Was "Night Court" always a mediocre show that was saved by amazing acting

[TMC]

Specifically, the acting by John Laroquette? Somebody elsewhere, argued that Night Court was more of a sketch comedy held together by a thin storyline. It was slapstick, risqué, silly, over the top and almost a caricature of a real television show.

John Laroquette however, was an exceptional actor who could eat up scenery, had impeccable comedic timing, and could play both straight man and jokester. He also arguably elevated the performances of the people around him.

And it's little coincidence that Markie Post, Harry Anderson, Richard Moll and the rest of the cast, began to revolve around Laroquette's character rather than Harry Anderson, the actual lead of the series.

[icecream]

OG Night Court was not at all mediocre. And it had a lot more than just John Laroquette, most of the others were good actors who did not need propped up by him. Now the current Night Court lacks a lot of the original's funniness, writing and overall cast isn't nearly as good.

[Phil125]

Originally Posted by icecream

OG Night Court was not at all mediocre. And it had a lot more than just John Laroquette, most of the others were good actors who did not need propped up by him. Now the current Night Court lacks a lot of the original's funniness, writing and overall cast isn't nearly as good.

I agree.... In the OG John shined but everybody else hit their marks and could more than hang with him. In the new one John is still hitting his marks with fluid easy. While everybody else seems to be reading off teleprompter. They don't feel natural.

[Alan Brady's Hair]

I think that it was a funny show that was undermined by 1980s lesson-learning in most episodes. It's can be hard to find a good episode.