Inspired by my buddy Max, I’ve decided to compile my thoughts on the various shows I watched this year. Part one will comprise the sitcoms that I wasn’t reviewing on a weekly basis (because let’s face it, that would have been way too overwhelming with the gazillion shows I have to keep track of). So without further ado..
Season 7
I discovered How I Met Your Mother almost two years ago and quickly made my way through the show’s first five seasons before watching seasons 6 and 7 on a weekly basis. As far as I’m concerned, Mother is the true heir to Friends and manages on many occasions to surpass that behemoth. Although I have a special place in my heart for the latter, the former has a fantastic eye for continuity that was just never a strong suit of the Central Perk gang. Now I know many people feel that the show has witnessed a significant drop of quality over past few seasons, but I have to say I’m still a fan. Yes it’s gotten noticeably weaker and it could benefit from a bit more focus particularly since we’re obviously nearing the end and we’re in need of some answers. But, I still cherish my time spent with the group. Here’s hoping next year brings with it a stronger more cohesive focus and retains the show’s lovable charm. I really am not ready to say goodbye just yet.
Nad Rating
C+
Season 3
I am just so beyond thankful and ecstatic that Cougar Town has been saved by TBS and renewed for a fourth season. It’s a fantastic, hilarious, and beyond charming show that capably cemented itself as one of the strongest (if not the strongest) comedies on television. The ensemble lead by Courtney Cox is just perfect, and the writing is consistently stellar. I just wish more people knew about the brilliance of this production (although it’s slowly but surely gaining a lot of recognition). The title undoubtedly holds it down, but the quality of the show is just so.damn.good. Season three was no exception as the show continued to go from strength to strength. I’m praying the show’s quality does not wane on TBS and we’re left to enjoy the adventures of The Cul De Sac crew for many more years to come. All hail Ellie & Laurie.
Nad Rating
A+
Season 3
Compared to Cougar Town which it overshadowed the month they both debuted, Modern Family has unfortunately become quite overrated. The problem with this show is that the characters never really develop, and the writers don’t seem to want to make an effort in giving more thought into the proceedings. Don’t get me wrong, I still love the show. Its debut season was nothing short of a masterpiece, and I still enjoyed its sophomore year very much. However, I can feel the show’s effect starting to wane so the writers really need to step things up a notch. They have a stellar cast (with Sofia Vergara being my favorite) and a premise and style that will never get old as far as I’m concerned. They just have to shake things up a bit and evolve.
Thankfully, Gloria’s bombshell in the season’s final moments just might be what the doctor ordered.
Nad Rating
B-
Season 3
My guilty pleasure comedy. This is one show that relies almost entirely on the charisma of its ridiculously talented cast. All four women (to a lesser extent Valerie Bertenelli) are just nothing nothing short of comedic goddesses. Whenever the material they’re given is weak, they effectively manage to salvage it from the depths of the abyss with their excellent delivery and inherent appeal. Of course Betty White is hysterical and Jane Leeves is lovable, but it’s Wendi Mallick playing Just Shoot Me‘s Nina Van Horn to perfection that just drives me nuts. She’s pure gold and singlehandedly ensures I’ll be sticking with Hot In Cleveland until the very end.
Nad Rating
B
Season 1
Delightfully surprised sum up my feelings perfectly regarding this gem of a show. What started out as a weak forced premise, slowly but capably evolved within the span of 6 short episodes into something really special. I don’t think I ever really expected to fall for this show but by the end of its shortened first season I found myself craving more so I’m pleasantly amused by ABC’s decision to renew it. Krysten Ritter and Dreama Walker were absolutely glorious of course, and who can forget James Van Der Beek who turned a one-note character into the show’s highlight. I’m definitely looking forward to this show’s sophomore season. Here’s hoping they manage to keep it up.
Nad Rating
B+
Season 1
The strongest new comedy of the season. Suburgatory was a superb little satire that did an excellent job of creating a vibrant world populated by a diverse array of endearing, multidimensional characters. There was just so much to love in this magnificent debut season: Tessa & George’s layered relationship, Dallas and Dahlia’s wicked comedy, the cartoonish feel, everything was just perfect. If I had any complaints, it would be that the addition of Alicia Silverstone towards the end of the year ruined the show and destroyed its momentum. I don’t really understand what she brought to the show besides an annoying presence and she effectively prevented the show from garnering an A+ Nad Rating. Nevertheless, the show’s undeniable charm and quality can not be denied and I look forward to further adventures for many years to come. Finally, can someone please give Cheryl Hines the Emmy she so rightfully deserves? She was particularly marvelous.
Nad Rating
A
Season 1
Definitely the worst show I’ve ever watched in my life, 2 Broke Girls is insipid, uninspired, and utterly abysmal television that never deserved to see the light of day. The fact that I watched the entire debut season is beyond embarrassing, but yet also affords me the delightful opportunity to rip this show to shreds. I do remember watching the pilot and thinking this show had potential if it steered away from the racist jokes and potty humor while focusing on the girls’ predicament in raising money to open a bakery. Unfortunately that never happened and the show just kept getting worse and worse while constantly catering to the lowest common denominator (even lower if that was possible). In addition, you just know a show is atrocious when they manage to secure the hilarious Jennifer Coolidge as a regular and succeed in even making her unfunny. What a waste of talent.
Please God, don’t let me watch another episode ever again. My dignity depends on it.
Nad Rating
F
Season 1
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by Up All Night. I watched the pilot when it premiered last year and was not impressed. However, I knew I had to give the show another shot because I’ve always felt that Christina Applegate could do no wrong. I’m so glad that I did because after the first few weak episodes, Up All Night evolved into a wonderfully charming and hilarious comedy with three hysterical stars. Maya Rudolph in particular is a standout and I truly can’t wait to see where the show goes next this season. Just wonderful.
Nad Rating
B+