first of all they should lose the laugh track even though I am a fan of it but I think it does not fit here . I really like Matthew but to be honest he is not doing so well here especially in the first half of the season. it feels like he is reading from a paper he really can do better and he is always stressed and often kind of screaming, he needs to be more comfortable. but overall the script is good and really funny and just with some improvements this show can be great. Thomas Lennon is doing really good and I like him the most in the show. I am looking forward to the next season and I think it is going to be really good. I give it a 6 of 10
97 Reviews
Sitting on the fence
alexatahiraj19 February 2015
This show had it's moments and at times I did laugh. I think my biggest problem with the show is that I remember how well Jack Klugman and Tony Randall played Oscar and Felix. They are very big shoes to fill and I am sure I am not the only one who will compare all of them. I also had problems trying to separate Chandler Bing and Oscar Madison. This happens frequently when an actor plays a part for a long time as Matthew did in friends(10 years).
The best part of this show was when Dave Foley and Wendell Pierce were at Oscar's. I was saddened to see that Dave is only in one episode though.
I believe the show has potential and given time they can do well with the show. But sometimes it is better to just remember how great some of the old shows are and make new comedies.
The best part of this show was when Dave Foley and Wendell Pierce were at Oscar's. I was saddened to see that Dave is only in one episode though.
I believe the show has potential and given time they can do well with the show. But sometimes it is better to just remember how great some of the old shows are and make new comedies.
The jokes and the delivery as well as the writing seems forced.
drmrinaal20 February 2015
this contains all the right elements to make a good show , including the hit play , the great actors and the writers. but it doesn't bode well for the series that the pilot was so forced . the jokes and the dialog is just too fast and cramped . the whole writing seems forced . it looks like that the no of jokes that can be included are more important than timing , delivery or in some cases , even the quality.
the plot is just all too clear and the larger story seems likely to be non existent . the places to explore from hereon seems all too predictable and all too " so what else is new ?"
i don't personally have a problem with laugh tracks ( most of my favorite comedy shows have had them) . but at least nowadays,they do not seem necessary . i mean if the audience is not getting your joke without the track telling them , then it probably isn't that great . the pairing of the perry and Lennon is good and has a lot of potential but seriously , they need to put their hearts in and not increase the no of jokes just for the sake of it.
the plot is just all too clear and the larger story seems likely to be non existent . the places to explore from hereon seems all too predictable and all too " so what else is new ?"
i don't personally have a problem with laugh tracks ( most of my favorite comedy shows have had them) . but at least nowadays,they do not seem necessary . i mean if the audience is not getting your joke without the track telling them , then it probably isn't that great . the pairing of the perry and Lennon is good and has a lot of potential but seriously , they need to put their hearts in and not increase the no of jokes just for the sake of it.
Why the Laugh tracks
sonni727 February 2015
The laugh tracks they always put in comedy shows is so awful , just for that alone I don't want to watch this show. But I do like Perry shame he has another flop on his hands . I think he tries to hard to be funny and it just does not work . I could not even watch the show all the way through the darn laugh track really put me off. I did not laugh at all . So will try again with next episode , but do not hold out much hope . But as usual you have to write more lines for it to be published which is absolutely stupid. Anyway I was sitting her in the dark and right beside me this giant cockroach just crawled up the wall eeek , Well I am use to them so I just swatted him with my fist , so I generally need to go wash my hands now .
Not as Good as the Original 70s Sitcom
hfan775 April 2015
I remember watching the 70s incarnation of The Odd Couple with Tony Randall and Jack Klugman and to me it was one of my favorite sitcoms.
I also remember with the New Odd Couple with Ron Glass and Demond Wilson and it wasn't very good since many of the episodes were remakes of the Randall-Klugman series.
Now, more than 30 years later, The Odd Couple is back, with Thomas Lennon as Felix and Matthew Perry (who is also the executive producer) as Oscar. It doesn't look a lot like the first two versions since there is a different supporting cast. Instead of the poker gang of Speed, Vinnie and Roy and also the Pigeon Sisters, there's Dani, Oscar's assistant played by Yvette Nicole Brown and Lindsay Sloane as their upstairs neighbor Emily.
The one character that's absent from this version is Murray the Cop. Al Molinaro made the character famous in the original and John Schuck took over the role in the Glass-Wilson version.
