Chuck Lorre is the creative force behind hits like “Two and a Half Men” and “The Big Bang Theory,” both of which I didn’t enjoy because of their broad jokes and even broader style. He also was behind some more successful (and less broad) shows like “The Kominsky Method.” This new series stars the very funny countrified standup Leanne Morgan playing a variation of herself: She retains the thick Southern accent and her affinity for her family, the church and her own physical foibles. In a departure from her real life, she’s been dumped by her cheating husband and has a close relationship with her sister (Kristen Johnston, who mugs constantly with an expression of outrage or disgust). The series is staged as an “old school” multi-camera sitcom with a live audience (and obvious laugh track). The wide cracks are plentiful with most of them being pretty obvious. By the 4th episode, the cast seems to be settling into the rhythm and things get a bit more amusing. Morgan’s standup is sharper than this character and the format feels dated, but her inherent spunk could help it grow into a successful series. (Review based on six out of sixteen 22-minutes eps). 
(2.5 / 5)
