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'Mike & Molly' Series Premiere: Plus-Sized Laughs? (VIDEO)
by Jason Hughes, posted Sep 21st 2010 5:13AM
It's always nice if you have a great story about how you first met to tell the kids later. 'Mike & Molly' (Mon. 9:30PM on CBS) have a long way to go before they reach that stage of the relationship but they've definitely got a story to tell.Creator Mark Roberts and executive producer Chuck Lorre ('Two and a Half Men,' 'The Big Bang Theory') wanted to present a comedy that more accurately reflected the America we see outside our windows rather than the one reflected back to us from our televisions.
Enter Mike Biggs (Billy Gardell) and Molly Flynn (Melissa McCarthy), two overweight singles who meet at an Overeaters Anonymous meeting.
The sitcom looks to explore the ups and downs of a new relationship, along with the added burden of their obesity. It promises not to shy away with the real issues heavy people face, like public staring, ridicule and grief about their size from friends and family.
Lorre definitely has a hot streak going, with both 'Two and a Half Men' and 'The Big Bang Theory' spending time recently as the top-rated sitcom on the air. And with 'Mike & Molly' getting the sweet spot on Monday nights after 'Men,' it's virtually guaranteed a big audience. So long as it can deliver the laughs, there's no reason people can't fall for this likable pair.
Mike falls for Molly at first sight, and comes into trouble when he tries to play it cool. Leaning on a table to ask her out, the table gives way, "I'm good, but that table is not up to code." And then Mike's finger gives way. "Is your finger supposed to be pointing in that direction?"
"No it is not!"
It's an awkward start, but there's an instant on-screen chemistry between Gardell and McCarthy ('Gilmore Girls,' 'Samantha Who?') that makes them fun to watch. As with 'The Big Bang Theory,' the show will need to move beyond its conceit (geeks vs. obese) to find the humor in its unique characters. With the talent on hand, and Lorre involved, we think 'Mike & Molly' can handle that task just fine.
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