Also, Oscar is no longer a sportswriter, he's a sports radio talk show host. Felix is still a commercial photographer.
On the plus side, Lennon and Perry have good chemistry as Felix and Oscar. On the minus side, the episodes have a lot raunchier humor than the Randall-Klugman version.
The one thing the producers did right was bringing in Garry Marshall, who produced the first two versions as a consultant. With The Big Bang Theory as a lead in, it has been even more successful in the ratings than the first two versions. But can it sustain itself without Big Bang?
I also remember with the New Odd Couple with Ron Glass and Demond Wilson and it wasn't very good since many of the episodes were remakes of the Randall-Klugman series.
Now, more than 30 years later, The Odd Couple is back, with Thomas Lennon as Felix and Matthew Perry (who is also the executive producer) as Oscar. It doesn't look a lot like the first two versions since there is a different supporting cast. Instead of the poker gang of Speed, Vinnie and Roy and also the Pigeon Sisters, there's Dani, Oscar's assistant played by Yvette Nicole Brown and Lindsay Sloane as their upstairs neighbor Emily.
The one character that's absent from this version is Murray the Cop. Al Molinaro made the character famous in the original and John Schuck took over the role in the Glass-Wilson version.
Also, Oscar is no longer a sportswriter, he's a sports radio talk show host. Felix is still a commercial photographer.
On the plus side, Lennon and Perry have good chemistry as Felix and Oscar. On the minus side, the episodes have a lot raunchier humor than the Randall-Klugman version.
The one thing the producers did right was bringing in Garry Marshall, who produced the first two versions as a consultant. With The Big Bang Theory as a lead in, it has been even more successful in the ratings than the first two versions. But can it sustain itself without Big Bang?
Has gotten better and better
pcampionz17 April 2021
This show has grown on me. The first season seemed not so funny, but as I have allowed the characters to grow, the show seemed to get funnier. Thomas Lennon has really been showing his acting attributes, and looking back on his other movie and TV roles, he is a pretty funny guy. Good chemistry between Thomas and Matthew. Wish it would ha e done better for them.
A bit Funny, somehow organized, Fast scenario, and writing is thorough ,, but still needs so much work :P
Aktham_Tashtush20 February 2015
I think the pilot started in a good way, Fast comedy is present which is really good comparing to the new comedies filled up with empty unnecessary pauses.
The casting is really great, Matthew Perry was and still hilarious , especially in his shows after friends like "Go On" and "Mr. Sunshine" which should'v been renewed but seemed like NBC had weird things going on,, hope Matthew Perry and CBS give the show a chance.
The other characters like the awkwardly frisky Thomas Lennon and even Wendell Pierce are playing a key roles , and more importantly the Comedy bits are distributed among the cast fairly they ordered 7 episodes so far so fingers crossed .
Although the pilot was good,, the second and third episode the rhythm of the comedy tuned down drastically,, i'll keep on watching but who knows when i'll get bored if it keeps up like this !! also yeah .. the laugh track might got a bit annoying ... hope they tune it down much.
Anyway,, the show deserves an 5 but i gave it 6 because i was bored :D and it's just the premiere so let's see how things are gonna get.
The casting is really great, Matthew Perry was and still hilarious , especially in his shows after friends like "Go On" and "Mr. Sunshine" which should'v been renewed but seemed like NBC had weird things going on,, hope Matthew Perry and CBS give the show a chance.
The other characters like the awkwardly frisky Thomas Lennon and even Wendell Pierce are playing a key roles , and more importantly the Comedy bits are distributed among the cast fairly they ordered 7 episodes so far so fingers crossed .
Although the pilot was good,, the second and third episode the rhythm of the comedy tuned down drastically,, i'll keep on watching but who knows when i'll get bored if it keeps up like this !! also yeah .. the laugh track might got a bit annoying ... hope they tune it down much.
Anyway,, the show deserves an 5 but i gave it 6 because i was bored :D and it's just the premiere so let's see how things are gonna get.
from a Classic to a Shame
dimbost3 March 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Spoilers!! If the show hasn't been canceled yet, it is only a matter of time.
I was really looking forward to this show, i loved both of the Odd couple film, granted the second wan't any where as good as the original, but compared to the show was still lights years away.
