NBC’s Go On and The New Normal: Can they bring some life back to the network?

It’s no secret that NBC’s current comedies, while critically acclaimed, aren’t watched by many. The Office was once the network’s sweetheart, but now shares ratings similar to those of 30 Rock and Community, both loved by critics and rabid fans alike. What is it about NBC’s current offerings that create rabid fans, but not a lot of them? Perhaps the better question is whether or not NBC’s new shows slated for fall 2012 can do any better.

Remember Must-See TV — according to Wikipedia, it historically referred to NBC’s Thursday night comedy block, which over the years included The Cosby Show, Family Ties, Cheers, Night Court, A Different World, Seinfeld, Wings, Frasier, Friends, NewsRadio and Will & Grace (some cutting edge, hugely successful comedies there!). We’ve already established that 30 Rock, Up All Night, The Office and Parks and Recreation doesn’t even come close. But could NBC have something worthwhile on Tuesday nights? They very well may in Go On with Matthew Perry and The New Normal with Ellen Barkin.

The first thing that NBC has done right is to give the two freshman comedies a strong lead-in with The Voice. It’s one of the highest rated shows on the network right now, and that’s a huge vote of confidence for Go On and The New Normal. The fact that NBC is showing some confidence in these shows is a very good start in getting people to watch. It will be interesting to see how well they are marketed this summer.

Another stroke of brilliance on NBC’s part was in pairing these two shows. They complement one another very, very well. Go On has a bittersweet message about grief and healing, but it’s balanced out by Matthew Perry’s snark. The New Normal preaches tolerance, but is balanced out by Ellen Barkin’s delightful irreverence. There’s truly something for the champions and the cynics in both of these shows. Since they’ve got a similar appeal in that way, the pairing is perfect.

I obviously can’t predict how audiences will react to either of these shows, but I do respect what NBC has tried to do with each of them. In Go On, Matthew Perry’s character is a sports radio host with a bit of an ego and a sarcastic sense of humor. His wife has recently died and in order to get back to work, he is mandated to attend group counseling sessions. The highlight of the episode is the bracket contest he holds to decide which sob story in the group is the worst (March Sadness, of course). The variety of characters and losses in the group gives every viewer a chance to find one they connect with, or at least can laugh at. There’s also a bunch of familiar faces: John Cho (Harold and Kumar), Julie White (Grace Under Fire), and Laura Benanti (Eli Stone). It’s a thoughtfully balanced show with plenty of room to grow, with a large, quirky cast reminiscent of The Office’s crazy crew. Yes folks, NBC is thinking.

If I had to pick, The New Normal was more laugh-out-loud, because Ellen Barkin’s character is so ridiculously funny. Every single thing that comes out of the youngest great-grandmother in the world’s mouth will have you wanting to spit your red wine out across the room (sorry, still coming off Cougar Town‘s awesome season — yes, season! — finale). Again, like Go On, there’s something for everyone. Homosexuals and liberals, and well, human beings will adore the underlying message of the show, that it just takes love to make a family, and sadly, there are probably those few who will agree with Barkin’s character and watch for the comaraderie with America’s favorite new bigot. Georgia King is adorable as  the surrogate for a gay couple, and also the young mother of a spunky daughter. It’s going to be fun watching them all become a family. The only thing I don’t quite buy is the chemistry between the two gay men, but there’s time for that to grow; it’s only the pilot, after all.

To be honest, I likely won’t watch either of them for the long haul, because I’m a fair-weather sitcom girl (likely it’s all HIMYM‘s fault …). But if NBC’s got me thinking twice, then there’s some hope for this Tuesday night comedy block.

What did you think of the trailers — did either show interest you?

Clacked by Debbie McDuffee
on May 31, 2012 @ 09:00 EST5EDT