Image Credit: Evans Ward/PictureGroupThere’s a reason (or three) that TV Land’s Hot in Cleveland feels like a throwback to sitcoms of yesteryear — and it’s not just because of the seasoned leading ladies. We got the scoop from executive producer Todd Millner.
1. LIVE STUDIO AUDIENCE The show launches with a familiar line you probably haven’t heard in a while: “Hot in Cleveland is recorded in front of a live studio audience.” Millner explains, “I was watching Cheers and I heard Ted Danson say the line, and I thought, We need to do that! We need to tell people, remind them again that shows are shot in front of a live studio audience.”
2. CONSTANT CHUCKLES It may sound like a laugh track, but Milliner claims that the giggles from the studio audience are the real deal. “We keep the original laughs. In fact, when we don’t hear a reaction — like when we thought something was funnier than it was — we still want to keep that, too, because it’s a true response.”
3. FAMILIAR GUEST STARS New faces aren’t so hot in Cleveland. Instead, it’s a parade of veteran TV stars, including The Dukes of Hazzard‘s John Schneider (pictured with Valerie Bertinelli) in the pilot, Carl Reiner in episode 3, and The Carol Burnett Show‘s Tim Conway in upcoming episodes. “Why not use people who we loved in other sitcoms?” asks Milliner. Paging John Ratzenberger!
Are you loving the throwback stylings of Hot in Cleveland, PopWatchers? What familiar face would you like to see show up next?
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I like the show. It’s cute. It does have an old school feel to it. I noticed the live studio audience right away. Hope the show does well!
Yes I like it, but how about some more Valerie? Shes the reason I tune in…more of her sexiness…less of her stuck coaching Bettys character on love…;)
I agree, it seems like she hardly gets anything to do. She’s so cute!
I love this show. When I first heard about it I thought the premise was shaky but it really works, I love Wendie Malick
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It’s mediocre but enjoyable. The regulars and guest stars are pleasantly nostalgic.
I have loved Valerie since One Day At A Time. I wish TV Land would broadcast Hot In Cleveland in HD.
Carl Reiner and Betty White last night were fantastic together. Kudos!!
It feels old school in that the humor isn’t as sophisticated. It’s more like Three’s Company (which is you watch today isn’t nearly as funny as it seemed back then) than SATC. Betty White is the best part about the show. I LOL at allher lines. Here’s hoping the other 3 ladies get funnier.
I miss the old school sitcoms. Now we just need to bring theme songs back…
Even without Betty White, this has a very Golden Girls vibe. It’s not a dig on their ages, but the bulk of the show is them sitting around the table, quipping, and dating. I enjoy every minute of it! Or the 44 I’ve watched.
Can’t wait to actually see Hot In Cleveland. It’s starting in Canada this coming Monday at 8pm. And I agree with HM shows need theme songs again!! Havn’t heard a decent one since Gilmore Girls went off
I like the “old school” feel to the show. I don’t really laugh at the current crop of comedies, with the exception of Modern Family. This is a good show and the guest stars make it special. Can’t wait for Tim Conway. Hope they bring John Schneider back at some point.
I was disappointed in this show; took it off of my DVR after the pilot. My husband heard the ‘studio audience’ laughing while he was in another room and assumed I was watching an 80′s rerun. He was shocked when I informed him it was a new show!
I thought this was such a great show and with 4 super strong and funny actresses. I find it interesting that with so many “unfunny” shows and there is alot, that people should jump on a show that to me really depicts real life and not a bunch of angry 20 something spuing out “cuss words”. I hope it does fantastic for a very long time!!
I love this show. I can’t wait to see actor Tim Conway on the show. He is so funny. I love Betty, Wendie M., and Jane L.
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