The show's acting is okay at best, i mean 50% of the time it is good and then it is over the top and unbelievable. and then at times it seems like they are not even trying to act but are just saying their lines. And this is coming from me, who actually liked their chemistry in 17 again. Both Thomas Lennon and Mathew Perry seemed like they were best friends, but in the Odd Couple it clearly isn't the case.
The Dialogue is too cheesy, even though i see that they tried keeping original theme in mind, but it just didn't translate in to modern day through the writer of the show.
The Laughter maker, this thing drove me nuts within the first 4 minutes. I mean it didn't stop, as if every line said, every movement, was hilariously funny.
Overall this was a good idea and a great concept, but poorly executed.
Give this 2/10 for the effort and the thought of bringing back great stories and ideas to life.
I was really looking forward to this show, i loved both of the Odd couple film, granted the second wan't any where as good as the original, but compared to the show was still lights years away.
The show's acting is okay at best, i mean 50% of the time it is good and then it is over the top and unbelievable. and then at times it seems like they are not even trying to act but are just saying their lines. And this is coming from me, who actually liked their chemistry in 17 again. Both Thomas Lennon and Mathew Perry seemed like they were best friends, but in the Odd Couple it clearly isn't the case.
The Dialogue is too cheesy, even though i see that they tried keeping original theme in mind, but it just didn't translate in to modern day through the writer of the show.
The Laughter maker, this thing drove me nuts within the first 4 minutes. I mean it didn't stop, as if every line said, every movement, was hilariously funny.
Overall this was a good idea and a great concept, but poorly executed.
Give this 2/10 for the effort and the thought of bringing back great stories and ideas to life.
The Odd Couple
Rick34437 April 2016
It is so hard to get into this show today when you were so use to watching the original Odd Couple show. No one can be such a slob as Jack Klugman, he played that role so good. I'm not saying I hate the new show, it has it's good laughs. Matthew Perry and Thomas Lennon do a great job to be Oscar and Felix. It's hard to fill the shoes of the original cast but they do a great job. Each episode does keeps your attention because you never know what is going to happen next. If you blink you will miss some funny thing. The thing I see wrong is that they have changed Oscar and Felix since the original show. If you are going to keep the same characters then at least keep the way they live the same. Oscar Madison was a complete slob but in the new show he is not even close to that role. I really don't see this show going to much further. It's to far away from the original show.
Best post-Friends Matthew Perry thing so far
miaalike24 February 2021
The man is a comedy actor who simply cannot shake a depressive streak off his back. It simply plagued his other attempts at comedy series. This one, though, got the right combo to allow laughs that were not undermined by some sad backstory. It did not have the ambitus nor time to become an A cathegory series, but it reminds of Frasier, and it is an enjoyable B series, who should not have been cancelled.
Lose the Laugh Track
jdthomas1-247-90485023 February 2015
The show has potential but it is hard to concentrate on the plot and the acting with that awful and annoying laugh track blasting after every line of dialog is spoken. It is very loud and serves no purpose. I think we know what is, or is not funny and when to laugh. Hearing canned laughter does not make it funnier and does not make me want to laugh.
I am anxious to see how the characters evolve and how Oscar and Felix's relationship grow. So far their relationship seems shallow which leaves the writers with plenty of opportunity to make this the next great sitcom. Please don't blow it. I will be watching for more chemistry to develop between the main characters as well as the supporting cast.
I am anxious to see how the characters evolve and how Oscar and Felix's relationship grow. So far their relationship seems shallow which leaves the writers with plenty of opportunity to make this the next great sitcom. Please don't blow it. I will be watching for more chemistry to develop between the main characters as well as the supporting cast.
Hated to see it go
BatStarIndyFreak25 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I'm going to make myself look like someone who needs to get with the times, I know. During the 80's through the 'aughts' I was all over the sitcom scene, but for whatever reason, I haven't been able to connect with the more recent/current sitcoms, this one being the exception. I was laughing out-of-control many times in every episode. When I first heard that they were putting out a remake, I immediately put Perry in the Felix Unger frame of mind, seeing similarities in Chandler Bing, but to me he put his own big stamp Oscar Madison in convincing fashion. Unger was exactly what he was supposed to be, the supporting cast was superb, and the memorial tribute to Garry Marshall was best one could possibly have been created. I'm surviving without it, but this sitcom was wonderful times for me.
