239 reviews
Definitely the top "mainstream" sitcom next to Seinfeld-and easily top 5 or 6 sitcom of all time. I avoided it for a long time because I thought it was another Raymond or Friends type show but it is surprisingly hilarious.
This is mainly for when you get home tired after a day at work and want to relax watching something familiar and mindless.
The chemistry between Remini and James is one of the best ever. Mr. Stiller steals the show whenever he is present, and Williams, Sullivan and Oswalt are credible characters.
Overall, the best of the light sit-com bunch and great for those of us who want to turn off our brains for a while after a hard day at work.
The chemistry between Remini and James is one of the best ever. Mr. Stiller steals the show whenever he is present, and Williams, Sullivan and Oswalt are credible characters.
Overall, the best of the light sit-com bunch and great for those of us who want to turn off our brains for a while after a hard day at work.
- marcigabrielle
- Oct 21, 2021
- Permalink
Kevin James (Doug) best part of his career was really well suited to the delivery role. Who is happy in his Job and looking forward to lunch, with his perfectly suited wife Leah Remini (Carrie) who has ambition to improve her life while Doug thinks things are all good as they are. Add to that Carrie's brilliant father played by Jerry Stiller and you have trio worth building a fun show around. Still a laugh easy watch worth going back to. As good now as it was on its release. For easy viewing.
- paudieconnolly
- Jun 6, 2021
- Permalink
In the best sitcoms, the comedy arises not just from the situations, but from the characters. Consider "Friends", "Seinfeld", "Frasier" and "Cheers", for example. Each series has humorous characters, which are necessarily played by excellent actors. "The King of Queens" is on the list of best sitcoms precisely for that reason.
Kevin James plays the titular head of the household as Doug Heffernan, a prototypical, jock-centric male who works for a delivery company like UPS. James expertly plays the buffoon with delusions of coolness.
As his wife, Carrie, Leah Remini is the perfect foil. With a voice that sounds like it comes right out of the Bronx, she is his whip-smart nemesis, always calling him out for his bad decisions. Their chemistry compares well with the gold standard---Ralph and Alice Kramden.
The supporting cast is terrific, and it is headed by Jerry Stiller, who plays Arthur Spooner, Carrie's live-in father. His role is similar to the part he played on "Seinfeld"---an opinionated irritant who never fails to raise his voice at the slightest provocation.
This is one of those series that can be watched again and again.
Kevin James plays the titular head of the household as Doug Heffernan, a prototypical, jock-centric male who works for a delivery company like UPS. James expertly plays the buffoon with delusions of coolness.
As his wife, Carrie, Leah Remini is the perfect foil. With a voice that sounds like it comes right out of the Bronx, she is his whip-smart nemesis, always calling him out for his bad decisions. Their chemistry compares well with the gold standard---Ralph and Alice Kramden.
The supporting cast is terrific, and it is headed by Jerry Stiller, who plays Arthur Spooner, Carrie's live-in father. His role is similar to the part he played on "Seinfeld"---an opinionated irritant who never fails to raise his voice at the slightest provocation.
This is one of those series that can be watched again and again.
I consider myself to be a connoisseur of sitcoms, and used to spend many long hours wasting my life watching them all. Sense Seinfeld, Friends and many other great sitcoms have left the scene I am left with wasting my life on the one great series that is left, "The King of Queens", and in my humble opinion beats them all. I have to admit, as has been mentioned before, it takes a couple of shows before you get hooked but it doesn't take long before you start realizing the brilliant comedic performance and timing of Kevin James, Patton Oswalt, Jerry Stiller and Leah Remini. I don't think the few people criticizing the show realize just how much talent it takes to make the world laugh, they really don't. However, I'm puzzled only about one thing, "Everybody Loves Raymond," but I don't, and it is hovering around #5 in the ratings but The King of Queens, which totally kicks ass on Raymond isn't even showing up in the top 20, what's up with that? Don't get me wrong because I've watched Raymond and I think it is "okay" funny but not nearly the caliber that KoQ's is. CBS needs to give a little more respect and focus some PR on the show and especially Kevin James because when movie goers get finally get tired of the very funny Adam Sandler I predict Kevin is next in line (or at least I secretly hope).
- danlman447
- Oct 18, 2004
- Permalink
This is a show I never watched when I lived in NY. My grandparents watched all the shows that had to do with NY. Now that I am watching it, it reminds me of home. Carrie and Doug's marriage reminds me of my own and how I used to fight with my ex-husband. It is a funny show for me because I can relate to it and all the little things that New Yorkers do. Even though I do not live there anymore, my mannerisms still traveled with me.
