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HIGHLIGHTS FROM SITCOMSONLINE.COM AND AROUND THE WEB

Champions - Thursdays at 9:30PM ET/PT on NBC
Premieres Thursday, March 8, 2018 at 9:30PM ET/PT

by Skees

Vince (Anders Holm) would love to be living "the dream," but when his father died, his dream was pushed aside when he and his brother, Matthew (Andy Favreau), take over the gym that his father owned. Now, he has the opportunity to sell the gym and move to Florida... until an ex (special guest star Mindy Kaling) from about a dozen years ago arrives at the front door with the son (J.J. Totah) that he never knew he had.

Cast Details:

Anders Holm as Vince
Andy Favreau as Matthew
J.J. Totah as Michael
Mouzam Makkar as Britney
Fortune Feimster as Ruby
Yassir Lester as Shabaz

Anders Holm (Vince) came to fame from the Comedy Central series Workaholics, where he was both a creator and a star. He also had a recurring role on The Mindy Project.

Andy Favreau (Matthew) has had guest roles in series including Will & Grace, The Mick, and 2 Broke Girls, among others. He is also the brother of Jon Favreau, a former speechwriter for President Barack Obama.

J.J. Totah (Michael) made his debut on Kroll Show and also was among the regular cast in the short-lived ABC series, Back in the Game. He also appeared in four episodes of the final season of Glee.

Mouzzam Makkar (Britney) comes from working on the stage, but she has appeared in episodes of The Vampire Diaries, 9JKL, Bones, among many other series.

Fortune Feimster (Ruby) made her debut on Last Comic Standing, but has also co-starred on The Mindy Project and had a recurring role on Life in Pieces. She also appeared on many Chelsea Lately episodes.

Yassir Lester (Shabaz) is an improv comic who has been seen on TV on The Carmichael Show and Key and Peele.

Pilot Plot:

"Pilot" (Airs March 8 at 9:30PM ET)

Vince and Matthew are brothers who've been running the gym that their father ran for the past several years, and Vince is ready to move on. In fact, he even decides to sell he gym. But meanwhile, a woman, Priya, is in New York, trying to get her drama loving son Michael enrolled in a special school for talented young kids. And before Vince knows it, Priya and Michael are knocking on the door with a surprise that is going to change his life forever.

"I Think I'm Gonna Tolerate it Here" (Airs March 15 at 9:30PM ET)

With Michael now living with Vince and Matthew full-time, it seems they've got a big problem: he has no bedroom to call his own. Even worse, it turns out he is absolutely insufferable to live with, and a major slob. Meanwhile, Vince needs to come up with $5000 in just a few days or else he is going to lose the gym. They're going to have to solve both of these problems, perhaps with a single solution?

"Lumps" (Airs March 22 at 9:30PM ET)

There's a new gym in town and they're taking all of the ladies from Champions gym. And it's going to take an all out battle to bring them back, with Michael helping Vince and Matthew know what the ladies want.

Analysis:

This is definitely one of those series where the name of the doesn't really tell viewers anything about the series, and from what I've seen, the advertising doesn't really do too great of a job of that either. So that may make it a little difficult to bring in viewers for the first time. But to be clear, the premise is rather simple: two guys are raising a kid and running a gym.

This is far from the first time that there has been a series about a guy (or two guys) raising estranged kids. Even though this is a much different series, the premise of two guys raising a children was the entire basis of My Two Dads. And the premise of a father raising an older child that he wasn't even aware that he had was the entire basis of Silver Spoons. So the series definitely has elements of both of those, even though the main twist here is that the kid isn't your typical kid, he's a gay half-Indian who wants to make it big in showbiz, and can be difficult to live with at times. That's what makes the series stand out. If he was just another boring cookie cutter Ricky Stratton or Nicole Bradford, it would be a tired plot at this point.