Just a couple of suggestions
deeleone16 April 2015
Just saw my first episode of the show. Kudos for even attempting this! Really think there's potential. Good writing and acting. At first, I wasn't sure about casting——especially with the role of Felix——but Thomas Lennon seems to have gone to great lengths to capture the tone and cadence of the fabulous Tony Randall. As a huge fan of the original Odd Couple, I have only two suggestions: 1) Shoot in film, not video. The look of video just doesn't seem to work with a remake of this classic show. 2) Add a little more music soundtrack, especially at the ends of scenes. Both those elements were a huge part of the charm of the original show and are totally do-able even in 2015. Good luck! Hope you become a big success.
I want to like it
drago_8527 February 2015
I was actually looking forward to this for two reasons: - it was said to fill the void after 2.5 Men, covering the premise before Ashton - namely the laid-back vs. stiff one (like Charile and Alan). We all know the concept is not new at all but worked in 2.5 Men for the whole first 8 seasons and toward the end I really missed it. On the other hand, Perry was and still is my favorite "friend", I enjoyed his previous TV shows "Mr Sunshine" and "Go On" and I wanted to see him in action again.
After seeing the pilot I feel like listening to the recent work of once a favorite music band of mine - The Prodigy. Man, I want to like it! Here is what I saw:
It started to pick up by very (and I mean very!)small steps toward the end, prompting me to give another chance to the second episode but after 5 minutes into it nothing really changed. So, this is good-bye from me.
After seeing the pilot I feel like listening to the recent work of once a favorite music band of mine - The Prodigy. Man, I want to like it! Here is what I saw:
- there is no chemistry among the cast at all
- jokes, situations, dialogue seem forced (very) and not funny. - acting in the first 12 minutes is of unbelievably low quality, Perry is like some underachiever from mediocre acting class (I could not believe this and I don't wanna get into much detail about the rest of the cast).
It started to pick up by very (and I mean very!)small steps toward the end, prompting me to give another chance to the second episode but after 5 minutes into it nothing really changed. So, this is good-bye from me.
Not bad. I should say lighthearted and enjoyable.
Dr_Sagan17 May 2015
When you try to recreate something that some people are considering it a classic, obviously you are going to get bashed. How about when that something tries to recreate two "classics"? So. There is a 1968 American black comedy film written by Neil Simon,and starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau. AND...a 1970 TV series starring Tony Randall and Jack Klugman! Both are considered as "classics". (Also there was a play back in 1965 and a ...cartoon with the same characters) Haven't seen the movie and I barely remember the series (except the characteristic music theme) so I'm not going to compare them with the 2015 incarnation.
It's about Felix and Oscar. Two divorced men. Felix is neat and tidy while Oscar is sloppy and casual. They share a Manhattan apartment, and their different lifestyles inevitably lead to conflicts and laughs.
Obviously such a premise is not as modern as it might looked half of a century ago but there is still enough material to create some comical situations.
In the 2015 version Thomas Lennon stars as the neat Felix and Matthew Perry as the loose Oscar. I'm now watching the 11th episode and I can say that after a slow start, it is getting better. There is some chemistry between the 2 actors but is Thomas Lennon that holds the show in my opinion. Perry is a great comedian but here is mediocre. As Oscar, the only feeling I get from him is that he cares about Felix. Otherwise the comedic elements are less prominent.
The script in the latest episodes is good. Some of the secondary characters get more plot lines and that benefits the show. Especially Lindsay Sloane who plays Emily a bartender who is in love with Felix.
There is a fake laugh track that I always consider a minus.
Overall: It's OK. Not bad. I'll keep watching. I know there is some hate but IMO don't take it into any account. It's possibly because there is the recreation of 2-5 classics and maybe because Matthew Perry has many haters. For me it is lighthearted and enjoyable.
It's about Felix and Oscar. Two divorced men. Felix is neat and tidy while Oscar is sloppy and casual. They share a Manhattan apartment, and their different lifestyles inevitably lead to conflicts and laughs.
Obviously such a premise is not as modern as it might looked half of a century ago but there is still enough material to create some comical situations.
In the 2015 version Thomas Lennon stars as the neat Felix and Matthew Perry as the loose Oscar. I'm now watching the 11th episode and I can say that after a slow start, it is getting better. There is some chemistry between the 2 actors but is Thomas Lennon that holds the show in my opinion. Perry is a great comedian but here is mediocre. As Oscar, the only feeling I get from him is that he cares about Felix. Otherwise the comedic elements are less prominent.
