'How To Be a Gentleman' Already Starting Off On The Wrong Foot At CBS

[Brian Damage]

CBS's other new sitcom, How To Be a Gentleman (Thursdays, 8:30/7:30c), occupies the post-Big Bang Theory slot formerly held by the regrettable Bleep My Dad Says. Aiming slightly higher up the evolutionary scale from execrable to merely mediocre, this show had the audacity to use the classic Odd Couple theme and voice-over in its TCA intro, setting up the trite premise of an anachronistic dandy (the wan David Hornsby) who learns to "man up" — one of the season's most unpromising and ubiquitous themes — with the help of boorishly macho gym bunny Kevin Dillon (Entourage). Felix and Oscar should sue.

http://www.tvguide.com/News/Critics-Notebook-CBS-1036049.aspx

[robyrob]

that show just looks BAD - I bet they start showing reruns of 2-1/2 Men to fill its time slot within 3 weeks.

[Sophia's Wrinkles]

Wow, I didn't even know David Hornsby had a career. The only thing I've ever seen him on is the Joe Schmo Show nearly a decade ago.

[MIDWESTTVFAN]

Audacity to use the Odd Couple? Do you realize that the Odd Couple is 2 1/2 men??? One of the most successful shows in TV history.

What would you rather they put in it's place? Did you see all the pilots this year? which one was YOUR favorite? which one should be there in its place?

[ryan423]

Audacity to use the Odd Couple? Do you realize that the Odd Couple is 2 1/2 men??? One of the most successful shows in TV history.

What would you rather they put in it's place? Did you see all the pilots this year? which one was YOUR favorite? which one should be there in its place?

CBS should have left things alone and allowed RULES OF ENGAGEMENT to remain after The Big Bang Theory, or they should have moved ROE back to Mondays at 8:30 and put 2 Broke Girls on Thursdays at 8:30. I don't see this show making it at all...

[MIDWESTTVFAN]

bummer. i couldn't disagree more. I think Rules is flat and uninspired. At least they're trying something new. I mean, c'mon, they shoehorned David Spade in there and and an indian dude because they talk funny and it's just like every other sitcom. At least CBS is trying something new. and i think the "Gentleman" angle is a relevant and interesting one that could have a unique voice.

[MIDWESTTVFAN]

PS. 2 broke girls has a better line up lead in on Monday nights for CBS so i couldn't disagree with you more.

[ryan423]

bummer. i couldn't disagree more. I think Rules is flat and uninspired. At least they're trying something new. I mean, c'mon, they shoehorned David Spade in there and and an indian dude because they talk funny and it's just like every other sitcom. At least CBS is trying something new. and i think the "Gentleman" angle is a relevant and interesting one that could have a unique voice.

How To Be A Gentleman is unique? That's the funniest thing I've heard all decade... granted, we're only a year into this current one, but nonetheless! And 2 Broke Girls is such a cliche plot as well. Rich girl, poor girl... then you have proper man, and the man's man in "Gentleman". Both were done a billion times in the 1980's.

I'm not saying "Rules" is original, but you don't need originality to be funny. You need good acting and good scripts, and frankly, neither of CBS' new comedy offerings seem to have either. With CBS' track record, this show will get 18-22 and be done. 2BG has a much better shot. And also, Big Bang Theory is the better lead in. It rates almost twice as high as HIMYM.

[yankeesrj12]

This show looks AWFUL. I don't think it will bomb, because most CBS comedies do NOT bomb, so it will stay for 13 episodes. CBS is still working on that Rob Schneider comedy for midseason, so that'll take the timeslot in January. Meanwhile, Rules of Engagement will wither away on Saturday nights for all 22 episodes. Too bad this was always the ugly step-child of the CBS comedies. :(

[MIDWESTTVFAN]

How To Be A Gentleman is unique? That's the funniest thing I've heard all decade... "

thank you for taking it out of context. what other show contrasts the sensibilities of a nice guy vs a rogue? oh yeah.... 2 1/2 Men. That show hasn't had much success.

I'm not saying "Rules" is original, but you don't need originality to be funny. You need good acting and good scripts, and frankly, neither of CBS' new comedy offerings seem to have either....[/QUOTE]

Good point. You're right. Rhys Dharby, Dave Foley and Kevin Dillon haven't done anything remotely funny. Hornsby never did anything funny as a writer and actor on Always Sunny... that's not a funny show either. Point taken....

[/QUOTE]With CBS' track record, this show will get 18-22 and be done. 2BG has a much better shot. And also, Big Bang Theory is the better lead in. It rates almost twice as high as HIMYM.[/QUOTE]

You're right. CBS' Monday night is a terrible time to launch a show... shows like Raymond, 2 1/2 Men, HIMYM, Big Bang, Rules didn't have much success when they started on Monday night. All excellent points.

[ryan423]

Hey MIDWESTTVFAN,

Uh-oh!

Production on How to Be a Gentleman has shut down, effectively canceling the struggling series.

The CBS sitcom, starring David Hornsby and Kevin Dillon, halted production after filming its ninth episode Friday, according to Deadline. Earlier Friday, CBS moved the show from Thursdays to Saturdays at 8:30/7:30c, starting Oct. 15, where it will now burn off its remaining seven episodes.

Gentleman is the fourth casualty of the fall season, following NBC's dismissals of The Playboy Club and Free Agents, and The CW saying "later" to H8R. It's also the highest-rated show to be canceled so far, as it averaged 8 million viewers in its first two airings — a big drop-off from The Big Bang Theory's gigantic 14 million lead-in.

Read more: http://sitcomsonline.com/boards/showthread.php?t=291038#ixzz1aEtmkRXu