Up All Night - "Pilot"

     While technically NBC's new sitcom Up All Night premieres next Wednesday, the pilot aired last night at a special time. Starring Christina Applegate (Samantha Who?, Married With Children) and Will Arnett (30 Rock, Arrested Development), the series follows two brand new parents, who weren't exactly expecting a child. Reagan (Applegate) is a career woman who basically single-handedly runs the talk show Ava, while Chris (Arnett) is going to be a stay-at-home dad for their new bundle of joy. Add to the mix Reagan's best friend slash boss, Ava (Maya Rudolph, Saturday Night Live), who doesn't quite understand why the couple can't party like they used to, and there is the makings of an interesting, fresh series here.

     Rudolph is perfect, as she almost always is, as an Oprah-like host. She's larger than life, with an immaturity that makes her reckless actions somewhat endearing. Reagan is her Gayle, confidant, always by her side, and up for anything. With the arrival of baby Amy, this isn't so much the case any more. Reagan tries to make Ava happy, but eventually learns to say no, as she must to keep her sanity. Thankfully, Ava takes the news well, understanding that priorities must shift, and appears ready to adjust, too. After all, while Reagan was on maternity leave, the series practically falls apart. It's better to have some Regan than no Reagan.

     Applegate brings the same charm she has in her previous series, but with a bit more maturity. After all, she can't run around and be crazy on this show. Reagan has responsibilities. Too many, it seems, when she hears Matt Lauer (himself) talking to her from her television set. Applegate is able to convey that Reagan cares about both work and home life, and is searching for a balance that only a fully grown adult can find.

     Surprisingly, Arnett rounds out the trio well. Though the man can definitely do funny, his character are usually over the top. On an ensemble-less show, that would be far too much to take on a weekly basis. Instead, he plays Chris as a caring, loving husband and doting father. Chris can take care of the baby, and knows how to relax without burning out. Believe it or not, he actually shows better judgment than Reagan, encouraging her not to party too hard on their anniversary... though he sticks around when she doesn't listen, both of them paying the price the next morning.

     Because of Ava's obvious close relationship to the couple, Up All Night is actually about three people adjusting to a newborn who suddenly has a huge impact on all of their lives', rather than just following the parents. It's an interesting concept that might not work in lesser hands. But all three performers are completely solid, and have wonderful chemistry. As such, it's a delightful little treat of a show. Not sure where it's heading for the long-term, but for now, watching this trio just get by is enough to keep viewers interested. Bravo.

     If you missed the pilot, please click here to view it for free.

     Next week Up All Night moves to its regular time, 8 p.m. ET Wednesdays on NBC.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

Life breathes life into Discovery Channel

     My article title is not a dig on the Discovery Channel.  On the contrary, I am always entertained when I sit down to watch a show.  However, the new series Life cause me to set my TiVo for a season pass.  For one, it's by the same people that brought you Planet Earth, and while I have not yet had a chance to watch that series, I have heard glowing things, and I did purchase a copy on DVD that I intend to get around to.  For another, well, do you need another reason?

     Last night, two episodes were premiered.  The first, "The Challenges of Life", brought a closer glimpse at a variety of species, and the hardship they must endure to survive.  It was a study of balance, for although I rooted for the cheetahs to bring down that ostrich, I rejoiced when the baby ibex escaped the fox.  The mother frog taking care of her tadpoles was especially interesting, and one couldn't help but feel sorry for the hippo who was denied a mate.  Florida Dolphins certainly proved their smarts.  Plants and seals were also featured, among others.

     The first episode skipped around frequently, perhaps owing to its broad topic, but its short segments were engaging.  The second episode last night was "Reptiles and Amphibians", which I look forward to viewing soon, and then next Sunday at 8 and 9pm, we get "Mammals" and "Fish".  Presumably, these may go a little more in depth, as the topic is narrower.  Ten hours in all are planned, with only one more taking a very broad topic as the first.

     The one complaint I have about series is the narration provided by Oprah Winfrey.  Don't have my head for saying it, but Oprah, as well respected and powerful as she is, does not provide the same pleasing tones that most nature show narrators do.  I would have preferred someone else, but it wasn't distracting enough to warrant major complaints.  Just a small gripe.

Lopez and Sykes: changing the color of late night

     In the past few days, two people who look a bit different than what is expected joined the ranks of late night television.  George Lopez, a Latino man, is now on Monday through Thursday on TBS, while Wanda Sykes, an African-American lesbian, will appear Saturday nights on Fox.  Their shows are called Lopez Tonight and The Wanda Sykes Show, respectively.  But has anything really changed?

     Lopez, according to the show's press packet, is trying to make his series more audience interactive and fluid, drawing from Arsenio Hall as an influence.  To be honest, though it was slightly more edgy (Eva Longoria Parker danced on a stripper pole and audience members tested racist stereotypes), it didn't seem that much different than any other late night show.  He did ditch the desk, and he also asked the audience for questions, but the tone was fairly mild, and many of the traditional conventions were there.  The biggest difference was the cheering audience, but that seemed reminiscent of a daytime show, think Oprah.  Lopez is supposedly going for a party atmosphere, but he is clearly working under a set of restraints that keep him from straying too far off the beaten path.  Either that, or perhaps just the first episode was.  After all, he has said that shows may begin with a performance rather than a monologue from time to time.  In full disclosure, I admit I've never found the man funny, and his show underwhelmed me.  Other than the couple of things mentioned, it seemed like more of the same with a Latino face.  Or faces, as his guests included Carlos Santana and Parker.

     Sykes, on the other and, showed no sign of the leash.  While airing on Fox, she freely went after Fox News, and her sidekick is a drag queen.  Of course, her show is significantly different than Lopez's.  Hers is a combination of standup and humorous conversations with celebrities.  It could easily have aired on Comedy Central, fitting right in with Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert with her biting political commentary.  In fact, a surprisingly large portion of the show concerned her talking about President Obama.  Her humor is quite edgy.  One entire segment involved her trying to make sex toys go green.  Guests got to sit and drink alcohol while chatting at her long table, all of them appearing at once.  I highly recommend tuning in, as I often found myself chuckling out loud.  It truly is a new, fresh show.  On top of all that, Sykes is working double duty right now, as she continues as one of the leads in CBS's The New Adventures of Old Christine.