The script in the latest episodes is good. Some of the secondary characters get more plot lines and that benefits the show. Especially Lindsay Sloane who plays Emily a bartender who is in love with Felix.
There is a fake laugh track that I always consider a minus.
Overall: It's OK. Not bad. I'll keep watching. I know there is some hate but IMO don't take it into any account. It's possibly because there is the recreation of 2-5 classics and maybe because Matthew Perry has many haters. For me it is lighthearted and enjoyable.
The Good, Bad and Ugly
Voyage2-217 October 2017
At this writing, the show has been canceled by CBS. It's possible, technically, it could be picked up by another network, cable or entity (being video delivery today is quite vast). But most likely, you got ahold of old videos, privately made or released by some syndicator, and so we're talking about a show that 'used to be on.' I was interested in this show more to see a Matthew Perry, in another comedic transformation. It tackled the familiar. The adaptation, in some ways, was impressive. This original storyline is fifty years old and was updated to modern familiarities. Oscar doesn't write sports for a newspaper, but runs/hosts a satellite radio sports show. Cell phones and social media are all around, and he still bets on sports, with a live ticker in his living room. Check out the 1968 movie version and see how they've made the transformation.
However, some things were lost. The comedy then, 1968, was more subtle and allowed time to develop and pop; today, we have machine gun delivered jokes. That's a bad one, wait...another one is loaded in the barrel. In this way, this modern show fits contemporary TV humor, which I'm not a fan of. This show didn't capture the middle age blues as well as Matthau and Lemmon did in '68. Perry's Oscar was more akin to college frat boy who never grew up than the one we knew from past lives. Lennon's Felix captures the neurotic and fussiness we're familiar with, but it competes with other modern fictional characters which are familiar; Dr. Niles Crane (Frasier) or Dr. Sheldon Cooper (Big Bang Theory).
The show didn't give time to allow the principals to really develop, to where we knew them well enough, to add to the comedic recipe. If we really know and empathize with the character, we can survive through bad writing or even poor comedic timing...for a time. All three, of course, hit it out of the park, this show rarely, if ever did that. Towards the end, and last season, Lennon's Felix was a standout, and his girlfriend, paying the cute/lovable girlfriend, helped add to the show. It might have been better to have started this off at the beginning, during the introductory phase of the show. Perry's Oscar never developed on his own, and ran the risk of turning Charlie Harper bunking with Dr. Sheldon Cooper.
The show suffered from general bad writing, poor development and uneven performances, not necessarily because of the talent. Out of total control of the creators was the network, which only ordered 12/13 episodes a season, changed the time slot and crammed each season over a couple of months. For viewership to develop, takes consistency, even in today's fragmented world, we are still creatures of habit. Sure, we can tell the Tivo to record ever episode of a show, but some program for the week and the casual viewer can quickly lose track of what day/time a show is on and can't find it on the grid. The first season of this show had more viewers than the first two seasons of the Big Bang Theory.
Lastly, art is subjective and timing is critical. There are no absolutes. This show appears to be in the morgue, at least for it's 'first run.' Remember, 'Friends' was never a big hit with high brow critics, which found it to be too cutzie. But, it won the support of viewers, and survived for that reason on the network for ten years. Even if the writing wasn't always spot on, the characters and their relationship with the audience carried the day. Bob Newhart, took a standup act in the 60's, of a deadpan expression, mellow guy and turned it into a character type who survived two shows, in different backdrops over two decades on TV. 'Mama's Family' was sketch comedy on 'The Carol Burnett Show' and went on to become a national sitcom for six years, two with NBC, four with 'first run syndication,' (where today's TV talk/game shows come from). Not to mention 'Mama's Family' was a great template for future 'senior stars' of the later 'Golden Girls.' Mr. Perry's current floundering, from his stardom on 'Friends' is not new, nor is the last chapter written. Jason Bateman, was a child star who crashed in the 80's while his sister shined on the hit show 'Family Ties.' But, he came back and is quite busy over the last 15 years. Some Perry fans, knowingly or otherwise, want their Chandler Bing back, either consciously or subconsciously. Whether or not to resurrect Mr. Bing, or something similar, remains to be seen. But, much of the recipe is also timing. With better network support and better organization, this show could have survived and gained viewers. Never a 'breakout hit,' but enough viewers could have warmed to it, not to mention attracting viewers looking for something a little more understated over the 'edgy humor' today's critics are hyper about.
