THE PAUL REISER SHOW

APRIL 14, 2011-APRIL 21, 2011

Stand-up comedian and actor Paul Reiser has not been on television in 12 years. His return to series comedy as a fictionalized version of himself in The Paul Reiser Show was apparently put together at the last minute, and it shows. The former Mad About You star was told that the show was being produced and aired only 20 days before the air date.

The pilot episode featured some big names, including Larry David (playing himself), Andrew Daly who plays Brad, and stand-up comedian Omid Djalili who plays Habib. The show is about Paul being offered a job as a game show host, which he only ends up wanting once he learns that Larry David is also contending for the position. He is taken aback by the stupidity of the contestants, and does not sensor his comments. This turns out to work to his advantage, since apparently he was expressing the thoughts of the people watching the show. Paul is hired, but turns the job down because he wants to be a stay-at-home dad.

The plot is a little dull, but there is room for improvement. There were a bunch of funny moments strewn throughout the pilot episode, which may hook viewers who will keep watching to see if the storyline gets any better.

rmk
4/14/11