The home life, of course, is not all the series is about. There is also what goes on at work in the gym, and honestly, that too could almost make a series by itself. Those scenes become a lot like workplace comedies such as The Office or Superstore, although those series seem to have an eclectic group of coworkers with some actually being level-headed and normal. It seems that the gym has nobody who is truly like that, and that everybody is dysfunctional. But why not? There's no need to be another cookie cutter office comedy.

It's definitely a unique premise for a TV series, and while the first few episodes do have a few rough edges to work out, it definitely has some potential.

Conclusion:

This certainly wasn't a bad pilot, although I can't say it is the best one that I've ever seen either. I think the real question when it comes to whether or not this show can succeed is whether or not it can fit into the NBC lineup appropriately, and it's really tough to answer that question one way or the other. It really feels like it fits more into the mold of the single camera sitcoms that have aired on Fox in recent years, such as Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Mindy Project (that probably shouldn't be too surprising since Mindy Kaling also serves as executive producer here), The Mick, etc. But at the same time, it's probably fair to say that any sitcom could fit into the NBC lineup, as their entire roster of current successful sitcoms consists of just Superstore (not exactly a runaway hit, but it has an audience and lasting power) and Will & Grace (not at all a fresh series).

Ultimately, it's a fun series that's worth giving a chance. The first three episodes give me hope that it could be a good series, but I'll be watching to see where it goes from there, and it's at least worth giving the series a fair shot.

Final Numbers (out of 5 stars):

Watchability: 4/5
Funniness: 3/5
Overall: 3/5

Discuss the show after you watch it on Thursday, March 8, 2018 at 9:30PM ET/PT on our message board.

Related Links:

NBC.com Official Site

TV.com

epguides.com

Internet Movie Database

Wikipedia

Champions Photo Gallery

Preview:

A former TV Land comedy is getting a new home. And soon. Original scripted comedy Nobodies starring Hugh Davidson, Larry Dorf, and Rachel Ramras premieres Thursday, March 29 at 10pm ET/PT now on the Paramount Network. Series executive produced by Ben Falcone, Melissa McCarthy and Michael Macdonald adds Mark-Paul Gosselaar as recurring role. Second Season features appearances by Kristin Wiig, Sia, Leslie Bibb, Cedric The Entertainer, Michael MacDonald, Ben Falcone, and Melissa McCarthy.

Nobodies follows Groundlings alums Hugh Davidson, Larry Dorf, and Rachel Ramras as they navigate life on the outskirts of fame and try - again - to "make it" in Hollywood; with help from their more-famous friends. The season 2 trailer showcases appearances from the stars' real-life friends including Kristin Wiig, Sia, Leslie Bibb, Cedric The Entertainer, and executive producers Ben Falcone and Melissa McCarthy. Gosselaar will appear in all 12 episodes. The 12-episode half-hour comedy series is executive produced by Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone (through their On the Day productions) with Michael MacDonald (MADtv) serving as Executive Producer, Director, and Showrunner, and is written and executive produced by stars Davidson, Dorf, and Ramras.

Living Biblically - Mondays at 9:30PM ET/PT on CBS
Premieres Monday, February 26, 2018 at 9:30PM ET/PT

by Todd

Chip Curry is a modern day man at a crossroads in his life, who decides to live strictly in accordance with the Bible. A film critic for a New York Newspaper and a soon-to-be father, Chip wants to be a better man following the loss of his best friend. He decides to put his slightly obsessive temperament to use and start living his life 100% by the Bible to find direction. His smart, pregnant wife, Leslie, while both skeptical and entertained by her husband’s new passion, supports him completely. Knowing he'll need some practical advice, Chip forms a “God Squad” with Father Gene, a Catholic Priest who helps Chip translate the rules of the Bible to a modern world; and Father Gene's best friend, easygoing Rabbi Gil Abelman, who respects Chip's chutzpah and is glad to serve as a sounding board when they meet at their local bar. At Chip's newspaper, he finds support from his no-nonsense boss, Ms. Meadows, who knows Chip’s self-penned story will sell newspapers, and his co-worker and friend, Vince, who is quick with a reality check and likes to wind Chip up for his own amusement. As he begins his sincere spiritual journey toward a more moral life with the help of his wife and friends, Chip wonders if he'll be able to take a page – or every page – out of the Good Book, and if the effect will be of Biblical proportions.

