Tonight, NBC is filling the hole left by Parks and Rec (which is on a bit of a hiatus while Amy Poehler has another kid; we miss you, Ron effing Swanson) with Outsourced, a sitcom that's been looking less and less funny with each commercial we've seen. The pilot received some pretty negative reactions when critics screened it earlier this year, but has word on the series improved in the time since? We've got a preview of the show and some reviews for you below, my gentle Examiner readers...
From the beginning, Outsourced has looked like a misfire. Every commercial has left everyone here at Comedy Examiner HQ cold, and the early word from critics who screened the pilot a few months back was god-awful. In the time since, many assumed that NBC might retool the series a little bit, or take some of the criticisms-- which were generally directed at the poor writing and obvious punchlines-- to heart. Here's what some of the critics are saying now.
Entertainment Weekly gives it a C- and says:
Newcomer Ben Rappaport runs a call center in India for an American novelties company (think: plastic vomit, foam fingers, ''Jingle Jugs'') in this culture-clash comedy, which one day might evolve into a sharp, irreverent satire about consumerism and prejudice that isn't demeaning and doesn't punt to cheap jokes about Indian names, Indian accents, and Indian food. Call us when it gets there
Meanwhile, over at the Los Angeles Times, things are looking a little better:
"Outsourced" seems to me the most deftly realized sitcom of the new season. It is no closer to reality than any of its Thursday night neighbors ( Ken Kwapis, of "The Office" and other good things, developed it and directed the pilot), but it has a top-flight cast, characters who show you who they are rather than telling you, smart writing, sure rhythms and a cheerful attitude.
And at the New York Times, they're even more complimentary:
The fact that it’s neither embarrassing nor deeply offensive — once it gets rolling, the show is actually quite charming — is a credit to the cast and the writers. The show mocks Todd’s blithe, well-meaning ignorance as much as it lampoons Indians trying to sell catalog items like fake vomit and “jiggle jugs.”
So, how will it turn out? You'll have to let me know; I'm going to be at the premiere of Let Me In and Buried at Austin's Fantastic Fest 2010 tonight, suckers. We'll be DVR'ing Outsourced here at Comedy Examiner HQ, though, along with the rest of NBC's season premieres, and you should expect to have a full recap/review of the night's offerings tomorrow morning at the latest. Stay tuned, folks, and check out that Outsourced preview up there on the left if you're curious to see what the show looks like in action.
And stay tuned for more funny news, reviews, videos, and commentaries here at Comedy Examiner HQ in the near future. We've got all manner of nonsense to keep you occupied while you're slaving away in that cubicle during the week, so hit the "Subscribe" button up top to get all future Comedy Examiner articles delivered straight to your inbox, free of charge, the moment they're published. While you're here, check out some of these other recent articles:
