September 16, 2007 -- None of the new fall shows have been as maligned in the run-up to the new season as "Cavemen."

And in response to this gross injustice, I feel compelled to fly to the defense of this uproarious new ABC comedy series inspired by the equally hilarious Geico commercials.

For reasons I cannot understand, just about every TV critic in the country - all of whom received the pilot episode from ABC earlier this summer - has turned thumbs-down on this show.

My theory is that these critics condemned "Cavemen" because they found its premise - three cavemen (played by guys wearing prosthetic caveman masks) living in the modern world - too ridiculous to praise.

Or maybe they objected to the idea of adapting a TV ad campaign for a 30-minute sitcom, which, I guess, looks to some of them like a program-length commercial for Geico.

Well, if these are their reasons for disliking "Cavemen," then the critics who have dismissed this show are incurable snobs who possess no sense of humor.

I can't understand how anyone could look at that "Cavemen" pilot, in which the cavemen encounter anti-caveman prejudice at a snooty country club, and form a negative opinion about it. By the way, ABC is apparently so alarmed by the negative reception for "Cavemen" that it recast one of the cavemen and has now designated another episode to serve as the series' premiere.

Can you imagine? What exactly is the point of replacing an actor wearing a caveman mask? Who would know the difference?

The whole controversy reminds me of another great, ridiculous comedy series that I loved but everyone else panned. It was "The Mullets" on UPN back in 2003. I thought this show about two enthusiastic brothers with mullet haircuts who loved to party was the most refreshing sitcom of the season. Of course, it died a few months later - succumbing to low ratings and poor reviews.

I still think anyone who didn't like "The Mullets" should have his or her head examined.

And I feel the same way about "Cavemen," although I have to admit I've been a sucker for a good caveman comedy ever since I first saw the Three Stooges in "Stone Age Romeos," in which Moe, Larry and Shemp courted three cavegirls by clubbing them over the head.

Is there no room in this crazy world for a half-hour caveman sitcom with little or no redeeming value other than it's funny?

Please join me in saying "yes" to "Cavemen."

CAVEMEN

Tuesday, Oct. 2, at 8 p.m., ABC

http://www.nypost.com/seven/09162007/tv/cavemen_deserves_a_fighting_ch.htm

That's a good and fair article. I don't get the hate myself. Shows have had silly gimmicks for decades. I'll give it a shot.

That's a good and fair article. I don't get the hate myself. Shows have had silly gimmicks for decades. I'll give it a shot.


I'll make sure to compare its ratings with Frasier's though. lol

I'll make sure to compare its ratings with Frasier's though. lol

Is that a knock? I gave you solid reasons on why I compared BTY's premiere to 8 Simple Rules (last sitcom to feature two high profile sitcom stars, not to mention started a week before the season like BTY) and 'Til Death (comparing it to its debut last season makes sense). 'Til Death's premiere last season did 5.7/10, 8.82 million and a 3.1 18-49. BTY's premiere this year did 6.0/10, 9.48 million, and also a 3.1 18-49. That is pretty close. It should have been better because 'Til Death is junk and BTY was highly anticipated...I am disappointed. But if BTY can maintain its ratings, it will be good to go...something TD never did (not counting the post-Idol inflation).

You can compare Cavemen to Back to You. That is a solid comparison, since both probably had the most buzz sitcom wise.

Cavemen is on my list of hopeful shows. I too couldn't figure out how they could replace an actor when we couldn't even see his damn face. I mean, ALL CAVEMEN LOOK THE SAME TO ME. Don't they to you? :lol:

That's a good and fair article. I don't get the hate myself. Shows have had silly gimmicks for decades. I'll give it a shot.
One of my favorite sitcoms was Dinosaurs...if this show can be that good it could be a keeper.

Oh I just loved Dinosaurs. As a matter of fact, I was at the video store and I was debating whether to buy Good Times on DVD or Dinosaurs. I chose Good Times. Next time, Dinosaurs will be the one I buy.

I was kidding Pav, lol I actually want to see this show. I hope it is good.