Cast Details:

Jay R. Ferguson as Chip Curry
Lindsey Kraft as Leslie Curry
Ian Gomez as Father Gene
David Krumholtz as Rabbi Gil Abelman
Tony Rock as Vince
Camryn Manheim as Ms. Meadows

Jay R. Ferguson (Chip Curry) recently starred in The Real O'Neals. His first sitcom starring role was as Taylor Newton in Evening Shade. Some of his other television credits include The Outsiders, Glory Days, Judging Amy, Surface, Easy Money, Mad Men and Twin Peaks.

Lindsey Kraft (Leslie Curry) has appeared in the recurring role of Allison in Grace and Frankie. Some of her other television credits include NCIS, 2 Broke Girls, Getting On, Veep, Modern Family, Suits, The Newsroom, The Ranch, Lethal Weapon, Childrens Hospital and Bones.

Ian Gomez (Father Gane) starred as Courteney Cox's lovable neighbor Andy in Cougar Town. Some of his other starring credits include The Drew Carey Show, Felicity, The Norm Show, Jake in Progress and Rita Rocks.

David Krumholtz (Rabbi Gil Abelman) is best known for his role as Charlie Eppes in Numb3rs. Some of his other credits include Chicago Sons, The Trouble with Normal, The Lyon's Den, Partners and The Deuce.

Tony Rock (Vince) starred as Dirk Black in All of Us. Some of his other credits include Everybody Hates Chris and Mann and Wife. He is the younger brother of Chris Rock.

Camryn Manheim (Ms. Meadows) is best known for her roles as attorney Ellenor Frutt in The Practice and as Delia Banks in Ghost Whisperer. Some of her other television credits include The L Word, Harry's Law, Criminal Minds, Person of Interest and Extant.

Pilot Plot:

"Pilot" (Airs February 26 at 9:30PM ET)

Chip Curry (Jay R. Ferguson) is a modern-day man at a crossroads in his life who decides to live strictly in accordance with the Bible.

Directed by Andy Ackerman
Written by Patrick Walsh
Guest stars: Sara Gilbert as Cheryl, Joe DeRosa as Gary, June Squibb as Mrs. Murphy, Carla Renata as Gracie, Tiffany Panhilason as Josie

"False Idols" (Airs March 5 at 9:30PM ET)

When Father Gene and Rabbi Gil (the “God Squad”) point out to Chip that his addiction to his smartphone is the same as worshiping a false idol, Chip decides to stop using it, causing his wife, Leslie, and his officemates to worry about his whereabouts.

Directed by Andy Ackerman
Written by Sophia Lear
Guest stars: Sara Gilbert as Cheryl, Lateefa Holder as Ticket Clerk, Gary Kraus as Rick, A.J. Rivera as Florist, Forte Rodriguez as Police Officer

Analysis:

Living Biblically is a multi-camera sitcom from Alcide Bava Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios. The series is created by Patrick Walsh. It's based on the The New York Times bestselling book The Year of Living Biblically by A.J. Jacobs. Patrick Walsh, Johnny Galecki, Andrew Haas and Spencer Medoff are the executive producers.

In the "Pilot" episode, Chip goes to a confessional booth to talk to a priest (Father Gene). He's a lapsed Catholic who is not there to confess. Chip tells him that he wants to live his life 100% by the Bible to the letter, which causes Father Gene to laugh uncontrollably. In some flashback scenes, Chip tells a long story on how he came to his decision. His best friend of 30 years, Ray, died recently. He talks to Ray's mother, Mrs. Murphy. Chip reviews movies for a newspaper in Manhattan. He talks to his co-workers Gary and Vince. He talks to Ms. Meadows who has fired an employee. His wife, Leslie, drops a bombshell that she is pregnant. He later goes to the bookstore and talks to an employee there named Gracie. A copy of the Bible is in his basket and he receives a sign. He tells Leslie that he wants to live his life according to the Bible until they have their baby. Father Gene gives him his card. Chips wears some new threads to work and brings donuts. Chip later talks to Father Gene and his friend, Rabbi Gil, at a bar. Leslie calls them Chip's answer guys or "God Squad". Chip and Leslie have dinner and the restaurant where they see Gary with his mistress, Josie. Ms. Meadows later offers Chip 3 more articles per week and more money to write about his journey. The episode closes with a scene of Chip remembering his departed friend Ray.

