The institution of marriage must be in an abysmal state.

Amazingly high divorce rates and the raging, nationwide debate over same sex marriage might reveal the deeply divisive issue that is marriage in the United States, but at least it is comforting to know that celebrities are willing to make light of this cultural disaster. Enter “The Marriage Ref,” NBC’s latest excuse of a show (read: Jay Leno sucks) that places its own network stars in an advice-columnist capacity. The first episode featured Alec Baldwin, Kelly Ripa, and executive producer of “Marriage Ref,” Jerry Seinfeld. The rock of the show–the “ref,” so to speak–is Tom Papa, who does some stand up and is friends with Seinfeld.

The show’s premise and goal exposes the quandaries and dilemmas of real-life married couples. From the interior design woes posed by the stuffed remains of a once beloved pet to the question of whether or not to install a stripper pole in the bedroom, it is clear that this show is only kidding around. The format of the show features a brief segment of the couple in question, followed by discussion from the panel. Papa then makes a final decision.

Papa hosts with a bit of sardonic humor and an obvious deference to fairness that almost broaches the outskirts of wisdom. The comedian helps the audience into his couch of marital absurdity in his opening monologue.

“Find someone you can sleep next to without vomiting, and marry them,” Papa quipped.

Oh! How clever. What a wonderful, wonderful idea. Everyone wants to see celebrities dish on whimsically unreal domestic disputes, right? The show itself is mildly watchable in its lighthearted nature, but on principle the “Marriage Ref” is uglier than Tina Fey’s facial hair fighting with Judah Friedlander’s normal hair. Allowing celebrities (typically the people farthest removed from reality) to discuss the fake unhappiness experienced in committed relationships is appalling.

The one upside to the existence of this insult is that maybe NBC will learn that they can’t just tack on Seinfeld’s name to a show and expect people to watch it. More likely this notion will be reinforced, and in 2015 viewers the world over will tune in to watch the season premiere of “The Marriage Ref: Season 5.” The celebrity panel will include Justin Bieber, Tom Cruise’s third clone, and the ghost of Orson Wells–somehow the most qualified and wisest celebrities at the time.

“The Marriage Ref” premieres Thursday, March 4 on NBC at 10/9 C. The pilot is currently available online.