I have a new obsession and her name is Barb. If you haven’t been watching ABC’s new series Cougar Town, then you might not know her but she’s kind of amazing. Played by Carolyn Hennessy (General Hospital), Barb is the ultimate cougar but also an incredible scene-stealer. She usually just has one or two scenes per episode but completely dominates with her campy line delivery; imagine a modern-day version of The Golden Girls‘ Blanche Devereaux. Barb is currently competing with Glee‘s Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch) as my favorite new character on television. Plus, this has introduced me to the fabulous Hennessy, who I previously missed in classics like 2007′s Cougar Club and 2008′s Boob Jobs & Jesus. Clearly, the producers know that they have gold on their hands because they’ve even given Barb her own online advice series. Behold the glory of Barb below:
Are you a fan of Barb, PopWatchers? Who is your favorite new character on television?
I definitely walk away from “Cougar Town” every week going “I freakin love Barb.”
Me too! Finally, a worthy character to fill in for Karen Walker!
YES! I love Barb – and one of the best things about her is how she just randomly pops up in a scene out of nowhere!
Huge fan of hers!!! On the mafia-soaked drudge that GH has become, she has always been the shining beacon of comic relief!!!
My favorite new characters are from Modern Family…while it’s hard to choose, my top 2 are Manny and Cameron. Talk about scene stealers!
i’m with you Amanda.. but i’ll swap out Manny for Phil. when he was hit by the car…. it takes a lot to get me to burst out laughing haha
She’s my least favorite part of Cougar Town. I’m usually laughing out loud several times each episode but as soon as I see her pop up I cringe in anticipation of her gross line.
Yeah, I love this show, but I have to agree with you on this. Her character was funny the first few times but now I find myself rolling my eyes when she appears. She’s a little one-note and it’s not working for me.
As for fave new characters? Love Cameron and Mitchell on Modern Family, everyone on Glee and Abed and Troy on Community.
Barb is supposed to be the anti-Jules. She’s the hardened Cougar to Jules’ emerging Cougar. Not creepy, just experienced.
Absolutely 100% agree that Barb is the best.
Sorry, but I love Abed on Community.
So that’s why she hasn’t been on GH much lately. I love Carolyn Hennessy.
I miss Carolyn on GH!!!
My favorite new character is Manny from Modern Family. That kid is hilarious!
Give me a break, I have to climb a rope today!
Courteney Cox has gotten better, but I wish she would take some acting lessons from Hennessey. Hennessey is SUBTLE, which makes her lines even funnier. Cox should bring it down a few notches and she
would be funnier.
I remember her from Season 4 of “Dawson’s Creek” as Drue Valentine’s bitchy mother. She just that ‘something’ about her and so glad she’s on “Cougar Town”…she def. is the best part I think.
She totally reminds me of a saucy Diana Muldaur. Cougar Town and Hennessy are hilarious!
I love Barb! I see her as an older, liberated, modern day Joan from Mad Men.
Jane Lynch trumps Barb. Barb is GREAT for the 2 mins she’s on each episode. Be careful about giving her too much PR – they’ll up her time and you’ll get bored REAL fast.
Jane Lynch makes me laugh every time I see her. I think it’s her mouth.