The "Pilot" episode is very good overall. Sitcom veteran Andy Ackerman (Seinfeld, The New Adventures of Old Christine) does a fine job directing. It's fast-paced, funny and enjoyable. They do a good job of introducing the characters in a short amount of time. There's a nice mix of workplace, bar and home comedy. It feels a little bit like The Office, Cheers and How I Met Your Mother. It will be interesting to see these characters further developed in future episodes.

Living Biblically boasts a talented and experienced cast. Jay R. Ferguson was recently in The Real O'Neals and brings plenty of comedy experience. Lindsey Kraft is a relative newcomer compared to the rest of cast, but she has plenty of television credits. The "God Squad", Ian Gomez and David Krumholtz, are both comedy veterans. The workplace group of Tony Rock, Camryn Manheim and Sara Gilbert bring some funny laughs and one-liners. Sara Gilbert is listed as a special guest star, but she has a good-sized role in the first two episodes. Her Roseanne co-star Johnny Galecki is one of the executive producers of the series. JoBeth Williams guest stars as Leslie’s mother, Diana, a scientist who spars with Chip about the power of prayer in an upcoming episode.

Conclusion:

Living Biblically has some good potential. It features a likable and veteran cast. There are many familiar faces to television audiences. This is Lindsey Kraft's first major starring role. She has some good chemistry already with Jay R. Ferguson. They are an appealing couple. It has a good amount of laughs mixed in with some poignant moments. There's a nice blend of workplace, bar and home comedy. I'm not familiar with the book the series is inspired by, but it makes for an interesting premise for a weekly sitcom.

The show should fit in well on CBS' Monday night schedule of multi-camera sitcoms. CBS tried a religion-based comedy with Angel from Hell a few years ago, but it didn't have much success and was cancelled quickly. This one should have more of a chance to catch on because it's a more traditional sitcom filmed in front of a studio audience. There haven't been any really successful religion-themed sitcoms since Amen, so this seems like a fresh and interesting concept. It should be entertaining to follow Chip's journey in future episodes. I'm a believer in Living Biblically. Tune in on Monday nights on CBS at 9:30PM ET/PT.

Final Numbers (out of 5 stars):

Watchability: 3.5/5
Funniness: 3/5
Overall: 3.5/5

Discuss the show after you watch it on Monday, February 26, 2018 at 9:30PM ET/PT on our message board.

Related Links:

CBS.com Official Site

TV.com

epguides.com

Internet Movie Database

Wikipedia

Living Biblically Photo Gallery

Preview:

NBC is switching the time periods for two new comedies starting next Thursday (March 8). The time periods for A.P. Bio and Champions will switch starting Thursday, March 8, the day of the series premiere of Champions. The timeslot premiere of A.P. Bio will air at 8:30pm ET/PT through May 17, while the series premiere of Champions will air at 9:30pm ET/PT through May 3. In Champions, Vince, a charismatic gym owner with no ambition, lives with his younger brother Michael, a gorgeous idiot. Their simple life of women and working out is put on hold when the teenage son of Vince is dropped off on their doorstep by Priya (Mindy Kaling), one of his old high school flings. The cast includes Anders Holm, Andy Favreau, J.J. Totah, Mouzam Makkar, Nina Wadia and guest star Mindy Kaling.

