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#6 Back to You
Who picked it up? Fox
When does it air? Wednesdays 8/7
Who stars? Patricia Heaton, Kelsey Grammar, Fred Willard, and more!
Why should you care? Two all-time sitcom greats return to the air in a traditional sitcom smack in the middle of Fox! This stuff is bound to make headlines, bound to please people who have complained about a lack of traditional comedies, and bound to get people to tune in and check out the show. Plus, for many viewers, it will put Fox back on the map!
Why should you worry? While many times the show is a lot of fun, there are moments when it kind of sucks. Many of the jokes are corny and Kelsey Grammar seems oddly miscast as a lecherous newsman. It is also more than a little creepy watching Kelsey Grammar and Patricia Heaton play into the romantic undertones. It would be better if the show made them more into old friends, kind of like Denny and Shirley on Boston Legal.
Bottom line? Even if Kelsey Grammar does seem to be initially miscast, he has the chops to pull of this role and make it work. We believe even though the show has its odd moments the chemistry between the cast suggests the show will be getting better as they all learn to play off of each other. Patricia Heaton is wonderful, by the way, taking some awkward writing and really making it work -- she nails the role and has you completely involved with her character. And Fred Willard will be the new Neil Patrick Harris as he steals every scene he is a part of during the show and brings out the laughs. We think this one has a future as long as it continues to deliver on its promise.