30 Rock

So does that make this a reality show or a TV sitcom with a personal touch? Louis C.K. is well known in comedy circles as an award winning comedian, writer, and producer and that's what he does on his own self titled show, Louie. The show has been named on numerous top ten television show lists for 2010 and garnered Louis C.K. a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series on the Primetime Emmy Awards. Somewhat loosely based on Louis C.K.'s real life as standup comedian, Louie plays father to two girls and has occasional girl friends (referred to as playdate friends) like Pamela who keep life interesting for the world weary Louie. Look for some stand up comedy skits as well as conversations between Louie and his therapist. Not one to be bashful when it comes to treating sensitive material gingerly Louie covers a wide variety of subjects including Catholic guilt, sexual orientation, sex, depression, as well as divorce (which he is very familiar with). A comedian's life is never boring or without complications.

And so does the original title which was Are You There Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea. The shows protagonist character, Chelsea Newman is based on Chelsea Handler and her friends who are a group of working class folks from New Jersey. The real Chelsea is Chelsea Joy Handler, a comedienne as well as TV talk show host who wrote the book. In this sitcom we find Laura Prepon (That 70's Show, October Road) playing the main role and even the real Chelsea Handler has a minor role as Sloane. Others include Jake McDorman (CSI: Miami, Greek) as Rick, Dee Dee is played by Lauren Lapkus (a stand up comedian and improvisationist), Melvin is portrayed by Lenny Clarke (Rescue Me, The John Larroquette Show), and as Olivia is Ali Wong from Breaking In, Chelsea Lately. Many of the characters are based on the book by Chelsea Handler and take place in the sports bar the character works. Expect to see plenty of outrageous behavior from this twenty something social group.

Stars Hank Azaria, Kathryn Hahn, Natasha Leggero, and Al Madrigal apparently are having fun with the US version of a British hit titled Free Agents. The PR firm of CMA is the scene for much of the frivolity and even though the employees are there to assist their clientele it seems as if they can barely handle their own personal interests let alone be of assistance to any customers. Sitcoms that deal with workplace romance and banter have been popular for a long time (The Mary Tyler Moore Show, News Radio, Scrubs, Mad Men, The Office). There may be little in the way of plot line but plenty of humor, particularly of the dark and borderline mean variety. But the cast handles it all and even succeed in making the audience like them, well most of them. Sleazy and kinky yet charismatic boss Stephen (Anthony Head of Merlin and Buffy The Vampire Slayer) makes each day difficult for his staff. In the first episode we find two of the workers have committed the "cardinal" sin of employees sleeping together. Alex, played by Hank Azaria (does several voices on The Simpsons) and Helen (Kathryn Hahn of Crossing Jordan) get wasted and spend time in bed together, waking the next morning with more than just a hangover. At work other employees drill them for details and Alex nearly becomes a stalker trying to convince Helen to let him move in.

From The Office's creators, this Peacock mockumentary follows a dying Toledo newspaper, with Oscar Nuñez reprising his role. Streaming on Peacock.

The CBS lineup on Monday nights is HOT! Putting on a new television sit-com can be an "iffy" prospect and many have failed due to the competition involved. But 2 Broke Girls seems to have all the right stuff! It has talent and chemistry and it has timing. Timing involves where it premieres which is right after Two and a Half Men (now starring Aston Kutcher instead of the controversial Charlie Sheen), then moving into its regular slot an hour earlier following How I Met Your Mother. The chemistry involves a stellar cast and great writing, making 2 Broke Girls a refreshing alternative to comedy on our TVs. The talent comes in the form of some new refreshing faces like Kat Dennings (The Forty Year Old Virgin, Charlie Bartlett) as Max Black, the gal from a working class, perpetually poor family. She knows her way around however, and hopes to fulfill her dreams. Beth Behrs (Serial Buddies, Size Zero Heroes) is the wealthy Caroline who learns her family is broke due to her father being caught using a Ponzi scheme and faces the prospect of going away to prison. She is "book smart" while Max is the one who has "street smarts". Together they might succeed. Life as a waitress is stressful and they must deal with the cook who likes to sexually harass them and a boss who more resembles a Kung Fu competitor than a Brooklyn diner owner. From the folks who brought us Sex in the City how can it go wrong?

PEN15 is a comedy web television series that premiered on Hulu in 2019. The show was created by Maya Erskine, Anna Konkle, and Sam Zvibleman. It follows the lives of two 13-year-old girls, Maya and Anna, as they navigate through the ups and downs of middle school in the year 2000.