Three episodes into the series’ long-postponed third season, Cougar Town has quickly reestablished itself as one of the funniest and best sitcoms on television. Unfortunately, the problem the series now faces is that, without the cushion of airing after the ratings juggernaut that is Modern Family, there aren’t as many people tuning in. While it goes without question that this series has a loyal and dedicated audience (hundreds and, in some cases, thousands of fans turned out for the pre-season viewing parties and panels leading up to its February 14th premiere date), it seems that a very small number of those passionate fans are Nielsen families… (click to read)
Chris here, reaching out in hopes that you may be interested in reading what I have to say. I know I’m the “TV guy” who is always posting on his FB and Twitter about what shows to watch and how I don’t want my favorite series to be cancelled because I tend to only watch low-rated, artsy, well-written shows that the majority of the coutnry ignores. Being a writer, and being someone who wants to dedicate his gift of writing to the television industry, series like Community and Cougar Town hit closer to home for me than they may for you, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t find these shows hilarious if you give them a chance.
One of the co-creators of ABC’s Cougar Town wrote on Twitter this morning, calling for a last-ditch effort of sorts to keep his show on the air. This, if you may not know, comes in less than a month’s time after the creators, writers, and castmembers of the series embarked upon a nation-wide tour which saw them interact with fans, hand out free merchandise, host open-bar events, and screen episodes from their currently-airing third season prior to its premiere. This was all paid for, out of pocket, by the sitcom’s showrunner (and former Scrubs and Spin City creator), Bill Lawrence. The ABC network did not fund or sponsor these events, and the show has been treated like the red-headed stepchild of sorts by its parent company, which went on to air poorly written and terribly conceptualized series like “Man Up” and “Work It” before pulling them from the air and finally premiering Cougar Town (with very little notice) on February 14th.
Before you write the series off, please understand that this is anything BUT a series about 40-year-old women who are dating younger men. On the contrary, this is a series about friendships, relationships, family, drinking, and hanging out. Its terrible name aside, I tend to refer to it as “Modern Friends” (Although some have gone on to call it “Cul-de-Sac Scrubs”).
If I’ve somehow managed to pique your interest, please, PLEASE tune in over the next several weeks. The series airs Tuesdays at 8:30pm on ABC (and while Glee and NCIS are in repeats, now is as good a chance as any to tune in without missing out on the shows you may or may not usually tune into).
Do it for the art. Do it for the creativity. Do it to buck the system. Whatever the reason, please give this series a chance. I promise that it will surprise you.
Sincerely and truthfully yours,
Christopher Griffin, blog manager of Denny’s Is For Winners
When Parks and Recreation debuted with a six-episode first season, it was considered by many to be an Office clone that focused on local government rather than Corporate America. For several reasons, these comparisons were spot-on. The series, created by former Office writers Greg Daniels and Michael Schur, was initially intended to be a spin-off of NBC’s long-running sitcom and, although it has evolved into something completely separate from it, similarly utilizes the increasingly popular mockumentary style of story-telling. With a comedically talented ensemble lead by Saturday Night Live alum Amy Poehler, the series has grown into its own, especially during its second and third seasons, and is arguably the best and funniest show on television… (click for more)
After Freaks and Geeks was canceled, executive produce Judd Apatow began developing Undeclared, an original sitcom centered around a group of college freshman dorm mates who bond as they embark upon their first year of college together at the fictitious University of Northeastern California. The show’s title is in reference to college students who have yet to specify what their major will be, thus claiming “undeclared” status… (click for more)
While it may be remembered as the sitcom that kick-started the careers of Ryan Reynolds (The Proposal) and Nathan Fillion,Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place,which has since aired in syndication under its fourth season title,Two Guys and a Girl,was one of the better new comedies to bring in the 2000’s… (click for more)
monsterslikeyougirl-deactivated asked: I'm picking my year 2 modules for Uni, Film & TV production right now and I don't know whether to pick scriptwriting or not because I used to love to write but lately it's like all I feel is frustration and anger whenever I try to write anything and I just end up staring at that fucking blinking curser for an eternity. Should I just abandon writing for now or would you be able to give me any blank page saving tips that would make a scriptwriting course bearable?
While I’m sure all bad writers probably have a hard time writing, I’m equally certain that not all...