However, some things were lost. The comedy then, 1968, was more subtle and allowed time to develop and pop; today, we have machine gun delivered jokes. That's a bad one, wait...another one is loaded in the barrel. In this way, this modern show fits contemporary TV humor, which I'm not a fan of. This show didn't capture the middle age blues as well as Matthau and Lemmon did in '68. Perry's Oscar was more akin to college frat boy who never grew up than the one we knew from past lives. Lennon's Felix captures the neurotic and fussiness we're familiar with, but it competes with other modern fictional characters which are familiar; Dr. Niles Crane (Frasier) or Dr. Sheldon Cooper (Big Bang Theory).
The show didn't give time to allow the principals to really develop, to where we knew them well enough, to add to the comedic recipe. If we really know and empathize with the character, we can survive through bad writing or even poor comedic timing...for a time. All three, of course, hit it out of the park, this show rarely, if ever did that. Towards the end, and last season, Lennon's Felix was a standout, and his girlfriend, paying the cute/lovable girlfriend, helped add to the show. It might have been better to have started this off at the beginning, during the introductory phase of the show. Perry's Oscar never developed on his own, and ran the risk of turning Charlie Harper bunking with Dr. Sheldon Cooper.
The show suffered from general bad writing, poor development and uneven performances, not necessarily because of the talent. Out of total control of the creators was the network, which only ordered 12/13 episodes a season, changed the time slot and crammed each season over a couple of months. For viewership to develop, takes consistency, even in today's fragmented world, we are still creatures of habit. Sure, we can tell the Tivo to record ever episode of a show, but some program for the week and the casual viewer can quickly lose track of what day/time a show is on and can't find it on the grid. The first season of this show had more viewers than the first two seasons of the Big Bang Theory.
Lastly, art is subjective and timing is critical. There are no absolutes. This show appears to be in the morgue, at least for it's 'first run.' Remember, 'Friends' was never a big hit with high brow critics, which found it to be too cutzie. But, it won the support of viewers, and survived for that reason on the network for ten years. Even if the writing wasn't always spot on, the characters and their relationship with the audience carried the day. Bob Newhart, took a standup act in the 60's, of a deadpan expression, mellow guy and turned it into a character type who survived two shows, in different backdrops over two decades on TV. 'Mama's Family' was sketch comedy on 'The Carol Burnett Show' and went on to become a national sitcom for six years, two with NBC, four with 'first run syndication,' (where today's TV talk/game shows come from). Not to mention 'Mama's Family' was a great template for future 'senior stars' of the later 'Golden Girls.' Mr. Perry's current floundering, from his stardom on 'Friends' is not new, nor is the last chapter written. Jason Bateman, was a child star who crashed in the 80's while his sister shined on the hit show 'Family Ties.' But, he came back and is quite busy over the last 15 years. Some Perry fans, knowingly or otherwise, want their Chandler Bing back, either consciously or subconsciously. Whether or not to resurrect Mr. Bing, or something similar, remains to be seen. But, much of the recipe is also timing. With better network support and better organization, this show could have survived and gained viewers. Never a 'breakout hit,' but enough viewers could have warmed to it, not to mention attracting viewers looking for something a little more understated over the 'edgy humor' today's critics are hyper about.
If people want to hate it
gargiment-4936810 August 2015
I don't know what's wrong with guys saying sound track is distracting. I watched the show till now and everything is perfect from writing to acting. Please get over the classic actors who played in 1970s. Don't judge something before hand. Enjoy the show, its great. Perry is back with sarcasm, and this Felix, is the limelight of this show. After how I met your mother, I'm finally be able to enjoy a sitcom. Don't compare, it's absurd. This show is worth at least five seasons. Plus, don't mislead people who are reading these reviews before watching the show to ensure 100% fun. If you believe me, jokes are totally legitimate, new and funny. This show is nothing like the old classic, so I don't see how this comparing thing is working out. This show is ongoing, just grab an episode, you will never regret those 30 minutes. And one last thing, those laugh tracks are not a problem, there is a lot of slapstick comedy is going there.
unimaginative retread
SnoopyStyle15 May 2017
Oscar Madison (Matthew Perry) is a messy divorced sports broadcaster. His friend Felix Unger (Thomas Lennon) is a mess after getting kicked out by his wife. The two men hasn't been together since Oscar's divorce. Their wives are best friends. Oscar invites the neat-freak Felix to stay. Oscar's friends include his assistant Dani (Yvette Nicole Brown), agent Teddy (Wendell Pierce), Roy, and dim-witted former baseball player Murph (Geoff Stults). Felix finds a fitting connection to the downtrodden Emily (Lindsay Sloane) who has much hotter sister Casey. Oscar falls for single mom neighbor Charlotte (Teri Hatcher).
