, when things apparently pick up.

I haven't seen the second episode yet, but I was just watching clips on Starz.com and I love that Jason Dohring's young republication is drinking a fruity girl drink.

THAT'S who that was! I knew she looked familiar.

I liked the second episode more than the pilot. And not just because of Alona Tal! Gosh, so pretty. And that was Jason Dohring as I've never seen him before, heh.

Word is that the show'll probably get a second season on the strength of all the buzz (since so many of the reviews include lines like "This is the reason to order Starz").

This show is fantastic, but I'm the only person I know of who is even aware of it. I feel like this could be the new Arrested Development, with people only catching onto its brilliance when its too late.

I don't think it's quite in the same boat as Arrested Development. Just in the sense that since it's on Starz and a lot of people don't even get Starz, it doesn't quite have the same opportunity a show like AD did airing on regular network. I can't imagine even Starz is expecting this one to catch on like wildfire over night. Maybe with time, but as someone else said it's got to be encouraging for the network that many of the reviews were touting this as a reason to get Starz. So I really do expect them to give this a 2nd season sometime down the road.

The third episode was pretty awesome. Definitely worth checking out. It also certainly answers the what will happen with Henry and Casey question.

Loved episode 3. I was spoiled for the whole Henry/Casey thing but liked the way it played out. I look forward to more Kyle vs. Roman pranks. If this show was a web series, it would get more attention than it does on Starz. Maybe Starz could do a deal with one of the networks like DirecTV did with NBC for FNL.

That would be great. Just getting NBC or another broadcast network involved would guarantee more viewers... tho I might worry about how much editing would have to take place.

btw, did you know there's already a computer game based on this show?
'Party Down' the game, by some group called 'Merscom'.

According to their promo, the game includes:
• Beautiful Hollywood Party Locations!
  
• A Mix Of Different Time Management Styles!
  
• Fend Off The Paparazzi To Keep Guests Happy!
  
• Chat With The Stars!

Anyone downloaded the demo & tried it?... or seen any reviews of it?

Heh, me too. Casey had already downed a bunch of shots and by the time Henry decided to go toke up in the bathroom I figured this was they ep where they'd hook up.

IIRC, the show is pretty cheap to shoot, so there isn't a ton of pressure to pull big ratings. I found this NYT article about the network working on more original programming and, according to last years stats, Starz actually has about 1 million more subscribers than Showtime, so the exposure for Party Down is pretty good.

I got a crazy deal which included Starz and they're promoting the hell out of the Head Case/Party Down combo, so it looks like Starz is really behind it and may even hoping that those shows would be their flagship comedies as they move into more original programming.

I wasn't as blown away by the third episode as I hoped to have been based on all the early reviews, but I did enjoy it, especially the growing sense that the show actually has a point and plans to address what you do after your dreams have failed or faded away.

So far, though, the show is good but nothing special (certainly not at the level of Arrested Development), and I probably wouldn't be interested if it weren't for the cast and crew.

Yeah, I was going to say the show is enjoyable because everyone is really charismatic and likeable, and the writing is good but nothing amazing. Like, I don't laugh out loud from the comedy, but I do just find things humorous or entertaining.

The Henry/Casey hook-up was cute. They are both adorable-looking people.

Granted I too came for the cast and pedigree, but I find that I wind up having to watch the episodes 2 or 3 times and I start seeing different things I missed--or maybe getting jokes that completely went over my head the first time. For me it becomes more enjoyable on repeat viewings. I also find that the stupidest shit cracks me up, but I think that says more about me.

If anything, I'm really finding that I'm liking the Ken Marino character the least. Not because of how he plays him, but again, I have just had enough Michael Scott to last a lifetime. So I liked this one because there seemed to be less Ron acting like a dufus and more of the others.

I just watched all three eps OnDemand, & so far I'm digging what I've seen. Of course, I've been dealing with such badly written tv for so long (I'm looking at you, Ilene Chaiken) that I'm an easy win. As long as I like the characters & the story arcs actually make some sense, I'll be watching.

Ep 4. Although I'm not the pancake lady, I'm still digging it. Best line I've heard all week;

Loved the repeated "Baretta" bit....funniest show on TV currently.

It's so weird . . . during the scene where Henry and Casey were in the bathroom you could see the reflection of one of the closets and I thought, "WTF? This guy doesn't have a damn thing in his closet." Oh, and I hove no fucking idea why, but Ken Marino ability to deliver the word "what?" and "No." sends me into a giggle fit every time. They're always said it a new panicky way.

I can't decide which part made me laugh the most.

-- Roman, jaw agape, blatantly looking up women's skirts

-- The way Casey said, "What a diiiick."

-- "Call me Mrs. Butterworth, bitch."

-- Roman trying to explain to Constance that her character called 'hooker' was, in fact, a hooker.

