NBC Mid-Season Pilot Review: Abby's - Premieres March 28 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

TJ · 03-28-2019, 09:13 PM

Abby's - Thursdays at 9:30PM ET/PT on NBC
Premieres Thursday, March 28, 2019 at 9:30PM ET/PT

From Michael Schur (The Good Place, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Parks and Recreation and Master of None) and Josh Malmuth (New Girl, Superstore) comes a hilarious new comedy about the best neighborhood bar in San Diego –– home to low prices, good company and, of course, Abby (Natalie Morales, BoJack Horseman, Girls, Parks and Recreation).

This unlicensed, makeshift establishment in Abby’s backyard is the perfect gathering place for locals to find camaraderie and sanctuary. To maintain the perfect bar ecosystem, all patrons must abide by a specific set of rules. This includes no cell phones (not even to look something up), understanding that earning a seat at the bar takes time to rise through the hierarchy and knowing that losing a challenge may have some unpleasant and unpalatable drink-related repercussions.

As bar owner, Abby has found her true calling, hosting friends and newcomers alike. No nonsense, Abby is ex-military, having served two tours as a Staff Sergeant in the Marines. Her world is shaken when new landlord Bill (Nelson Franklin, black-ish, Veep, New Girl), who recently inherited the house from his deceased aunt, unexpectedly shows up citing all kinds of reasons why the whole venture is illegal. Newly divorced, he is a cautious worrier and definite non-risk-taker who eventually warms to the place and agrees to let the bar remain open, provided Abby makes some changes.

The cast of regulars also includes Fred (Neil Flynn, The Middle, Scrubs), a fixture at the bar who is grateful for a place to enjoy a beer and conversation – and refuses to allow some bureaucratic busybody to disrupt his perfect refuge; Beth (Jessica Chaffin, Big Mouth, Search Party, Pitch Perfect 3), a harried mom living next door who can escape the madness of her home life while still keeping an eye on things from her perch atop a bar stool; Rosie (Kimia Behpoornia, Unicorn Store, Pop Rox), the bar manager who prides herself on having memorized all 162 rules and regulations; and James (Leonard Ouzts, Set It Up, Master of None), the gentle scaredy-cat of a bouncer who crumbles in the face of confrontation.

As any regular patron of Abby’s will attest to, hanging out there is a coveted honor. And once you’re in, you’re family.

Read our review here:
http://blog.sitcomsonline.com/2019/0...iew-abbys.html

TMC · 03-29-2019, 12:30 AM

Abby's is the latest NBC comedy to premiere with a terrific cast, but zero laughs

The Michael Schur-produced backyard bar sitcom starring Natalie Morales "is the latest NBC comedy to premiere with a decent premise, a terrific cast and, at least through the opening episodes sent to critics, almost no actual laughs," says Daniel Fienberg. "Superstore started the same way and became an extremely funny show. A.P. Bio started the same way and remains likable, if not always funny. I Feel Bad started the same way and never really found a consistent voice. You never know, but there's plenty of room for Abby's to grow from this pleasant but flat beginning." Fienberg points out that Abby's is an almost "astonishingly conflict-free show." "Each episode consists of the characters sitting around the bar talking and occasional brief interludes inside Abby's house," he says. "The impact verges on nil, and so the question becomes entirely whether you find these people pleasant enough to sit around with for 22 minutes listening to their conversations. Those conversations have some heart, but they aren't all that amusing." Abby's only hope is its terrific cast, especially Morales. "The cast is the thing that would keep me watching that long," he says.

ALSO:

Abby’s still seems a touch too precious about its Cheers heritage: It feels like a new, young group of people have moved into a run-down house eager to restore its former glory
Abby's predictable and stereotypical jokes make for zero laughs, but a lot of cringe
Abby's is "casually woke" with the jokes feeling less important than the chance to hang out with some appealing goofballs
The combination of a live audience makes the pacing feel slower for a Michael Schur show: "There's not quite enough room yet for anything other than set-up, joke, and audience applause"
Abby’s feels like the artificial constructs of a multi-camera sitcom dropped into natural surroundings
The rules at Abby’s feel like a ported over component from The Good Place: "There are so, so many rules, often listed, and few provide any actual laughs"
Abby's films on an outdoor set, but a second replica indoor set was built but never used because filming finished before last month's storms
Abby's couldn't film as a single-camera show because it would require five-night shows from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Natalie Morales wanted Abby's role despite having to audition while fielding many pilot offers
Morales becomes the first Cuban star of American network comedy since Desi Arnaz on I Love Lucy -- and the first openly bisexual lead character
Morales tries to de-emphasize her lead role: "I guess it sort of seems that way," she says, "but Abby’s is just the place that we all hang out at; it’s the name of the bar, it’s not my name. But I guess it’s close enough. It’s absolutely thrilling. It’s great to get to work with people that I really, really admire and have them trust me in bringing more to the table — and I’m more than willing to give it."