This is old before it started. It is unimaginative. It is mostly flat except Perry and Lennon are able to elevate the material. They are the perfect Oscar and Felix. However, this is nothing more than network TV retread.
This is old before it started. It is unimaginative. It is mostly flat except Perry and Lennon are able to elevate the material. They are the perfect Oscar and Felix. However, this is nothing more than network TV retread.
Awful
francesm-1421120 July 2016
I never wrote any reviews for any shows before in my life but this one I had to and I am sorry but you can not redo a classic especially this one.
I grew up watching the Odd Couple and I was really interested in watching this new version but ugh no I can't.
How can one try to impersonate the great Jack Klugman? Please don't!
Tony Randall and Jack Klugman were hysterical together!! This version...I have no words please if You wanna see the Odd Couple rent the movie better yet watch the old shows!
RIP Gary Marshall this was one classy show! It will be with me for always.
I grew up watching the Odd Couple and I was really interested in watching this new version but ugh no I can't.
How can one try to impersonate the great Jack Klugman? Please don't!
Tony Randall and Jack Klugman were hysterical together!! This version...I have no words please if You wanna see the Odd Couple rent the movie better yet watch the old shows!
RIP Gary Marshall this was one classy show! It will be with me for always.
Funny with wit and smarts good sitcom show to watch!
blanbrn10 January 2017
I never watch the old "Odd Couple" series as it was before my time yet of late I've caught on to the new CBS series called "The Odd Couple" with Matthew Perry and Thomas Lennon. The story is simple they are two friends with likes and dislikes and thoughts and ways as different as daylight and dark! Yet both share a New York city apartment and they become caring house like mates who work the way thru life with different attitudes! Oscar(Matthew Perry)is an outspoken pretty boy type who's more of a ladies man while Felix(Thomas Lennon)is more shy and neurotic and a loner type who likes to do crazy stuff! All of this makes for fun laughs and wit! Plus to add some sugar and spice eye candy is provided in the form of the sexy Teri Hatcher who sparkles as Oscar's girlfriend Charlotte. Overall good funny comedy show to watch that brings laughs and entertains with it's differences.
potentially a good show, but some immediate improvements are necessary
arkadeepbepari14 October 2015
A good show, gentle comedy. The show does make the viewers laugh, but there IS room for improvement. The quality of the comedy must be improved. And the acting should be more natural, not like it is being staged. They should let the viewers to be able to receive it more naturally, like it's happening in front of them, so that they can relate to it. What I mean to say, the theatricality must be taken away in order to make it more natural. Anyway, the show has the potential to be a successful one.
Well, I haven't watched 'The Odd Couple' from the 70's, but from what I've heard, I'm quite sure that it is a big shoe for the actors to fill in. But Matthew Perry and Thomas Lennon are very talented actors. I'm sure they'll do better.
Well, I haven't watched 'The Odd Couple' from the 70's, but from what I've heard, I'm quite sure that it is a big shoe for the actors to fill in. But Matthew Perry and Thomas Lennon are very talented actors. I'm sure they'll do better.
Who Cast This?
nicksmusic16 April 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Sorry but this is nothing like the original , there is no I repeat no chemistry between the actors, Its like spending a million dollars on opening an upscale restaurant on the location and putting a inexperienced cook in the kitchen with awful food. I totally agree with the others as far as the laugh track goes, it needs to go. Even if the writers and producers are relying on a new audience and not comparing anything to the original , its just not funny. How does a show like this even get to the production phase? The previews say its the number one new comedy ,according to who???? I would be surprised if this show makes it 6 months without being canceled.
The Odd Couple for This Generation!