I liked how Kyle was looking out for Constance at the end. It was a nice little 'aww' moment when he invited her out to the bar (or where ever) after work. I also like the they have dueling haircuts.

ETA: I have a friend who watches Party Down and is in the process of watching the first season of True Blood. He watched the Senior Mixer ep this morning, called me and said, "What crazy ass planet does Roman live on where Casey is a 6.8 . . . 6.8.9?"

heh.

I loved the Baretta bit and poor Roman getting so exasperated trying to convince Constance she played a hooker. That whole scene though of them saying they weren't actually waiters (minus Henry) was so clearly out of the Taxi handbook, not that I didn't appreciate it here.

Kyle looking out for Constance was so kind of adorable. I guess they had to have that moment of showing that seemingly douchey Kyle really has his human side too. But I do get distracted by their matching haircuts.

I also find that I'm liking Henry/Casey more than I should. If nothing else the actors have really awesome chemistry.

This is a great show across the board; I like this type of comedy.

And this is why the show is good. Just two lines, but it really made the episode: 'That guy's a douche; let's go hang out.' Then, the perfectly delivered, 'Really?!' Just a really, really nice character moment.
This entire cast just has really great timing.

I just caught up with this show, I had them taped on my DVR and didn't have time to watch. But now I will make time. It's a Rob Thomas show so I figured I'd love all characters and dialogue. Plus it's nice to see the Veronica Mars cast members pop every episode with the ones that are already on this show.

There's no way Casey's is a 6.8 or 6.8.9. Maybe Roman should watch True Blood, he might give her a higher ranking after that.

At first I thought Ryan Hansen was playing the exact same character he played in Veronica Mars but at least then his name was Dick. But after the fourth episode they showed he did have a heart and I had to aww at him inviting Constance out instead of hanging with douchey Mercer (don't remember his characters name on here).

That was incredibly sweet. My favourite moment of this show so far.

As for the Ken Marino character/Michael Scott comparisons, I agree that this episode made their differences very clear. Ron was a party guy who just gave up everything remotely fun trying to make his life finally work out. But he's a nice guy deep down, it's just that the people around him are only seeing what is effectively his dream as a stupid job or simply a means to an end. And, naturally, things always go wrong forcing him to hilariously say "What? No!". I'm sure he understands he's being anal but he feels that's the only way to achieve his goals. That said, I am fairly certain we'll eventually get to see him lose it and revert back to old Ron, if only for a small amount of time.

I really liked this episode; I think it was the first one that made me actually laugh out loud multiple times. Loved the bit about "half of four novels" being equivalent to "two novels." And most everything else others have pointed out, including Kyle's unexpected nice moment with Constance. Aw.

I'm looking forward to the show now; it's been improving with every episode.

Does anyone know if/where there are ratings posted for cable shows like this? Or what they look for number-wise in an audience?

I started being a ratings watcher with VM, but I figure PD is a different story entirely , being on a premium cable channel.

This past episode was my first one but I really enjoyed it. My favorite part was Martin Starr telling Ryan Hansen that no one holds a gun that way (sideways), being a VM fan, I know that Ryan hansen holds it that way in the credits. So it was even funnier to me.

I have to catch up on the other episodes.

I'm just curious: anyone here NOT a VM fan? I'm wondering what drew people who didn't watch VM to the show.

I'm a VM fan, but I wasn't a hardcore one. I ditched that show towards the end of its run. I'm also certainly not one that would only tune in for VM people. It's nice to see them, but I think in terms of actors the names that attracted me when the show was first annouced were more of the Apatow vets (Starr, Caplan, Lynch) as opposed to the VM vets. I have more of a loyalty to Freeks & Geeks. Not that Jane Lynch was on there, but the other two were.

From EW: Can Adam Scott just be famous already, please?

I agree. Plus, I had to dial my Suspension of Disbelief Meter to 11 to buy Michael Scott as a Regional Manager and I have no trouble believing Ron as Team Leader. Unlike Michael, Ron isn't and idiot . . . he just tries really hard. He's like a born again Christian only he didn't find Jesus. He found his dream of running a Soup-R-Crackers. ;)

I'm a VM fan, but that wasn't the main draw for me. I been a fan of all 6 actors since:

Ken Marino -- The State
Adam Scott -- High Crimes
Martin Starr -- Freaks & Geeks
Jane Lynch -- the Christopher Guest movies
Lizzy Caplan -- Mean Girls
Ryan Hansen -- VM

By the time my brain realized the VM connection it was just an awesome added bonus.

I never even watched one episode of VM so that was not the draw for me. I went to look up Starz on Demand for "HEAD CASE" and saw a commercial for the show. Jane Lynch, Ken Marino (big crush), Martin Starr, and Lizzy Caplan how could the show not be good.

Me, I started watching for the VM connections.