Midseason Thoughts 2012 – Comedies

Season 8
It took me eight seasons, but I finally feel like How I Met Your Mother should have ended already. Maybe it’s because I marathoned the first six seasons all at once last year, but I really think the show is past its due date. It’s simply not very funny anymore. However, the 2-part mid-season finale was an epic event that singlehandedly reinstated my love for the show. I’m actually glad now that the show has been renewed for a final ninth season as there’s a definite sense of momentum in the proceedings. Funny how TV works sometimes.
Nad Rating
C

Season 4
I hate to say it, but I’m starting to get bored of Modern Family. Of course I’ll never stop watching the show and it still has some utterly incredible hours, but all in all I’ve realized that I much rather a comedy with serialized elements and evolving characters (a la the magnificent Cougar Town which is starting late this year). Gloria’s pregnancy has undeniably rectified this factor a bit, but I still want more and I don’t think the show will ever really embrace its serialized side.
Nad Rating
B-

Season 4
If there’s one comedy that’s thriving thanks to its wonderful cast, it’s this one. With Betty White and Wendi Mallick, Hot In Cleveland continues to be a diverting and enjoyable sitcom that never ceases to bring a smile to my face. And with a plethora of prolific guest stars (Heather Locklear is a standout this year), I’m still as amused as ever with this show. It’s just so darn likeable.
Nad Rating
B+

Season 2
Suburgatory was last year’s strongest new comedic offering. However, it stumbled in its last few episodes thanks to the horrid addition of Alicia Silverstone to the cast. I’m so pleased to report that the show is back on form this year with a splendid run of episodes that have done an outstanding job of balancing the show’s cartoonish sensibilities with a poignant heart (particularly with the inclusion of Tessa’s mother). Simply wonderful.
Nad Rating
A-

Season 2
I know there’s a special place in hell for people who watch 2 Broke Girls but I still can’t help myself. It’s trashy and cheap on pretty much every level. However, this year the show has marginally improved into simply “bad” television (as opposed to horrendous). And the fact that the girls finally have a bakery means the show is evolving and growing, and Sophie continues to amuse me with her antics. Oh lord.
Nad Rating
D+

Season 2
Another standout from last year, Don’t Trust The Bitch In Apartment 23 continues to be a hysterical little concoction. I pretty much love the entire cast and the zany world this show revolves in. I do hope it goes on for a long time to come but sadly, the ratings are atrocious and this is probably the show’s final season. That’s a real pity because there isn’t any comedy quite like it on television.
Nad Rating
B+

Season 2
I could watch Christina Applegate read the phone-book. She’s gorgeous, charming, and just plain hilarious. Up All Night has had a rocky run, with the most recent development being the announcement that the show will switch into a multi-camera sitcom complete with a live audience and whatnot. I have no idea if that move will improve or completely destroy the show but I’m pretty eager to see it implemented. However, while I thought the show was excellent last year, I haven’t really been enjoying it this season. Will and Christina are still brilliant, but the inclusion of her annoying brother (and removing Ava’s talk show) really brought things down. Here’s hoping the incoming reshuffling will reinvigorate the show.
Nad Rating
C-

 
Season 1
I watched Partners because I was going through some Sophia Bush withdrawal after the cancellation of One Tree Hill. Surprisingly it wasn’t as horrible as I thought it would be. In fact, Partners proved to be a somewhat amusing diversion when I was bored. I’m not going to lose sleep over the fact that it was cancelled, but I do hope Miss Bush finds a project worthy of her talents soon. Who knew she could do comedy so well?
Nad Rating
C+

Season 1
An unexpected surprise. Go On is touching, heartfelt, and just plain hysterical. I’m so glad that Matthew Perry (much like Courtney Cox) has finally found a vehicle worthy of his talent post-Friends. Moreover, I love the entire supporting cast of crazy misfits and the family vibe that they’ve all forged. And to top it all off, there’s a genuine message about moving on from loss (which I can unfortunately relate to this year) that just elevates the show to a whole other level. Amazing.
Nad Rating
A

Season 1
The quirkiest new show I’ve seen in a while, I absolutely adore The Mindy Project. I don’t know if it’s Mindy Kaling’s special brand of adorable charm, or the wacky cast but this show is highly addictive and amusing. I know it hasn’t had much buzz this year but I do hope it doesn’t get cancelled because I can’t wait to see where it goes next.
Nad Rating
A