How are CBS Sitcoms Clobbering Everyone Else?
November 21st, 2008 by Alec McNayrPosted in Comedy, Series |
The Hollywood Reporter headlined yesterday that CBS comedies Old Christine and Gary Unmarried hit season viewership highs this past week. I just don’t get it.
I want to be open to comedy and concepts that I don’t get, but these shows (along with Lorre-produced shows Two and a Half Men and Big Bang) are making a killing, and I don’t watch or get them.
How is CBS churning out the multi-camera hits, when other networks can’t seem to get the formulas right? (NBC, I’m looking at you: Kath & Kim) I do, however, enjoy How I Met Your Mother, which perhaps speaks to my season in life better than the other shows…
There are some nice jokes, and some heart in each of these shows, but the laugh track usage is over the top on the CBS shows. Waaaaaay over the top. Laughs coming at non-jokes. I just don’t connect with many of the storylines, or the one-dimensional character reactions. You might say that I’m a snob about multi-camera shows, but my recent addiction to Frasier and Everyone Loves Raymond (thank you, Tivo, for recording 5 a day for me) says otherwise.
ABC seems to be focusing on hour-long dramas and dramedies, NBC failed action shows like My Own Worst Enemy, Bionic Woman, and Knight Rider (I just thew up in my mouth), and FOX is all over the place: from Seth McFarland to 24. But no real strong multi-camera sitcoms across the other networks (According to Jim? Maybe.).
So, what is it about these shows? CBS has obviously carved out a niche and perhaps that is building on itself, as the “go-to” place for snack-like comedy content. Perhaps when it comes to comedy, the series’ character mix does play a big part in my judgment… more than I know.
If anyone likes any of these CBS comedies — let me know what your thoughts are!
One Response to “How are CBS Sitcoms Clobbering Everyone Else?”
By Justin Edwards on Nov 21, 2008
Big Bang made me cringe after watching the pilot and some of the 2nd ep with how, I like how you put it, one-dimensional it was. Maybe it’s found a groove since then or not, not sure.
I’m one of the 3 people who liked Cavemen as the best new comedy from last year. I really thought Nick Kroll was so hilarious and perfect in that PHD pursuing caveman role. Alas…
I’ve never seen Old Christine nor even heard of Gary Unmarried, but maybe that’s because I’m on another planet right now when it comes to being current on TV (and music and movies).
I guess that makes me the wrong guy to respond to this.