New Show ShowDown: Free Agents vs. Up All Night
0By Jarrett in : Jarrett Hill, Jarrett on TV // Sep 14 2011
So tonight marked the premieres of two new shows over on the peacock network, Up All Night at 10pm and Free Agents at 10:30pm. I just got the chance to check out both shows – you know, so you don’t have to. And you’ll thank me.
In common, both shows center around characters that work publicists, which… is interesting. That’s about where the similarities end.
First up the Christina Applegate comedy:
The show is about a married couple who are new parents and the struggle to figure out parenting and keeping their lives intact. In the premiere episode Reagan (Applegate), returns to work while Chris (Will Arnett) becomes a stay-at-home dad. Quickly they begin to realize that they’re slipping into the old-married-couple syndrome and they end up staying Up All Night trying to kick the habit.
Here’s eh deal: The show, for me was slow. I love Christina, think Will is funny, and overall think the concept will make sense and connect to a lot of parents. But for me, a single, childless man, none of it really happened for me. The major highlights for me almost always included Christina’s workplace BFF, Ava (Maya Rudolph). She’s kind of the spark in the show that kept me turning to look at the screen while I was cooking my lunch.
So… if you’re a parent, watch it. If you’re not… hmm… wait for a marathon or give it a few weeks and Hulu it in your pown personal marathon. Or don’t.
Then there’s the (surprisingly hard-bodied and handsome) Hank Azaria’s new Free Agents. This one has all the makings of a fun romantic comedy that we’ve been missing. (And when I say “we’ve” I’m perfectly comfortable with that really just meaning “I’ve.”) It starts off in bed, like every good relationship should… #problematic.
Alex (Azaria) is freshly single and trying to move on, hopelessly unsuccessfully. After hooking up with, gorgeous colleague, Helen (Kathryn Hahn), his tear-stained face and reminiscing about the good ol’ days prompt her to call him a cab. Quickly. As the two navigate work, friendship, and the new physical connection their dialogue gets interesting, and their dynamics are ever-challenged. I like this one. And at 47 Azaria is half naked three times in the episode, showing off a body that could easily belong to someone half his age.
It’s sexy, funny, witty, and will probably be cancelled before Christmas. What can I say…? Watch it. Give them a chance. I’m gonna go do some push-ups.