oandu reviews: studio 60 on the sunset strip

I work in television. I write sketch comedy. Consequently, I am apt to enjoy Studio 60. You see, it's got that relatability thing, like: if my life were larger and more fabulous and entirely different than it is now, I'd totally know what Matthew Perry was going through. Even so, I have 3 issues with the show that I plan to address in my completely bullshit blog (thanks D.L. Hughley) post haste. Meet me 2 lines down in 10 seconds.

Hi! You're back. As discussed, my three issues are listed below:

Amanda Peet: I don't really think I need to say anymore than that. You're picking up what I'm putting down here, right?

The Tone: This is TV comedy, things aren't so damned serious all the time. That press conference last night was so West Wing. And yes, TV and politics are becoming increasingly inextricable thanks to the FCC and the PTC, but to kick off the show with all these heavy handed issues about free speech, religious belief, censorship, etc...it doesn't really do much to distance Studio 60 from its predecessor.

The Sketch: As a comedy writer, the idea that anyone would even name a sketch "Crazy Christians" turns my stomach. And last night's huge cold open? You know, the one that comedy savior Matthew Perry agonized over all week before triumphantly completing? Eh. Not very funny. It's like Sorkin thought "if I use the word 'reacharound', this song will be edgy and hilarious!". If this show is going to continue to give us glimpses of Studio 60's product, and if they'd like us to believe that Perry's character is what they say, they're going to need some actual comedy writers on staff. Not dramedy, not clever witticisms. Someone who can write absurd, hard joke driven sketch comedy.

So there it is NBC. Go forth and fix. You're welcome.

Comments

[Randy]

that or.......Steve Guttenberg.

Don't forget. This Saturday is the 3rd Annual "National Steve Guttenberg Day". I suggest you celebrate accordingly.

[employee megan]

If "celebrating accordingly" is "being in Detroit at a college friend's wedding", then I am doing just that.

[paul]

You're just mad because Amanda Peet is more boring than you. Wait. What?

I agree with the other points, but it's still a good show, and I'm disappointed that people aren't watching it.