In A.P. Bio, when disgraced Harvard philosophy scholar Jack Griffin (Glenn Howerton) loses out on his dream job, he is forced to return to Toledo, Ohio, and work as a high school Advanced Placement biology teacher. As he comes crashing in to Whitlock High School, Jack makes it absolutely clear he will not be teaching any biology. Realizing he has a room full of honor roll students at his disposal, Jack decides instead to use the kids for his own benefit. Eager to prove that he is still king of the castle, Principal Durbin (Patton Oswalt) struggles to control the force of nature that is Jack Griffin. Mary Sohn, Lyric Lewis, Jean Villepique, Jacob McCarthy and Tom Bennett also star.

Moving on to NBC at the TCA 2018 Winter Press Tour, we have news on a new comedy. From Executive Producers Mindy Kaling and Charlie Grandy, Champions will premiere Thursday, March 8 and will air at 8:30pm through May 17. From executive producers Charlie Grandy (The Mindy Project, Guys with Kids) and Mindy Kaling (The Mindy Project), Vince is living every bachelor’s dream. He owns the fifth largest gym in Brooklyn, dates an endless string of beautiful women and lives with his dumb, lovable brother Matthew. But Vince's simple life gets complicated fast when his high school fling Priya (Mindy Kaling) unexpectedly drops off their 15-year-old son Michael so he can attend a city school for super-talented kids. How will Vince handle this wildly ambitious and hilariously witty teenager? Well, somehow he’ll have to work it out. Next, fresh off its stellar debut, NBC has ordered a 13-episode second season of its new hit alternative series Ellen's Game of Games.

NBC's newest comedy A.P. Bio, starring Glenn Howerton and Patton Oswalt with Seth Meyers and Lorne Michaels as executive producers, will premiere two original episodes on digital platforms. As we mentioned, A.P. Bio will launch as a special preview on NBC Thursday, Feb. 1 at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT with Will & Grace as its lead-in. The following two episodes (along with the pilot) will be available across digital platforms, including the NBC App, Hulu and those run by NBC owned and affiliated stations, beginning Feb 2, one day after the show debuts on the network. The digital episodes will then air when the series returns on NBC, first on Sunday, Feb. 25 at 10:30 p.m., immediately following the Closing Ceremony of the Winter Olympics from PyeongChang, South Korea; and then on Thursday, March 1 at 8:30 p.m. A.P. Bio will move to its normal 9:30 p.m. Thursday timeslot beginning March 1. And finally, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon will host a star-studded guest lineup in Minneapolis for its special post-Super Bowl episode on Sunday, Feb. 4, including Justin Timberlake, Dwayne Johnson and the cast of NBC's hit series This Is Us: Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, Chrissy Metz and Justin Hartley. The show will air live from the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis following NBC's broadcast of Super Bowl LII, an original episode of This Is Us and late local news.

The debut of grown-ish (Jan. 3, 2018, 8:00-8:31 p.m. EST) ranked as Freeform's biggest series launch in 2 years among Total Viewers (1.562 million), Adults 18-49 (917,000/0.71 rating), Women 18-49 (658,000/1.01 rating), Women 18-34 (340,000/0.98 rating) and Females 12-34 (448,000/0.96 rating) - since Shadowhunters on 1/12/16. Freeform's grown-ish out-delivered the channel's most-recent comedy debut by strong triple digits (Kevin From Work on 8/12/15) across all key demographics: Total Viewers (+111%), Adults 18-49 (+132%), Women 18-34 (+170%), Females 12-34 (+152%) and Female Teens 12-17 (+108%). In fact, grown-ish opened as Freeform's best comedy debut in nearly 6 years in Total Viewers, Adults 18-49 and Women 18-49 - since long-running hit Baby Daddy on 6/20/12.

Competitively, the grown-ish debut opened as Wednesday's No. 1 scripted series on cable TV among Women 18-49, Women 18-34 and Females 12-34. The 8:00 p.m. debut of grown-ish was the strongest scripted comedy series launch on basic cable among Women 18-49 since April 2014 (MTV's Faking It), among Women 18-34 since July 2014 (FX's Married) and among Adults 18-49 since September 2016 (FX's Atlanta).