BY MICHAEL GOODPASTER
(FOUR) LOUIE
There were maybe about another dozen or so true half hour comedies across the realm of basic cable. A lot of them are apparently presented by Tyler Perry. It’s like Oprah gave him basic cable for his Birthday. Don’t tell me she couldn’t afford it. Any way, I’m going with the new show on FX called “Louie”. Comedian Louie CK had “Life With Louie” on HBO, but I think it was a bit before it’s time. He’s snuck in a few small parts here and there in some good movies and good television shows, but it’s cool to see him have his own project. He’s a likeable creep. He’s like Larry David, but less flashy. The first season is winding down, but so far my favorite episodes have been when he looked up his old girlfriend on facebook, having Ricky Gervais as his doctor, and the show were he’s being directed by Matthew Broderick. FX kind of wussed out on not giving “Testees” a chance to grow (no, seriously that the name of a show) and I’m fearful they won’t let “Louie” go for enough time to REALLY hit its stride. Until then, I’ll just enjoy the ride.
(THREE) MY BOYS
I came late to the “My Boys” game. It sucks too, I love me some Chicago scenery and this show uses it like Woody Allen uses New York. Then the fact that local Jim Gaffigan gets a starring role makes it even sweeter. I’ve probably seen about a dozen random episodes, but plan to sit down from episode one and make way through the series soon. If the show is anything like those dozen or so episodes then I should be in good shape.
(TWO) SOUTH PARK
This may be the best comedy show of all time on Basic Cable. That says a lot considering “Chappelle’s Show” must be included in the discussion. South Park has like 40 years on it, but it’s still debatable in some circle. South Park is iconic. The show has evolved from being controversial because of being vulgar and over the top and has almost become a window of social and celebrity satire. That seems to be where their bread is buttered now and that’s cool. I kind of think the show is a little past its prime, but even with South Park “past its prime” the show is still better than 95% of the shows out there on network, basic, or premium stations.
(ONE) IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADEPHIA
Bar none. This show is the best half hour comedy on basic cable and to many people the best comedy on television in general. The show started off with a few friends putting together a pilot and has evolved from cult favorite to something most people now acknowledge as completely awesome. It seems that with each season that passes the shows gets bigger and bigger. I swear I’ve even seen Shaq bust out the “Day Man” song on ESPN clips. And this is all with good reason. It’s hilarious. It’s not like any other show. It’s vile, it’s vulgar, it’s creative as can be, and it’s actually funny. The stuff that happens brings out genuine laughter and surprise. You laugh because it makes you, not because you feel you have to. Basically, it’s better than anything on NBC Thursday and I say that being a fan of it. If you’ve not watched this show, you’ve deprived yourself the joy of laughter.
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