Big Lake

In short, Big Lake won't last more than one season. What struck me most about the first two episodes of the series is the the show's terrible plot progression. I don't think the show's progression makes sense even on a laugh track sitcom level.

The premise of the show is good enough and unique, but the execution is lacking, and the main character's situation could have led to a much more compelling show.

I was constantly asking myself what the main characters were trying to accomplish in relation to the premise of the show. I was also struggling to remember any of the main characters' names. None of the characters are memorable, save for the history teacher (Chris Parnell) and maybe the main character's (Chris Gethard?) little brother.

I don't think I've ever seen such horrible story progression in a single episode, even in a sitcom.

Finally, Chris Gethard is the most un-funny, annoying character on the show and he's the main character. Who approved this show?

Good parts of the show: Some of Chris Parnell's jokes. A bum history teacher is definitely a great role for him. Um...Horatio Sanz's weight loss? I would rather watch this than George Lopez. Overall, the show isn't obnoxious....like George Lopez.

Comedy Central has never really been able to produce a decent live action show (not based on stand up or sketch comedy) and the trend hasn't changed with Big Lake. I don't see a laugh-track sitcom reaching Comedy Central's demographic.

The other reviewers probably like Friends and New Girl. They clearly don't understand real comedy. Every character on this show is hilarious and every episode is a classic. This is a must see for all fans of true comedy.

Is this show perfect? No. Is it funny? Absolutely. Gethard plays his character very convincingly depicting a genuinely misguided but well- intending friend that isn't always the blunt-end of the joke. Parnell balances a semi-self-aware slacker with enough common sense to coast through life. Horatio Sanz perfectly combines dumb and funny while avoiding painfully stupid and annoyance. Dylan Blue's character is a vector for the style of comedy that utilizes unexpected responses and juxtaposition of age/lifestyles which he delivers with full efficacy. The rest of the cast does equally well in portraying their characters and filling their roles but with less screen time.

Critiques of the plot are misplaced as the show's intention is not to tell a great story but instead to use the plot to drive forward situational comedy. As such the show's intention is dead-on. There's seldom a minute that passes without a joke and most of them fly. This type of comedy relies on a laugh track so there's no awkward silence after deliveries that may not work.

I've watched the series multiple times and it is worth the time. It's easy to critique and therefore will lead some people to never have a chance to enjoy but the appreciation is more subtle as the humour jumps around in style.

Outdated just 10 years later, but gethard is the goat and James rebhorn is a national treasure

It shouldn't have had a laugh track. Don't punish this unsung classic for the sins of The Powers That Be.

(The premier party was paid for by one of the cast, not Comedy Central.)

RELEASE THE LOST 11TH EPISODE!