Kitchen Confidential

Comedy that isn't sitcom is a plus, in my book. In other words, a comedy that doesn't rely on gags, or on one-liners, or on snappy repartee. I started watching with very low expectations because I love Anthony Bourdain and couldn't imagine the show would capture anything of him. I'm still not sure it does, but it's entertaining on its own.

(I also tuned in because it's one of the three shows appearing with Buffy veterans; this one is by far the best of the three. Allison Hannigan's is a stinker and "Bones" isn't likely to last. It's also one of several shows with veterans from "Freaks & Geeks".) I'm intrigued by the characters and by the background of NYC restaurants. It's not yet "great TV" but there's enough going on to give it a chance to develop. Of course, there's also an inordinate amount of cleavage; I have to wonder how many NY restaurants can sport so much exposed bosom at one time.

A statement previously thought to be an oxymoron, Kitchen Confidential raises the bell curve for quality television. With no inkling of what the show is about, I watched the series premiere beginning to end, commercials and all, and was delighted with it through the credits. The show is handled with a directorial craftsmanship superb for television. Actors are kept within their boundaries, dialogue is quick but not rushed, and characters are at least likable. The exposition was presented neatly in the first block and gave sufficient personality to each character. A flair for stylish editing and freeze frames is arranged perfectly, and other technical qualities such as lighting, sets, and extras heighten the enjoyability of this show. As a whole, I am excited about watching upcoming episodes and seeing how the show progresses. Kitchen Confidential is a well balanced show that will be a serious contender for the Primetime viewing audience.

This is the funniest show I have seen in years. Each character and situation funnier than the next. The cast is fantastic, the writing is superb so I guess that is why it was canceled? It is rare that an ensemble cast works so well with one another like they do here. I watched How I Met Your Mother which is in the opposing time slot, and I have to say it was just not funny at all! I had to change the channel after the first 5 minutes because I was just bored. On the contrary I can't stop laughing out loud throughout KC. My great hope is that FOX will just juggle their time schedule a little better and fit this outrageously funny and clever show back in somehow.

I recently saw the pilot of this show with the expectations of another lame show that Fox put out to fill a time slot. However, within the first few minutes of the show I became hooked. This ensemble cast is amazing and I love all the characters and stories that this show has to offer. I've never seen a show with a better set of actors who have such an interesting interaction with one another. The teamwork on this show is incredible and these characters together just give off such a wonderful vibe. This show is definitely original and has a pleasantly fresh ora about it. Unfortunately this show is underrated with low ratings. Trust me people, give this show a chance! It has such potential!

I was horrified when I heard of plans to turn Tony Bourdain's excellent book into a TV series. But I just saw a preview and this is pretty good. Not as cool as Tony just being Tony; but a well done show. Not stupid and sitcomy with a laugh track. It's a bit cleaned up from the book, but I do think it keeps the same feel. Not quite as gritty, but good. I laughed out loud more than once. Great supporting cast. How can you go wrong with Xander from Buffy, Harold from Harold and Kumar, Frank Langella and Jamie King? Excellent pairing with Arrested Development, but I'm afraid this show is just a bit too smart for Network TV. Might be more at home on FX. But I loved it.