My Boys

There have been many sitcoms about mixed-gendered groups of friends (e.g. Seinfeld, Friends, etc.) and most of them centre on the relationships between the individual characters, and the group as a whole. The group of friends formula has worked so well because people can relate and make comparisons between TV characters and their own friends. We can't forget that this is a "formula" and so there have been many failed attempts at getting the chemistry right between characters and sad attempts at spin-offs (e.g. Joey).

My Boys is a new version of the "friends formula" and it works! The story lines centre around a group of friends (mostly men) in Chicago and the protagonist is PJ - a tomboy working for the Chicago Cubs. When I first saw the previews for this show, I thought, "Please, not another 'Friends' spin off!" I decided to give "My Boys" a try and was pleasantly surprised.

The relationships between PJ and her friends are interesting because of the fact that guy-girl dynamic is not overtly sexual as it can be on other shows. PJ and "her boys" are genuinely friends, not men and a woman who hang out with each other because they secretly want to be together. It's refreshing to see a sitcom where the female character and her male friends aren't trying to pursue a sexual relationship with one another (or where the back-story was that they did in the past and it failed).

On top of the great dynamics between the characters, the story lines themselves are funny! I don't want to spoil any of the story lines here but there are some pretty hilarious scenarios between PJ and men who aren't part of her group of friends - because she isn't your typical female (i.e. acts like "one of the boys"), some of the guys she comes across are baffled by her.

"My Boys" doesn't attempt to be edgy or over-the-top (like "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" - which I love by the way). It's just a good, solid comedy with interesting characters and story lines. Hopefully the writers stay true to this and don't attempt at turning the show into something it's not (another "Friends"). There's a lot of potential material for this kind of premise. Stay tuned!

There are very few shows that are popular amongst men and women, but "my boys" is a rare breed. Its a show about dating and relationships, the main character is a woman, but the twist is shes a sports writer who has guy best friends and uses sports analogies to explain everything.

It really takes three things to make a good show: 1, a funny concept. 2, witty writing. 3, likable characters. "my boys" hits on all three.

The main actress is cute in a normal-girl kind of way, and is very funny, and i hate to keep using the same word, but shes just naturally likable. If she existed in real life, you'd want to be her friend. All the actors/actresses have good chemistry, and the stories so far have been solid as well. If this show were on NBC, it would on Thursday night right after the Office. I gotta hand it to Turner, after the Closer quickly turned into one of the best crime dramas on TV last season, My boys is definitely one of the top comedies this season. Also, its a show you can watch with your significant other and both enjoy it. I definitely suggest giving "my boys" a chance.

I must say that this show is refreshing. It moves along at a good pace with excellent writing and the ensemble cast does a really good job. Though I am not as much a sports enthusiast as Jordana Spiro's character I must say I "get" her character way more than some of the other "females with friends" shows. It is nice to see a show about an attractive female that is not a clothes horse or obsessed with shoes. Also I love Kyle Howard and have since he starred in House Arrest. The rest of the cast is just as wonderful to watch. The writing is witty and well done and I hope this show lasts for a little while. It is nice to see a show about inter-relationships when the girl has a lot of guy friends that are friends. That really does happen you know.

It's official. I'm addicted. Yeah yeah, some people may say they don't understand why other people find this show to be funny, but I don't understand how anyone wouldn't. I suppose humor is a very personal thing, and everyone has his/her own style, but this show hits me square on the funny bone. And hard.

I've seen every episode (thanks to my DVD-R), and I have laughed out loud, several times during each. I love the concept of this show. Maybe it's because I have always been a gal with many guy friends, and I can somehow relate, but I love the relationships PJ has with "her boys". The dialogue between them is extremely witty and smart. Each "boy" in the group has a very distinct personality, and the actors play them all very well. The facial reactions, body language, and tone and timing of responses are all spot-on. The guy who shows up in some episodes, to play "Trouty" is so fabulously, irritatingly obnoxious -- he plays the character SO perfectly. Man, he makes me laugh. PJ's lone girl friend is fun too, and even the "guest" characters are great. Watching everyone give each other "advice" on dating and whatnot cracks me up, because none of them seems to be content in their being single (or married, in Andy's case). Even the ringtones used for each person's phone add to the understanding of the characters. Jordana Spiro comes across as a "real" girl -- approachable, likable, fun and smart. I think she was a perfect choice for this role. She's adorable.

I have to say I am very impressed with TBS for putting this show on. It is the type of show I would generally expect to see on one of the major networks -- I typically look to TBS for fun movies and such, but I don't think of them when it comes to sitcoms. This show's tempo seems much like "Sex and the City" to me (I know everyone says that, but there's a reason) -- although it was all women, and this is almost all men, the ensemble works really well together: the banter is quick and sharp, the relationships solid and distinct. It's a truly fun show to watch -- it makes me feel like if they were real, I'd want to hang out with them at Crowley's, or on poker night.. or even at (come on, whisper it...) Streeeissssand.

The *only* thing I don't like about this show? The match.com plugs. Having them write in a scene where they have to mention they are on match.com just breaks up the otherwise fun flow, plus, it's just kind of annoying. Hey, if you want match.com to sponsor the show, great -- just have 'em double-up on advertising time -- during the *commercials*. Not cool, man. It detracts from the show.

In summary, "My Boys" is "my" new favorite show. I am really hoping this gets picked up for years to come, because it is a smart, funny, light show that makes me laugh, and I look forward to watching every new episode. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, gang! Much success to everyone involved in its production!

I don't know what this guy was talking about...but i love this show.

Maybe it's because i can relate to it more than some people. I love Chicago, the cubs, and i'm a lot like PJ in a someways. I have guy friends just like her and they can be that crazy sometimes.

Also, i see this show as a more down to earth, get real type of show. The characters are just like someone you could meet on the street without it being a "reality" show. But it's enough of a sitcom that when you sit down and watch it you don't get depressed like when you watch those CSI shows.

I wouldn't say this show is the BEST SHOW of all time because it's not, but for a good witty comedy that I enjoy watching it gets an A plus. I'm glad TBS picked it up for another season, i'm def. looking forward to it.