55 replies to this topic

[just checking]

Has anyone been watching this on TVLand? It comes on after "Hot In Cleveland." This is its official site. It's got Donald Faison, Kristen Johnston, and Wayne Knight.

Description:

An all new comedy about three divorced men sharing an apartment across the hall from their female divorce attorney, who is also their landlord. The "never been married" Holly (Johnston) introduces her newest single client Stuart (Basche) to his new roommates -- ladies' man Phil (Faison) and the sardonic homebody, Haskell (Knight). Things get off to a shaky start for Phil and Haskell when they begin to have reservations about living with clingy Stuart, but Holly is right across the hall to help them steer clear of any catastrophes. After all, it helps her to avoid her own relationship and commitment issues! To top it all off, Holly's hard-partying assistant Eden (Stables), doesn't let her professionalism get in the way of prying into her boss's personal life. Through the episodes, the guys begin to realize that the issues they have with each other are the same ones that they had with their ex-wives.

I just watched the pilot online. It was cheesy, but still funny. Something about the guy who plays Stuart's acting reminds me of the actor who plays Peter on Fran Drescher's TVLand show "Happily Divorced."

Edited by just checking, Dec 23, 2011 @ 1:20 AM.

[giovannif7]

I've been watching the episodes, and it's not bad, if a bit bland - like most of the other TVLand sitcoms. Some good jokes, some decent comic acting, and a very cozy classic sitcom feel, even with the 21st century plot points. Kristen Johnston is the MVP of the ensemble for me after the first few episodes - they're writing well for her and giving her some good character moments. The guys seem to be stock characters so far - the Everyman new guy thrust into an unfamiliar situation (Basche), the extroverted playa (Faison), and the schlubby couch potato (Knight). Hopefully the guys will get a chance to expand more on their characters over the season, and the same goes for Johnston's tiny Kristin Chenoweth-type assistant (Stables).

I did enjoy most of the latest episode, with the twist on the problems with sending someone else's picture to your internet-only girlfriend. I am, however, a bit annoyed that this show has joined the TV trope that homeless guys just need a shave and a shower to become ultra-hot underwear models. Apparently in TV Land, being homeless just means you spend your nights working out in a 24-hour gym. Way to marginalize a growing real-world problem, show.

[just checking]

I watched two other episodes that were up - one where Holly dated the jockey that Phil became a PR rep to, and the one you mentioned with Haskell using Phil's photo and the homeless guy turned into a hottie via TV magic. Yeah, that stuff (instant homeless man makeover) only happens on TV.

The guys seem to be stock characters so far...

It does seem like they're the supporting cast and aren't developed as much compared to Kristen Johnston. I would've thought the show would've focused more on Stuart more, but I guess since the actor's less known (at least to me) they're focusing on the Holly character more. And I agree, they need to develop the assistant more. She's a party girl, and...

Edited by just checking, Dec 23, 2011 @ 2:41 AM.

[vb68]

Something about the guy who plays Stuart's acting reminds me of the actor who plays Peter on Fran Drescher's TVLand show "Happily Divorced."

I agree. He reminds me both of that guy and the guy on "Retired at 35". It seems like a standard type on TV Land sitcoms.

[just checking]

I just watched the one where Stuart gets set up with a prostitute. That one was funny. I think Donald Faison and Kristen Johnston play off each other well.

I also think the set design of the guys' apartment is pretty neat.

[Jonas Quimby]

I was wondering if anyone was watching this too. I've been enjoying it, but I think the Newman (or whatever his name is in this one) character needs to go. I don't think he adds anything to show the show, partly because they never (or almost never) show him leaving the apartment. If that's what they want, they could move the character offstage a la Carlton the doorman, whom we never saw but only heard, and have the other characters interacting with him through his bedroom door.

I think the show is gelling around Holly, whatever Turk's character's name is, and Stuart (the new guy). They have nice chemistry together & I'm looking forward to their adventures.

homeless guy turned into a hottie via TV magic.

I'm OK with that, because he was a hottie. Kind of a douche, though, because he picked up some other chick at the bar while he was waiting for Holly.

I'm still undecided about the slutty assistant, although I think she's there more for laughs because of the size difference between her and Kristen Johnston. It's nice to see Kirsten Johnston as something other than the character she played on "Third Rock from the Sun." (I can't recall what other work she's done since then.)