Chocolate Moose · 03-29-2019, 09:44 AM

I haven't watched it yet so I cannot comment. The commercials didn't make it look very funny but I did DVR it last-minute.

TMC · 03-29-2019, 06:07 PM

Abby's has a soft debut on NBC

About 2.62 million watched the series premiere of the newest Michael Schur-produced NBC sitcom. According to The Hollywood Reporter, "the demo rating ties for the second-lowest premiere of any show, new or returning, on the network in 2018-19."

Chocolate Moose · 04-01-2019, 10:31 AM

2nd lowest? Ooof. That's not good !!!!!

icecream · 04-01-2019, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chocolate Moose

2nd lowest? Ooof. That's not good !!!!!

NBC really screwed over Abby's delaying its premiere until almost April. Everyone knew their new fall comedy I Feel Bad would flop, if Abby's had gotten the fall launch with that promotion instead we might have a happier ending for it. But no, NBC keeps getting in bed with Amy Poehler. I don't even think her Parks and Recreation fans thought much of I Feel Bad.

KRW · 05-04-2019, 10:06 AM

I've watched every episode aired so far. I'm digging the show as it reminds me of Cheers. But I'm also watching Bless This Mess as it gives me a Green Acres feel.

liane60 · 05-17-2019, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJ

Abby's - Thursdays at 9:30PM ET/PT on NBC
Premieres Thursday, March 28, 2019 at 9:30PM ET/PT

From Michael Schur (The Good Place, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Parks and Recreation and Master of None) and Josh Malmuth (New Girl, Superstore) comes a hilarious new comedy about the best neighborhood bar in San Diego –– home to low prices, good company and, of course, Abby (Natalie Morales, BoJack Horseman, Girls, Parks and Recreation).

This unlicensed, makeshift establishment in Abby’s backyard is the perfect gathering place for locals to find camaraderie and sanctuary. To maintain the perfect bar ecosystem, all patrons must abide by a specific set of rules. This includes no cell phones (not even to look something up), understanding that earning a seat at the bar takes time to rise through the hierarchy and knowing that losing a challenge may have some unpleasant and unpalatable drink-related repercussions.

As bar owner, Abby has found her true calling, hosting friends and newcomers alike. No nonsense, Abby is ex-military, having served two tours as a Staff Sergeant in the Marines. Her world is shaken when new landlord Bill (Nelson Franklin, black-ish, Veep, New Girl), who recently inherited the house from his deceased aunt, unexpectedly shows up citing all kinds of reasons why the whole venture is illegal. Newly divorced, he is a cautious worrier and definite non-risk-taker who eventually warms to the place and agrees to let the bar remain open, provided Abby makes some changes.

The cast of regulars also includes Fred (Neil Flynn, The Middle, Scrubs), a fixture at the bar who is grateful for a place to enjoy a beer and conversation – and refuses to allow some bureaucratic busybody to disrupt his perfect refuge; Beth (Jessica Chaffin, Big Mouth, Search Party, Pitch Perfect 3), a harried mom living next door who can escape the madness of her home life while still keeping an eye on things from her perch atop a bar stool; Rosie (Kimia Behpoornia, Unicorn Store, Pop Rox), the bar manager who prides herself on having memorized all 162 rules and regulations; and James (Leonard Ouzts, Set It Up, Master of None), the gentle scaredy-cat of a bouncer who crumbles in the face of confrontation.

As any regular patron of Abby’s will attest to, hanging out there is a coveted honor. And once you’re in, you’re family.

Read our review here:
http://blog.sitcomsonline.com/2019/0...iew-abbys.html

I find it too stupid, it's too much like Cheers. Fred is like Norm and the girl that sits next to him is like Carla.

03-28-2019, 09:13 PM	#1
TJ Site Owner Administrator Forum Star Join Date: Feb 03, 2000 Location: Marietta, GA Posts: 10,648	NBC Mid-Season Pilot Review: Abby's - Premieres March 28 Abby's - Thursdays at 9:30PM ET/PT on NBC Premieres Thursday, March 28, 2019 at 9:30PM ET/PT From Michael Schur (The Good Place, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Parks and Recreation and Master of None) and Josh Malmuth (New Girl, Superstore) comes a hilarious new comedy about the best neighborhood bar in San Diego –– home to low prices, good company and, of course, Abby (Natalie Morales, BoJack Horseman, Girls, Parks and Recreation). This unlicensed, makeshift establishment in Abby’s backyard is the perfect gathering place for locals to find camaraderie and sanctuary. To maintain the perfect bar ecosystem, all patrons must abide by a specific set of rules. This includes no cell phones (not even to look something up), understanding that earning a seat at the bar takes time to rise through the hierarchy and knowing that losing a challenge may have some unpleasant and unpalatable drink-related repercussions. As bar owner, Abby has found her true calling, hosting friends and newcomers alike. No nonsense, Abby is ex-military, having served two tours as a Staff Sergeant in the Marines. Her world is shaken when new landlord Bill (Nelson Franklin, black-ish, Veep, New Girl), who recently inherited the house from his deceased aunt, unexpectedly shows up citing all kinds of reasons why the whole venture is illegal. Newly divorced, he is a cautious worrier and definite non-risk-taker who eventually warms to the place and agrees to let the bar remain open, provided Abby makes some changes. The cast of regulars also includes Fred (Neil Flynn, The Middle, Scrubs), a fixture at the bar who is grateful for a place to enjoy a beer and conversation – and refuses to allow some bureaucratic busybody to disrupt his perfect refuge; Beth (Jessica Chaffin, Big Mouth, Search Party, Pitch Perfect 3), a harried mom living next door who can escape the madness of her home life while still keeping an eye on things from her perch atop a bar stool; Rosie (Kimia Behpoornia, Unicorn Store, Pop Rox), the bar manager who prides herself on having memorized all 162 rules and regulations; and James (Leonard Ouzts, Set It Up, Master of None), the gentle scaredy-cat of a bouncer who crumbles in the face of confrontation. As any regular patron of Abby’s will attest to, hanging out there is a coveted honor. And once you’re in, you’re family. Read our review here: http://blog.sitcomsonline.com/2019/0...iew-abbys.html