- cartmannn-53156
- May 11, 2021
- Permalink
- zakmorrisotl
- May 18, 2020
- Permalink
Leah Remini.
What a fun to watch her. Love it. Kevin James is just the ordinary us-dumb-guy we have to live with. Hard to compromise with stupid, but she rocks the show anyhow. Mr.Stiller has obviously credits for this show to be made, credits where credits are due. I heard, Remini has also left this religious cult, good for her.
- tammoseppelt
- Aug 11, 2018
- Permalink
I have not seen a better comedy than the King of Queens for many years. I rate it one of the best ever. I've just returned to Ireland from Arizona on American Airlines from a biz trip and by chance they showed several episodes. I laughed my head off and later I asked the stewards to play again and they did. Thank you AA. The acting from all the team is first rate and especially from Kevin James, Leah Remini and Gerry Stiller, but from all of the cast in fact the acting is superb. I love all the cast, they are so funny. There is a hard edge in the King of Queens that I love and is seldom seen in today's TV comedy. Both Leah and Kevin play off each other so well that every situation is believable and hilariously funny. I have just purchased the 2nd season while I was in Az this week and I intend buying the full set the next time I am in the US. My son who is 20yrs old also loves this show and its brilliance is that it has the magic to reach out to different generations. I would like to thank all those involved with this amazing show - it's so appreciated to see this kind of TV show in what is in my opinion an era of poor TV fair in general these days with the exception of re-runs of Seinfeld and such like... Thanks for a great show..
- vinny_styles
- Sep 30, 2006
- Permalink
The King of Queens provides some solid hours of good laugh and a heartwarming cast. True, the main character can be annoying at times, but it is a fun ride overall. The couple's dynamics, actually, are what make this show worth the while.
- PennyReviews
- Jul 19, 2020
- Permalink
I never thought I would like it this much, but I just fell in love with the cast and the whole idea. The plot may be simple, but the dialogue and jokes are on point. Timeless! For sure I will be watching it again and again and again.
- cellatautu-82165
- May 12, 2021
- Permalink
It is funny and like comfort food, it gets yor daily laughs going... the characters come off as unassuming, middle class or even working class decent people (I said middle because the house and stuff in it are nice, and in the last decades' economy I doubt that can be achieved through what their jobs are in this sitcom).
It is somehow addictive, and a bit empathic, each of them is adifferent type and they go well together. Like well seasoned soup, based on a familiar recipe. Two generations sharing a house, everyday issues, but a background of stability, a feeling their home is sturdy and all will be well.
Not A type, because it does not aim high, but it stays on course and it is enjoyable. Can earn added value over time, too, with all the crap masquerading as sitcoms nowadays, and with the lack of bonding with the erratic comedic characters of late.
It is somehow addictive, and a bit empathic, each of them is adifferent type and they go well together. Like well seasoned soup, based on a familiar recipe. Two generations sharing a house, everyday issues, but a background of stability, a feeling their home is sturdy and all will be well.
Not A type, because it does not aim high, but it stays on course and it is enjoyable. Can earn added value over time, too, with all the crap masquerading as sitcoms nowadays, and with the lack of bonding with the erratic comedic characters of late.
This show uses a rather tired sitcom formula of the fat idiot blue collar slob with the pretty (and sometimes shrewish-seeming) wife and crazy in-law(s). With this show, it's fat unfunny comedian Kevin James as Doug Hefferman who works as a delivery driver for a parcel service. He has a pretty wife, Carrie (Leah Remini), who works as a legal assistant, and senile father-in-law, Arthur Spooner (Jerry Stiller), who lives in his daughter and son-in-law's basement. Kevin James' Doug is your typical beer drinking, sports loving, TV watching slob of a sitcom husband who would rather watch the tube than deal with his marital issues. He also has a couple of idiot friends who lend extra stupidity to the problems encountered by this show's couple. Beyond the few laughs supplied by Jerry Stiller's crazy old man character this show was generally unfunny. Kevin James' imbecilic behavior usually caused the show's problems that usually had to be resolved by his wife.
- HawkHerald
- Sep 2, 2009
- Permalink
I never thought I would ever say this, but...the funniest sitcoms out right now (2002) are on CBS! The network used to broadcast only shows that the 65 and over crowd would enjoy. This is a very, very funny show!
Now, most sitcoms depend a lot on forced humor. This show doesn't. The writing and performances are very natural. And I never watch the show without getting at least 10 good laughs.
Kevin James is a great, underrated comedian. He should really get more recognition for his talent. He always cracks me up. Kevin's not a bland comic, yet he doesn't go over-the-top. He has just the right anecdote to produce big laughs. By the way, he hosted the "People's Choice Awards" and he was great! It was hilarious when he walked off stage in his boxers.