[just checking]

...I think the Newman (or whatever his name is in this one) character needs to go. I don't think he adds anything to show the show, partly because they never (or almost never) show him leaving the apartment.

Wayne Knight's playing Haskell here, and after seeing this week's episode he does seem like the weak link. Everyone else had something to do in this episode (the tooth drama, Phil hooking up with the dental assistant and the drama that came with that, Holly trying to go out to the club), while Haskell's playing with napkin origami. Even Eden the assistant had more to do in this episode.

[spanana]

I know this show isn't anything groundbreaking, but I kind of like it. It helps that I have an affinity for most of the cast. I was a big 3rd Rock fan so it's nice to Kristen Johnston back doing comedy. Also Scrubs aside, Donald Faison will always be Murray from Clueless to me.

I agree that it seems the show doesn't really know what to do with the Haskell character right now, but I expect if it sticks around long enough the show will address that.

[Bunny LaJoya]

I thought that the pilot was one of the worst things I've ever seen on television, period (for the 'quality' of writing), but it got a little better after that. The actors are all really likeable (I don't care for the tiny assistant) so it's too bad they're on such an old-timey, weird show like this.

I remember the brunette guy from being Josh's sleazy agent on 30 Rock; one of the best guest characters ever. "Let's skip the foreplay and get right to the penetrache". "How's your schedj manana" or whatever else he said.

[SmithW6079]

I remember the brunette guy from being Josh's sleazy agent on 30 Rock; one of the best guest characters ever. "Let's skip the foreplay and get right to the penetrache". "How's your schedj manana" or whatever else he said.

Yes, he was great as the agent. He had a few more of those abbreviated phrases & terms, but I can't remember what.

I liked the assistant a little more in this, but only because they were playing up her shortness to Kristen Johnston's tallness -- I laughed out loud when she held her hands out for a hug & Holly asks if she was looking for "upsies."

I think they need to dial back Phil's hound-dog-ness. It was really in bad form to sleep with your roommate's dental assistant, especially after Stuart told him how important the girl was to him and his practice.

Holly is a successful divorce lawyer (who works at home?); play up the competent professional angle, rather than the pathetic lonely spinster, which seems to be the direction they're taking her. I wonder if the end game is Holly/Phil or Holly/Stuart (although frankly, I get more of a chemistry vibe between Stuart and Phil than Holly with either of them).

Also, writers, being "gay" generally means you don't sleep with women; it isn't something you can turn on and off, even for revenge sex.

[just checking]

Holly is a successful divorce lawyer (who works at home?)

It'd be a good idea if they had scenes of her at her law firm. I'm sure the writers could create interesting characters who work there with her.

[lillipad]

I bet the show is operating on a shoe-string budget which is why most of the action takes place in the apartments or the one bar, so I doubt we'll see too much of workplaces.

The guy who plays Stewart has been a lot of places. I remember him as the husband on a sitcom called Three Sisters and he was the bad guy in the CSI episode that introduces Horatio Caine and he was a questionable guy on a episode of L&O: CI and the bad boyfriend on Miss Match. I like him and he can be very funny so I always notice him. Plus easy on the eyes!

I love the sitcom commericials with this cast and the HIC cast. "I'm on one right now." "I used to do it with Charlie Sheen."

Edited by lillipad, Dec 31, 2011 @ 1:39 PM.

[JanLevinsonScot]

I watched the first 2 episodes and couldn't stop laughing. With such a top notch cast I'm surprised this isn't on a more mainstream channel and doesn't have a bigger following.

[SmithW6079]

I was glad that last night's episode didn't go with one of the boys pretending to be Holly's fiance or Turk hooking up with Holly's mom. It made me a little depressed, though, that Judith Light is old enough to be Kristen Johnston's mother.

I liked that Haskell seemed to be a little more involved, but I still think he's a drag because he doesn't interact with anybody real but his roommates and Holly.

[just checking]

Judith Light's a fairly tall woman (about 5'9''), but Kristen Johnston dwarfed her. Whoa.

I'm also glad they didn't go for the contrived route of having one of the guys being the new fiance, but Holly's mom did seem very keen on Phil. LOL

[lillipad]

Holly's mom did seem very keen on Phil

I loved that part. All the winks and nods were hilarious, though I'm glad nothing actually happened with it.

You can tell who on the cast has experience helping carry a show and who is more bit player. Holly and Phil have an ease to them that the others don't really have yet. A lot of the jokes are obvious but the show is managing to still make them funny.

