On last night’s episode of The New Adventures of Old Christine, Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ title divorcée resisted being set up on a blind date by her friend Barb (the invaluable Wanda Sykes) because she didn’t want to try to find chemistry with someone new in an artificial and awkward situation; she wanted it to happen naturally and spontaneously. (Of course, she ended up going the blind-date route anyway, with mixed results.)
It was a good metaphor for the show itself. After the Seinfeld gang broke up, Louis-Dreyfus sought chemistry and spontaneity with an audience via 2002’s experimental Watching Ellie, but that Seinfeld magic is hard to find twice. (Thus the ”Seinfeld curse” that seemed to befall the cast’s repeatedly failed attempts at solo sitcom stardom since their seminal show’s signoff eight years ago.) So Louis-Dreyfus has settled for a set-up: a conventional sitcom about a divorced mom juggling family, career, and romance.
And whaddya know? It’s working out. Not only have the reviews been kind, but the audience has actually grown since last week’s debut, CBS says. Monday’s episode drew an estimated 15.3 million (not bad against Fox’s 24), just 1.6 million fewer than its lead-in, top sitcom Two and a Half Men.
I hope the show continues to do well, not just so we can stop hearing about the Seinfeld curse, but because the show really does play to Louis-Dreyfus’ comic strengths, and it can only get better and sharper.
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Seinfeld curse? Seinfeld writer and co-creater Larry David is counting his millions (as well as Emmy’s and acclaim) from “Curb your Enthusiasm”. Hasn’t he been defying the so called “curse” for about 5 seasons now?
I watched the premiere of “Old Christine,” although I missed the Wanda Sykes ep (darn it!), and I thought it was really good. Love Julia, of course.
Love the show. LOL the whole time. Julia is great; has wonderful chemistry with ex – who is cute; son is the adorable type; the brother’s character is ok, but sure I like the actor; Wanda Sykes’ voice is awful!!
But, I think Julia has a hit!!!
i think the show is okkk….i like Four Kings and Out of Practiceand the office AND 2.5 Men better though
This show has a TON of potential. Once the writers find their groove and stop the canned sitcom style, it should flourish. And keep Wanda. She’s a nice balance for Julia. Break a leg, cast!
Lately, with show like Lost, Housewives, Prison Break, Sopranos, etc., I don’t even bother with the 30 minute comedies. BUT I did catch “Old Christine” today and thought it was well made and very entertaining. I’ll make room for it!
When did they come up with a new definition for “invaluable”? Because if you’re applying that label to Wanda Sykes it must now mean “shrill, overrated, annoying and unfunny.” Thanks for the tip — I’ll be working this in to conversations later today!
I have watched all three episodes that have aired of “Old Christine”. After the first episode, I was a little concerned…JLD’s acting seemed contrived. BUT, in the second episode, she was getting her groove. By the third episode, she was dead spot on. I enjoyed her character and wanted to know more about her. BTW, loved Wanda Sykes! I think she makes the perfect side to JLD’s Christine. Congrats to all!
I love Julia so I wanted it to do well. I think even though it’s only been a couple of episodes the show’s already kind of started finding its footing, though admittedly it was a pretty shakey start.
Once everyone involved starts finding its groove I think it could be great. Heck, even “Arrested Development” took a few weeks to get going in the beginning (I’m in no way comparing this to or expecting this to be as great as AD. That’s a lot to ask for).
I think it could turn out to be a great little comedy and because of Julia I hope it’s successful. She was the best part of “Seinfeld” and her appearances on “Arrested Development” were priceless. The show’s already better than “Two and a Half Men”, so there’s a start.
I’m glad that Julia has a hit on her hands but it’s a shame the show is so painfully bland…being on CBS pretty much explains that. It’s painful to watch Julia dumb down her comedic skills for the over 50 crowd that makes up CBS’s audience. (They don’t call it “Old Christine” for nothing) To it’s credit it fits nicely along with TV’s lamest comedies like “Yes, Dear,” “Still Standing,” and “Two and A Half Men.” Just wish any other network would have developed this show. Then maybe I would have reason to tune in.
I like it. It’s much better that Courting Alex
Her style of humor is still “so 90’s” or whatever. While she’s sort of funny in her new show, something just seems too forced in new sitcoms these days. Plus the fact she’s starting to look older is a bit scary in her case. LOL Anyway, for every kinda funny moment, there’s at least 2 corny moments. Maybe it will survive a 2nd season, but probably not. I actually liked Watching Ellie, btw! At least that was original and entertaining (and SILENT – LAUGH TRACKS/AUDIENCES SHOULD BE OUTLAWED!). Oh well.. I wish the brit Coupling was still being made. heh
Really liking Julia’s new show. It is a must on my tivo schedule. Hope its a hit. Wanda was a great addition. Julia has the best comic timing. Happy to see her back on T.V.