Review: Three New Comedies Hit the Networks

Super Fun Night

Liza Lapira, Rebel Wilson and Lauren Ash from Super Fun Night. Image courtesy of  ABC TV.

Liza Lapira, Rebel Wilson and Lauren Ash from Super Fun Night. Image courtesy of ABC TV.

We all know Rebel Wilson from her hilarious roles in Bridesmaids and Pitch Perfect. Her newest role in NBC’s Super Fun Night (Wednesday, 9:30 p.m.) is sure to leave you feeling awkward with a bad taste of acting in your mouth.

The first episode started with some potential as main character, Kimmy Boubier (Wilson), recorded her newest entry in her video diary.  The show took a turn for the worse when we saw Kimmy in her office and the way she interacts with her coworkers. When she is caught sprinting for jelly doughnuts in the break room, she is introduced to Kendall Quinn (Kate Jenkinson). Kendall is your typical villain, smart, beautiful and good at almost everything. Kendall and Kimmy quickly begin to feud when it is hinted that Kimmy had a fling with their boss. Later that night, Kendall randomly appears on a night out with Kimmy, her boss, and her two best friends. A simple night at a piano bar turns into an all out battle on stage. Kendall takes away the prize but Kimmy gives up, claiming she is ok with the loss due to her sudden increase in self-confidence.

Super Fun Night definitely needs some improvement in the plot line and writing. But if they choose to showcase Rebel Wilson’s hilarious talent , the show could quickly turn into a big hit for all ages. Grade B-
–Karly Klem, WNHS-TV

The Millers

Will Arnett, Beau Bridges and JB Smoove of The Millers. Image courtesy of CBS Television.

Will Arnett, Beau Bridges and JB Smoove of The Millers. Image courtesy of CBS Television.

The Millers is a witty new comedy on CBS that follows a middle-aged family through their comical lives. With a cast including Will Arnett, Beau Bridges, Margo Martindale and Jayma Mays, the show came with high expectations. Martindale and Bridges play an older worn out couple who have finally reached the point of a divorce. Their children, Nathan (Arnett) and Debbie (Mays), are caught in the middle.  With an overbearing mother and a painfully empty-headed father, they have their hands full.

The first episodes were slightly disappointing with all the hype from the network, but there is room for improvement throughout the season. The offbeat jokes are funny, but a bit too overplayed and have the potential to ruin the whole show. The chemistry of the cast could use some work. The basic plot of the show has potential to improve.

The Millers is an okay show that has the potential to improve immensely. With all the lamer jokes aside, it features a strong family core and has a good message. Check out The Millers on Thursdays at 8:30 for a quick laugh and a nice feeling of family. Grade: C-
–Lauren Gerrish, WNHS-TV

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Andre Braugher and Andy Samberg in Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Image courtesy of Fox Television.

Andre Braugher and Andy Samberg in Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Image courtesy of Fox Television.

The pilot episode of Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Tuesday, 8:30 on Fox) starts with Detectives Jake Peralta and Amy Santiago (Andy Samberg and Melissa Fumero) involved in a bet to see who can get the most arrests (a lot of the episodes involve bets). Santiago is desperate to become a captain and to prove how tough she is. Peralta, on the other hand, is considers himself one of the greatest detectives at the precinct who can solve anything, but who can’t seem to figure out how to grow up. The new captain of the precinct, Ray Holt (Andre Braugher), is determined to turn Brooklyn Nine-Nine into the best precinct in the city and to do something about Peralta in the process. The cast is completed with a slightly crazed girl named Gina Linetti (Chelsea Peretti), who seems to be in everyone’s business, an awkward detective named Charles Boyle (Joe Lo Truglia) who tries desperately to get a date with the tough Detective Rosa Diaz (Stephanie Beatriz). Actor Terry Crews is cast as the tough but lovable Sergeant Terry Jeffords.

This show was not off to the best start in the pilot. The idea of an immature cop as the main character is unoriginal and the jokes were more smile-worthy than laugh-out-loud funny. The show still seems promising. After Samberg’s recent departure from Saturday Night Live, it will be interesting for fans to see him take on a series as a main character. The other characters in the show add a refreshing twist on the old idea of a cop comedy. The show is enough to draw you in to see how the rest of the season will go. Grade: B
–Taylor Morse, WNHS-TV

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