Yesterday we delved into the most promising new dramas for Fall 2013. Today, it's comedy's turn!
The 2012-2013 season saw 13 new comedies premiere on the Big Five networks in the fall/spring. Of those, only a pathetic 2 will be returning this fall for a second season: "The Mindy Project" and "The Neighbors". That atrocious renewal rate set a pretty low bar for this upcoming season, but only time will tell if this new crop of shows fares better (or, god forbid, worse) than last year's. Here's our list of the most promising comedies that will be premiering on each network this fall -- plus a bonus from HBO.
Written, produced, and headlined by Rebel Wilson, the comedic genius best known for her roles in "Bridesmaids" and "Pitch Perfect", this show tells the story of Kimmie (Wilson) and her best friends Helen-Alice and Marika, who have had the same standing date for 13 years: "Friday Night Fun Night -- Always Together! Always Inside!" But when Kimmie falls in love, she convinces her buddies to take their tradition -- gasp! -- outside. Hilariously awkward adventures are sure to ensue. ABC gave "Super Fun Night" the coveted post-"Modern Family" slot, so they must have faith in its ability to attract an audience.
[youtube width="320" height="180"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VjV4S2JpuA[/youtube]
Also on ABC:
"The Goldbergs", an 80s throwback starring Wendi McLendon-Covey of "Bridesmaids" (9/24); "Trophy Wife", starring Malin Ackerman as a newlywed dealing with jealous exes and difficult stepchildren (9/24); "Back In The Game", about a divorcée coaching her son's Little League team (9/25)
Featuring Robin Williams in his first major TV role since "Mork & Mindy" in the 70s, "The Crazy Ones" is about a father/daughter advertising team, with Williams as father Simon and Sarah Michelle Gellar ("Buffy") as daughter Sydney. In the pilot they try to keep high-profile client McDonald's from firing them and pursue Kelly Clarkson (playing herself) to record a jingle. It remains to be seen if every episode will live up to this buzzy start, but even without special guest stars and product placement, Robin Williams' maniacal energy should hopefully be enough to hold our interest. The show also boasts a terrific supporting cast including James Wolk ("Mad Men"), Amanda Setton ("The Mindy Project") and Hamish Linklater ("The Newsroom").
[youtube width="320" height="180"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWEL-FqBW0o[/youtube]
Also on CBS:
"Mom", co-starring Allison Janney and Anna Faris as a dysfunctional mother/daughter duo (9/23); "We Are Men", in which a man moves into a rental complex after being left at the altar and befriends three divorcés, played by Tony Shalhoub, Jerry O'Connell and Kal Penn (9/30); "The Millers", headlined by Will Arnett, whose mom (Margo Martindale) moves in with him after his dad (Beau Bridges) leaves her (10/3)
An ensemble workplace comedy with a twist: the workplace is a police precinct. From the writer/producers behind "Parks And Recreation" this show stars Andy Samberg ("SNL") as a fun-loving detective and Andre Braugher ("Men Of A Certain Age") as the new captain brought in to bring order to the lax precinct. The collision of Fun & Games vs. Law & Order is sure to yield plenty of comedy gold.
[youtube width="320" height="180"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1UzmW77F30[/youtube]
Also on FOX:
"Dads", created by Seth MacFarlance ("Family Guy"), starring Seth Green and Giovanni Ribisi as video game developers whose fathers move back in with them (9/17); "Enlisted", about three brothers who find themselves stationed at the same Army base (11/8)
Michael J. Fox plays a fictionalized version of himself in this new sitcom from the writer/producers of "Cougar Town" and "Easy A". The fictional Fox was one of New York's most beloved news anchors before he retired due to his battle with Parkinson's Disease. But having his restless energy confined to their home has driven his family crazy, so he decides to go back to work, much to their relief. Costarring Betsy Brandt ("Breaking Bad") as Fox's wife and Wendell Pierce ("The Wire") as Fox's boss, this show looks to feature a poignant turn by a cultural icon at the top of his game.
[youtube width="320" height="180"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXl-krlLoxg[/youtube]
Also on NBC:
"Sean Saves The World", starring Sean Hayes ("Will & Grace") as a single gay dad raising his teenage daughter (10/3); "Welcome To The Family", costarring Mike O'Malley ("Yes, Dear"; "Glee") and Ricardo Chavira ("Desperate Housewives") as clashing patriarchs whose teenage children have fallen in love (10/3)
Sharing the three-pronged title of writer/producer/star with Rebel Wilson this fall is Stephen Merchant, most famous for co-creating the British version of "The Office" with Ricky Gervais. HBO's "Hello Ladies" is Merchant's first starring role, where he plays Stuart, a lanky and nerdy web designer who moves from England to L.A. in pursuit of -- you guessed it -- ladies. Sure to derive most of its laughs from awkward situations, "Hello Ladies" should fit right in with HBO's other too-real comedy, "Girls".
[youtube width="320" height="180"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hivdOvM5Ic[/youtube]
Which of these comedies are you most looking forward to? Let us know by tweeting us @StageBuddy!
