Mike & Molly

Being a huge fan of Melissa McCarthy, I thought I would check this show out even though I hadn't really seen any previews for it. (I don't watch a lot on CBS) Seriously...it was hilarious. Especially for a Pilot episode when there is usually more back story and introductions than jokes and humor. I laughed out loud many times and found Billy Gardell, who I'm only familiar with from his work on "My Name Is Earl", to be charming and funny. Swoosie Kurtz and Katy Mixon were also fun characters. There were definitely a lot of "fat jokes" throughout the show, but they were all light hearted and funny. It's lovely to see a show where the main characters are overweight, and while not hating themselves for it, are trying to get healthy. I hope this show continues to bring the humor and showcase these two great lead actors!

As a long time PA announcer for hockey, soccer and girls lacrosse, when someone scores three goals, I usually say "And (name) gets the Hat Trick!" That's true with Chuck Lorre, who has another hit show in Mike & Molly, which follows his biggest hit Two and a Half Men. With another hit The Big Bang Theory, he joins Paul Henning and Susan Harris as the only producers to have three sitcoms in prime time.

Now to Mike & Molly, I saw the first episode and I think the show is going to be a hit, thanks to the chemistry between Billy Gardell as Mike and Melissa McCarthy as Molly. They meet at an Overeaters Anonymous meeting and after a number of obstacles overcome, he finally asks Molly out. Also contributing to the hilarity are Katy Mixon as Molly's sister and Swoosie Kurtz as her mom.

What makes the show stand out from other shows with overweight characters is that there doesn't seem to be a lot of fat jokes, it's more of a character driven show than weight driven.

One thing you might notice is that there are a couple of references to the Chicago Bears. Molly teaches at Walter Payton Elementary School (named for the Hall of Fame running back) and the cook at Mike's favorite restaurant wears a Brian Urlacher jersey. It looks like the producers are Bears fans.

Could it be they're falling in love? if you saw the first episode, watch it each week and you'll find out the answer.

This is an enjoyable series, but the initial blurb made me think overeating would be a major plot point, but besides being the reason why Mike and Molly met and being a topic in a couple of earlier episodes, it doesn't feature much any more.

The later episodes mostly revolve around Molly's hot-and-cold relationship with her conservative and protective mother-in-law, and Mike's exasperating experiences with Molly's liberal family.

I also love the relationships between Mike and his partner Carl, and their relationship with their seemingly-personal waiter Samuel.

But a lot of the topics seem recycled from other shows - it's like watching remakes of other shows in certain episodes. However, it is still an enjoyable show - I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I do. Give it a chance - it's not the best, but it's still a good choice for an average day.

From pilot to finale this show will make you chuckle, laugh out loud, and wipe away a tear or two - or three. Having watched the show in its entirety when it was first broadcast on network television & now marathoning it thanks to HBO Max, I enjoyed it just as much & so curse the Network that didn't jump at the chance at continuing the series with 13 episode seasons.

I'm hoping we can get a new "Mike & Molly" where we see them trying to survive raising teenagers in The Flynn House.

Come on people, this show is super funny. It is actually very plausible that this could be many people's lives. I don't think there's anybody out there who cannot relate to Mike & Molly in someway or another. It may be a little exaggerated but overall it represents a normal chaotic life with embarrassment, insecurities, problems and lots of love.

Every time I watch it I can't help but laugh out loud. It makes my life look almost perfect and always puts a smile on my face. If you don't take it too seriously then you will enjoy it. And yes there are moments when you may be a little bit offended but it's meant to entertain not insult so lighten up.