The Jim Gaffigan Show

I really enjoy Jim Gaffigan's stand-up, probably even more so than most people. I've watched every episode of the the Jim Gaffigan Show so far though (midway through season 2 now), and with each episode I'm eking closer to dropping it.

There's a few laughs here and there, but all in all, during 95% of the episode I don't even laugh. It's more of a drama about a comedian than an actual comedy. It's very self-deprecating of Jim, sometimes harshly and unbearably so. I know it's a TV show and it's ironic and for fun, but the jokes (against Jim) are so real and harsh sometimes that you literally feel bad for him - and wonder if this is even hurting his image!

At least if there was a captivating plot line, it could work as a drama. But it still follows the silly, whimsical story line that a comedy would - save for the laughs.

If there were some good supporting characters at least, it could work. But none of the other characters are funny either. Adam Goldberg is boring, dull, unfunny, and same with everyone else. The only other character I kind of like is Michael Ian Black (who I think is BRILLIANT in Another Period), but even in this show, he's not truly "funny".

Jim is the only person on the show you can rely on for laughs, and there aren't really much at that. So, it's not funny as a comedy. It's not interesting as a drama. I don't know what it is, but either way, it's just not holding my interest so I think I'll drop it.

I have never really been a Jim Gaffigan fan. Sure, he's funny, but far from one of my favorite stand ups.

As such, I am greatly surprised by how good this show is - in my view, one of the best comedies headed by a stand up comedian in years.

The chemistry with Ashley Williams is believable and balanced, she is not just a prop, but in fact very funny herself.... I especially enjoyed seeing her come to life in Episode 4, rather than just playing the boring "frustrated" housewife.

Michael Ian Black is awesome as the snarly homo friend, and Adam Goldberg is finally in a role where he get's a bit of depth, rather than just being the token angry a..hole, which usually get's old really fast in his previous work.

All in all, this show is well written, well acted and well produced, and highly recommended to anyone who also like current shows like You're the worst (which I put this show on par with) and Married (which I rank slightly below The Jim Gaffigan Show).

I feel the need to dispel the review by the individual who gave this a 1/10 and stated that Jim Gaffigan is awful and that no other comedians have the heart to tell him so. Well, here is a list of comedians who have appeared/will be appearing in Jim's show: Fred Armisen, Janeane Garafalo, Dave Attell, Hannibal Burress, Robert Smigel, Adam Goldberg, Michael Ian Black, and also includes appearances by Seth Meyers, Jon Stewart, Keith Olberman, Jimmy Fallon, etc. The bottom line - don't make silly statements that you can't effectively back up because as evidenced by this stellar cast, Gaffigan has more than enough backing and support within the comedy and television world. If you don't care for his comedy, that's a 'you' thing.

Jim Gaffigan is a standup comedian in Manhattan. He and his wife Jeannie (Ashley Williams) have five little kids in their small 2-bedroom apartment. His best friend is the aggressively single-without-kids Dave (Adam Goldberg) who annoys Jeannie. Her best friend is her gay college boyfriend Daniel (Michael Ian Black) who annoys Jim. Jim's jokes are often about food and his usually large Manhattan family. He is always eating.

This is a sitcom based on Jim's real life. The first season is great fun with a meta joke with his real family in the last episode. I would put that joke in the pilot episode or maybe have his real family live in an adjacent apartment with a far more handsome Jim. That way, his family could show up every once in awhile as a recurring joke. The second season goes down a darker path with Dave. Dave is always a jerk but the second season has him being a truly awful self-serving frenemy. Will Ferrell shows up as a mercurial comedy power. He needs to be serious but he goes down a wacky path and takes away the comedy. He's trying to make a wacky sitcom when the role calls for a satire. The second season does need to lighten up a bit. The show lasted two seasons on TV Land. If Jim wants to spend more time with the kids, hire them for the show. This deserves more seasons.

Comedy with realism and wit! Jim makes living with his family and friends believable and wittily funny. A joy to be in his world for a few minutes each week. Well written story lines and the supporting cast performs well too. Good to see a comedy "set" with a family that does not use their children as props instead of real human beings with feelings. Jim has a self-deprecating humor that is witty and honest and the way he and his spouse depict real life situations is comical as well as refreshing. A different kind of comedy and well worth thirty minutes of your time once a week!! You will not be able to watch Jim's comedy without enjoying how honest his feelings about life,family and marriage really can be full of laughter and truth.