Taking a look back on all the shows that were canceled this season, one really stands out for me. Better Off Ted was certainly one of the least shocking cancellations, but I think out of all the shows not returning, I may miss it the most. The ratings were miserable, and I can’t really blame ABC for yanking it from the schedule. At the same time, however, I think ABC is responsible for a lot of the poor ratings.
I have yet to talk with anyone who actively disliked Better Off Ted. I’ve met lots and lots of people who had never heard of it, but most people who had given it a chance really liked it. It seems like one of those shows that had little to no buzz surrounding it before it premiered. It was a mid-season show that just never got any momentum behind it ratings wise. It’s a shame, because at the end of the day, it was a really funny show.
Perhaps viewers just couldn’t connect with the highly satirical workplace comedy. Veridian Dynamics was certainly an over-the-top type of place, but that only made it funnier, if you ask me. Who doesn’t enjoy weaponized pumpkins? You certainly can’t blame the great cast for the show’s woes. Better Off Ted featured great performances from Portia de Rossi, Jay Harrington, and Andrea Anders to name a few. Of course, with Anders’s history of bad luck, she may be to blame for the whole mess.
As much as I loved every episode of Modern Family this season … As great as Cougar Town was when it hit its stride … As amazing as the paintball episode and Goodfellas episode of Community were … And as much as I still worship at the alter of 30 Rock … I think that the funniest episode of any series came with Ted’s “The Impertinence of Communicationizing.” If you are unfamiliar with the episode, it featured Veridian Dynamics, who never acknowledges mistakes, sending out a memo to tell people that they must “now [instead of not] use offensive or insulting language in the workplace.” What results is a half hour of people swearing at each other with hysterically creative curses. It was only made funnier when uncensored outtakes were released on the web. I hope that it means there will be an uncensored episode on the DVD set when it comes out. For now, check out the (not safe for work) video below.
It was the highlight of a strong season for Better Off Ted, and I’m sorry that the show got cut short. Are you going to miss Ted? If not, what show will you miss next season?
Clacked by Bob Degon
on Jun 07, 2010 @ 12:00 EST5EDT
Agreed. In one short season, this show became a classic. I wish it had been given more time. I’ve heard that ABC may air the final 2 episodes next week, if some sports playoff doesn’t take as many days as it’s scheduled for?
amazing show. i completely agree that of all the shows to be canceled this season, this is the one i’ll miss the most. the one in which the company’s motion detector doesn’t notice people of color is a classic.
Yes! I loved this show.
This almost instantly became my favorite sitcom of all time, so it’s my fault. The amount I like a show is inversely proprotional to its chances of living.
You and me both, Lenny.
https://www.cliqueclack.com/tv/2010/05/18/for-i-am-bob-destroyer-of-shows/
Will I make you all jealous if I tell you that I have some episodes on the DVR that I haven’t watched yet? Yes, BoT is still brand new to me — a few episodes anyway!
LOL, I had forgotten all about that, Bob. Together we will lay waste to all quality programming using only our butts and remote controls! I should clarify that I don’t mean one will directly utilize the other, although I can’t speak for Bob.
Debbie, I still have the last 2 aired episodes left unwatched. I hate to watch them because then I have to acknowledge that it’s gone forever.
Lenny and yes you too Bob,
As a service to the Television viewing public you are both now required to watch and like (shudder) the following shows:
American Idol
Survivor
So You Think You Can Dance
Hell’s Kitchen
The Bachelor/Bachelorette
True Beauty
Wife Swap
That’s just a short list. I probably should have mentioned a list of shows you can never, ever, watch too. That will have to wait for another comment. ;)
Who can get over their ‘commercials’?! I mean, that was perfect! I don’t know if they used them as actual promo’s for the show because I’m not from America but that should have got it the ratings it needed… I mean, similar comedy was used in promo’s in the Netherlands for shows it didn’t apply to(Jersey Shore and Blue Mountain State had the funniest promo’s ever…even without comparing it to the actual show) and using such ironic/sarcastic/dry humour on a show that actually has that humour in it would be amazing…
LOVED this show. I think it was just too smart for a network and probably could have thrived on a cable channel like FX, TBS or Comedy Central. The only other show ABC had similar in tone to pair it with was the sinking “Scrubs,” so it never really stood a chance. Farewell Veridian Dynamics. You will be missed.
All I can say is….told you so. ;) Andrea Anders is the Black Widow of situation comedies. She needs to go do movies, so that I don’t have to give a crap if her projects fail or not.
I loved the show, but I hated Andrea Anders, or at least her character Linda. I guess Linda was supposed to be “cute” but she just annoyed the heck out of me. I wanted to punch her every time she opened her mouth.
Over the years I’ve grown accustomed to being passionate about a show that is doomed to fail… Veronica Mars, Arrested Development, Party Down, Better of Ted. Especially when shows like Jersey Shore and The Bachelor get monster ratings… However, I try to appreciate the fact that we had these seasons at all, and they went out “on top”. I can’t wait until Better of Ted comes out on DVD – and hopefully they actually include some features with this season! That gag reel alone would be worth the price of admission.
Party Down is not doomed to fail! Well… it hasn’t failed yet, anyway.