Every season the networks reveal a new line-up of sitcoms guaranteed to make you laugh away the troubles of the day. The sad truth is only a few of them are actually funny, and a dedicated viewer can waste a lot of time sifting through sitcom misery just to find that special show that makes you laugh so hard you cry or fall off the couch. To save you some precious time, here is The Badger Herald’s guide to the season’s new comedies, good, bad and ugly.
ABC
“8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter”
Tuesdays, 7 p.m.
TV land icons John Ritter (“Three’s Company”) and Katey Sagal (“Married?with Children”) join forces to create a new series based on a rather old concept. Dad Paul Hennessy (Ritter) faces the challenge of raising two teenage daughters who refuse to remain daddy’s little girls, while his wife Cate goes back to work and leaves him home to take more responsibility.
This show could be more of the same “dad in over his head” concept, but with this brilliant cast, expect “8 Simple Rules . . . ” to be the next big family comedy.
Who will love this show? Those who remember fondly the look of sheer terror on their parents’ faces as mom and pop watched them become pseudo-adults.
“Life With Bonnie”
Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m.
The struggles of a middle-aged woman trying to balance career and family — such is the background for ABC’s new comedy, “Life With Bonnie.” Starring the charming and hilarious Bonnie Hunt (“Return to Me”) as the host of a local talk show, “Morning Chicago,” this show follows the life of an American every-woman.
Bonnie Molloy is the woman who does it all and manages to hold it all together, for the most part. The premiere also features the delicious David Duchovny.
Who will love this show? Twenty-something ladies who know this is what they will become ten years from now.
CBS
“Still Standing”
Mondays, 8:30 p.m.
“Still Standing” is the story of a blue-collar couple, the Millers, trying to keep the spark in their marriage while the pressures of money and family distract them from romance. Basically, it’s “Roseanne” minus about 100 pounds.
The show is a typical CBS attempt at comedy, and like many of the sitcoms debuting this season, it falls short of spectacular. Jami Gertz, as wife Judy Miller, may be this show’s only chance to escape mediocrity.
Who will love this show? Maybe no one, but die-hard fans of “Roseanne” and/or “King of the Hill” may find it amusing.
NBC
“In-Laws”
Tuesdays, 7 p.m.
This new NBC comedy has a great cast (Jean Smart of “Designing Women,” Dennis Farina of “Snatch”), an established creative team (from the producers of “Frasier”) and a huge promotional budget (have you seen all those previews?); what it’s lacking, unfortunately, is an original concept.
The age-old struggle between fathers and sons-in-law is precisely that — a little old. The story begins when newlyweds Matt and Alex move into Alex’s parents home so Matt can attend cooking school. Of course, it is possible that the show will overcome its banal story to be remarkably funny, but it is also possible that the show will air three episodes, be replaced by an equally unfunny mid-season replacement, and be forgotten faster than Smart’s appearance in “The Odd Couple II.”
Who will love this show? Fans of “Frasier” should definitely tune in, because Kelsey Grammer himself is executive producing this show, which means he’s contributing his money and his name, and that’s about it.
“Good Morning, Miami”
Thursdays, 8:30 p.m.
Up-and-coming young producer meets down-to-earth hairdresser and forgoes successful career to pursue romance — it just makes you feel warm and fuzzy, doesn’t it? “Good Morning, Miami” is the newest comedy from the creators of “Will & Grace” and stars television newcomers Mark Feuerstein as Jake Silver, the hot, young producer, and Ashley Williams as Dylan, the cute-as-pie stylist.
The show may lazily rely on the crutch of stereotypes and industry clichés, but it seems to have more potential than most of the season’s new comedies.
Who will love this show? Fans of “Will & Grace” should check out the latest endeavor of that brilliant creative team. Also, for all the sappy, romantic-comedy junkies out there, this show could be the next “Must See TV” series.
WB
“What I Like About You”
Fridays, 7 p.m.
This new WB comedy examines the companionship and camaraderie between two sisters. Valerie Tayler (“90210″‘s Jennie Garth) is a successful city girl with a promising career and a handsome boyfriend. Life seems to be in perfect order until her 16-year-old sister Holly (Amanda Bynes, “Big Fat Liar”) moves in to the NYC apartment.
Of course the older sister is proper and strait-laced, while the younger sibling remains wild and crazy, which creates plenty of predictable comedic tension. The show’s humor may be adolescent, but it could also be a surprise hit, like the WB’s “Gilmore Girls.”
Who will love this show? Anyone who has experienced the joys and frustrations of sibling love and rivalry. Also, all those post-adolescent boys who still secretly pine away for Garth’s Beverly Hills alter-ego Kelly Taylor will enjoy her newest role.
FOX
“The Grubbs”
Sundays, 8:30 p.m.
The FOX network has made an art of underachieving; low-class art perhaps, but art nonetheless. “The Grubbs” is their newest episodic series featuring a cast of delinquents and misfits. At the heart of this dysfunctional family is Mitch Grubb, a 14-year-old slightly-below-average kid who wants nothing more out of life than to maintain the status quo.
Encouraging Mitch in his lack of vision are his parents, Mike (Randy Quaid, “Vegas Vacation”) and Rosie Grubb (Carol Kane, “Man on the Moon”). Despite its appearances as just another show about a mediocre kid and his screwed-up family, the creators of this comedy promise an undercurrent of hope and empowerment. Maybe Mitch Grubb will pull himself up by his bootstraps and manage to be the first in his lineage to get a high-school education. Or maybe not.
Who will love this show? The creative team behind “The Grubbs” is headed by two writer/producers formerly of “That 70s Show.” Viewers who are crazy about that FOX hit may want to check this one out as well.