03-29-2019, 12:30 AM	#2
TMC Member Forum Idol Join Date: Jan 09, 2001 Posts: 124,453	Abby's is the latest NBC comedy to premiere with a terrific cast, but zero laughs The Michael Schur-produced backyard bar sitcom starring Natalie Morales "is the latest NBC comedy to premiere with a decent premise, a terrific cast and, at least through the opening episodes sent to critics, almost no actual laughs," says Daniel Fienberg. "Superstore started the same way and became an extremely funny show. A.P. Bio started the same way and remains likable, if not always funny. I Feel Bad started the same way and never really found a consistent voice. You never know, but there's plenty of room for Abby's to grow from this pleasant but flat beginning." Fienberg points out that Abby's is an almost "astonishingly conflict-free show." "Each episode consists of the characters sitting around the bar talking and occasional brief interludes inside Abby's house," he says. "The impact verges on nil, and so the question becomes entirely whether you find these people pleasant enough to sit around with for 22 minutes listening to their conversations. Those conversations have some heart, but they aren't all that amusing." Abby's only hope is its terrific cast, especially Morales. "The cast is the thing that would keep me watching that long," he says. ALSO: Abby’s still seems a touch too precious about its Cheers heritage: It feels like a new, young group of people have moved into a run-down house eager to restore its former glory Abby's predictable and stereotypical jokes make for zero laughs, but a lot of cringe Abby's is "casually woke" with the jokes feeling less important than the chance to hang out with some appealing goofballs The combination of a live audience makes the pacing feel slower for a Michael Schur show: "There's not quite enough room yet for anything other than set-up, joke, and audience applause" Abby’s feels like the artificial constructs of a multi-camera sitcom dropped into natural surroundings The rules at Abby’s feel like a ported over component from The Good Place: "There are so, so many rules, often listed, and few provide any actual laughs" Abby's films on an outdoor set, but a second replica indoor set was built but never used because filming finished before last month's storms Abby's couldn't film as a single-camera show because it would require five-night shows from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Natalie Morales wanted Abby's role despite having to audition while fielding many pilot offers Morales becomes the first Cuban star of American network comedy since Desi Arnaz on I Love Lucy -- and the first openly bisexual lead character Morales tries to de-emphasize her lead role: "I guess it sort of seems that way," she says, "but Abby’s is just the place that we all hang out at; it’s the name of the bar, it’s not my name. But I guess it’s close enough. It’s absolutely thrilling. It’s great to get to work with people that I really, really admire and have them trust me in bringing more to the table — and I’m more than willing to give it."

03-29-2019, 09:44 AM	#3
Chocolate Moose Member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 21, 2007 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 4,881	I haven't watched it yet so I cannot comment. The commercials didn't make it look very funny but I did DVR it last-minute.
	__________________ How long a minute is, depends on what side of the bathroom door you're on.

03-29-2019, 06:07 PM	#4
TMC Member Forum Idol Join Date: Jan 09, 2001 Posts: 124,453	Abby's has a soft debut on NBC About 2.62 million watched the series premiere of the newest Michael Schur-produced NBC sitcom. According to The Hollywood Reporter, "the demo rating ties for the second-lowest premiere of any show, new or returning, on the network in 2018-19."

04-01-2019, 10:31 AM	#5
Chocolate Moose Member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 21, 2007 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 4,881	2nd lowest? Ooof. That's not good !!!!!

05-04-2019, 10:06 AM	#7
KRW One Bad Mother Funker Forum Regular Join Date: May 23, 2017 Location: The Funk Dojo Posts: 899	I've watched every episode aired so far. I'm digging the show as it reminds me of Cheers. But I'm also watching Bless This Mess as it gives me a Green Acres feel.