Still, I'm enjoying the show and the buddy-ness of the characters. Phil stealing the bedroom with the cut to Stuart taking the couch leaving Haskell the floor was funny.

[scootypuffjr]

The show is actually pretty good, but I wish they'd get rid of the roars of canned laughter after each and every line. It ain't that funny, and it's very distracting.

[just checking]

The show is really starting to find its stride. David Alan Basche is funny as the straight guy, and though the player trope is tired, Donald Faison's doing great with what he's given. Kristen Johnston is hysterical, though I wish they'd give her more to do than be the desperate single woman.

Wayne Knight's character is becoming more dead weight with this week's episode with that coffin (pun intended to a degree). They really need to find something for him to do and stop putting him off to the B-plots.

[SmithW6079]

Wayne Knight's character is becoming more dead weight with this week's episode with that coffin (pun intended to a degree). They really need to find something for him to do and stop putting him off to the B-plots.

I think they need to dump him entirely. He doesn't jibe with the rest of the cast -- which is really Phil, Stuart, and Holly. The assistant is good as a minor character who shows up to bring work to Holly, make a few quips, and leave. It wouldn't be the first time shows have done something like this. I remember "High Society" with Mary McDonnell & Jean Smart also stared Faith Prince as their high school friend. Prince was gone within a few episodes, I believe.

One thing that surprised me was how built David Alan Basche seemed to be. He was filling out that blue silk shirt nicely and later that t-shirt.

Holly was a riot with her "I'm not the building weirdo!" to the handsome man she wanted to meet, with her goth-like makeup & casket in the living room.

I didn't expect to like this show as much as I do.

[Jon N]

Wayne Knight in general in this kind of role is working on my nerves. He seems to be generally useless.

[just checking]

I think they need to dump him entirely. He doesn't jibe with the rest of the cast -- which is really Phil, Stuart, and Holly. The assistant is good as a minor character who shows up to bring work to Holly, make a few quips, and leave. It wouldn't be the first time shows have done something like this. I remember "High Society" with Mary McDonnell & Jean Smart also stared Faith Prince as their high school friend. Prince was gone within a few episodes, I believe.

Interesting idea, but probably won't happen. TV Land sees him as a big star (he was also on "Hot In Cleveland" in a recurring role, and his character there was a pervert), so I doubt they'll be ditching him anytime soon.

[JanLevinsonScot]

Laughed my head off!! I wish this was on a better channel. It was nice seeing Charlie from Outsourced again! The Alimony dance was hilarious. This has become my favorite comedy this season.

[just checking]

The alimony dance was funny. And I was glad that they finally had Holly working in the office for once.

Even Haskell got a few funny jokes in. The show is really becoming a hit.

[simpleHope]

I did like Wayne Knight better in the role they gave him on "Hot in Cleveland."

[livinggreen]

Well, that was a twilight Zone episode. We are suppose to believe that Kevan a top star basketball player, who probably has many beautiful women throwing themselves at him is attracted to Holly?

Really? old Holly?

[SmithW6079]

Really? old Holly?

Why not? Because older women can't be sexy? Coo, coo, ca-choo, Mrs Robinson.

I thought this episode was pretty funny. Even Haskell didn't annoy me as much as he usually does. I have to admit, I love that height contrast between Holly and the assistant, and with the basketball player, it was freakin' hilarious. She barely made it above his waist.

[just checking]

"I broke Kevin!"

This episode was hilarious.

[JanLevinsonScot]

Loved the finale! A laugh a minute! But a season finale in February? After 10 episodes? When will the show be back?

[SnarkySheep]

Re: Wayne Knight/Haskell -- Whenever the SnarkySheep household watches the show, we keep referring to him as Newman...because essentially he IS, precisely the same character as on Seinfeld and then on Hot in Cleveland. (I've never seen him in anything else, but judging by this, I'd be willing to bet it's the same thing.) I don't know if WK likes to do this kind of role, if he's been typecast at this point in his career, or what.

[Jon N]

I really think Wayne Knight is stuck in that role, it seems like he can't do anything else. That aside, he also looks like the odd one out in the apartment where you have Donald Faison and David Allan Basche both looking so fine and sexy..and fit. Not that I'm pissing all over Wayne Knight (but I am, I'm just saying it to make myself feel better), he's really not in the same park as the other two in terms of looks.