Sylviastel19 February 2015
I have to say that I laughed watching the pilot episode. Matthew Perry is perfect as messy Oscar Madison, a New York City sportscaster. Thomas Lennon is perfect as neat Felix Unger. This Odd Couple still has the classic theme song is set in New York City. This Oscar and Felix has great chemistry together. The supporting cast includes Yvette Nicole Brown as Oscar's assistant. Dave Foley and Wendell Pierce are Oscar's friends. This sitcom has great potential and I'm sure that Jack Klugman and Tony Randall are smiling somewhere in heaven. As Felix and Oscar go to being divorced men in New York City in 2015. Perry's Oscar is perfect in the role while Lennan's Felix is also perfect without being over the top.
New Odd Couple has potential for stellar success, but needs work first
amandaline12320 February 2015
I watched the New version of the Odd Couple last night. Some of the game was off, however they not only nailed the F.U. routine, they blew both the film and Original TV show off the map. They have yet to introduce some of the characters such as Murrie, but there is a new character, an agent.
Thomas Lennon has moments where he nails Randall's Felix and other moments such and his signature sinus schtick he makes his own as Randall and Lemmon before him. It is to soon to see if they will make it, but the potential is definitely there. If Perry can pull up the rest of his performance to close to the F.U. routine, they will have a hit for sure.
Bottom line is where they stay true to Neil Simon, they do well, were they go off on there own, they usually do not do as well. The Yoga works, but Randall did a whole fitness thing, so that is still pretty true to the original.
Is it set in NYC? If it is then, it lacks a little in New Yorkness. For instance, how did Felix get in without being called up by the door man or at least buzzed up into the trendy chic upscale apartment?Where is the nearest Korean Bodega? What city are they in?
If it is New York, then the Mail switch game does not work in a upscale building. They have door men as a general rule and the door men deliver mail and if the is an error it is returned to the door man unless you are already friends with the switchie in question.
The actors need to keep the energy and focus throughout and the writers need to stay true to Simmon and NYC or move them to San Francisco or something specific. I have no idea in what city this show takes place?
Thomas Lennon has moments where he nails Randall's Felix and other moments such and his signature sinus schtick he makes his own as Randall and Lemmon before him. It is to soon to see if they will make it, but the potential is definitely there. If Perry can pull up the rest of his performance to close to the F.U. routine, they will have a hit for sure.
Bottom line is where they stay true to Neil Simon, they do well, were they go off on there own, they usually do not do as well. The Yoga works, but Randall did a whole fitness thing, so that is still pretty true to the original.
Is it set in NYC? If it is then, it lacks a little in New Yorkness. For instance, how did Felix get in without being called up by the door man or at least buzzed up into the trendy chic upscale apartment?Where is the nearest Korean Bodega? What city are they in?
If it is New York, then the Mail switch game does not work in a upscale building. They have door men as a general rule and the door men deliver mail and if the is an error it is returned to the door man unless you are already friends with the switchie in question.
The actors need to keep the energy and focus throughout and the writers need to stay true to Simmon and NYC or move them to San Francisco or something specific. I have no idea in what city this show takes place?
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.
michaelt28170208513 January 2016
Warning: Spoilers
America has managed some superbly crafted TV series. In no order of merit, Hill Street Blues, L.A Law, E.R. and NYPD Blue. So, what happened,,,,,here ?????.
Someone has managed to take the superbly written Odd Couple, by Neil Simon, and turn it into the biggest load of shallow junk I've ever struggled with, I say struggled, because I truly wanted to like it, and I am also amazed that Mathew Perry is involved with the production of this series.?????
I don't need to tell mature film fans, that the original Odd Couple movie is a classic. Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau hit the nail right on the head. Thanks to the genius script writing of Neil Simon.
I honestly cannot understand why Mathew Perry wanted any part of this garbage?????
If American can touch base with superb human drama's as above, why cant they do the same with comedy.???????. Mathew Perry, you are acting your heart out with what amounts to shallow junk......
Someone has managed to take the superbly written Odd Couple, by Neil Simon, and turn it into the biggest load of shallow junk I've ever struggled with, I say struggled, because I truly wanted to like it, and I am also amazed that Mathew Perry is involved with the production of this series.?????
I don't need to tell mature film fans, that the original Odd Couple movie is a classic. Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau hit the nail right on the head. Thanks to the genius script writing of Neil Simon.
I honestly cannot understand why Mathew Perry wanted any part of this garbage?????
If American can touch base with superb human drama's as above, why cant they do the same with comedy.???????. Mathew Perry, you are acting your heart out with what amounts to shallow junk......
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