Jerry Stiller, thankfully, gets the chance to once again display his incredible talent. He was memorable as Frank Costanza on "Seinfeld" and he's actually given a role that lives up to it. I guess you can say he's the one "Seinfeld" cast member, as of now, who's still a television success.
Leah Remini is a beautiful actress. She is great to look at, and has a superb sense of timing. She holds her own, not getting upstaged by the two professional comedians.
If you haven't checked out the show as of yet, I really suggest you do. It's one of the few funny shows on television. I'm really discerning when it comes to sitcoms, so take my word for it--it's great!
My score: 8 (out of 10)
Now, most sitcoms depend a lot on forced humor. This show doesn't. The writing and performances are very natural. And I never watch the show without getting at least 10 good laughs.
Kevin James is a great, underrated comedian. He should really get more recognition for his talent. He always cracks me up. Kevin's not a bland comic, yet he doesn't go over-the-top. He has just the right anecdote to produce big laughs. By the way, he hosted the "People's Choice Awards" and he was great! It was hilarious when he walked off stage in his boxers.
Jerry Stiller, thankfully, gets the chance to once again display his incredible talent. He was memorable as Frank Costanza on "Seinfeld" and he's actually given a role that lives up to it. I guess you can say he's the one "Seinfeld" cast member, as of now, who's still a television success.
Leah Remini is a beautiful actress. She is great to look at, and has a superb sense of timing. She holds her own, not getting upstaged by the two professional comedians.
If you haven't checked out the show as of yet, I really suggest you do. It's one of the few funny shows on television. I'm really discerning when it comes to sitcoms, so take my word for it--it's great!
My score: 8 (out of 10)
- mattymatt4ever
- Feb 26, 2002
- Permalink
Let's get this out the way now - this show is basically a fat man's fantasy. It involves a very overweight and petulant manchild who just happens to be married to a stunning model-like wife, who not only has regular sex with him, but heavily mothers him too. He constantly indulges in underhanded and emotionally hurtful tactics to hang with his buddies and drink beer, or even just to get out of responsibility, and she regularly forgives him for it.
The saving grace is that this show is absolutely hilarious! Kevin James and Leah Remini work great together, and their comic chemistry is absolutely spot on. James is highly physical despite his large stature and he puts his all into a skit. Remini matches her co-star with impeccable timing and vocal mannerisms which had me belly laughing. She's playing the typical straight character, but she can absolutely do the goof just as well as the others.
Of course, one cannot review this show without mentioning the late great Jerry Stiller - father of Ben Stiller (who makes a guest appearance in the show). Jerry's portrayal of the "crazy old man" is spot on, and having someone who has worked in the business for such a long time is a huge asset. There is some question to portraying his awkward madness as a socialist (as hinted in the show) but I don't think it was malicious.
The show is heavy on the laughs, but the stars can reign it in and go serious when the occasion calls for it, and all the performers have the necessary dramatic acting chops to handle some of the more heavy storylines.
King of Queens (despite sounding like a great name for a gay sitcom) is far better than 90% of other American TV shows, most of which I find very dreary, safe, and generic. For me its up there with Friends and Frasier in terms of comedy, yet it was always seen as a third-tier show with many people having not even heard of it.
So, do yourself a favour and check out this absolute gem of a show!
The saving grace is that this show is absolutely hilarious! Kevin James and Leah Remini work great together, and their comic chemistry is absolutely spot on. James is highly physical despite his large stature and he puts his all into a skit. Remini matches her co-star with impeccable timing and vocal mannerisms which had me belly laughing. She's playing the typical straight character, but she can absolutely do the goof just as well as the others.
Of course, one cannot review this show without mentioning the late great Jerry Stiller - father of Ben Stiller (who makes a guest appearance in the show). Jerry's portrayal of the "crazy old man" is spot on, and having someone who has worked in the business for such a long time is a huge asset. There is some question to portraying his awkward madness as a socialist (as hinted in the show) but I don't think it was malicious.
The show is heavy on the laughs, but the stars can reign it in and go serious when the occasion calls for it, and all the performers have the necessary dramatic acting chops to handle some of the more heavy storylines.
King of Queens (despite sounding like a great name for a gay sitcom) is far better than 90% of other American TV shows, most of which I find very dreary, safe, and generic. For me its up there with Friends and Frasier in terms of comedy, yet it was always seen as a third-tier show with many people having not even heard of it.
So, do yourself a favour and check out this absolute gem of a show!
Love the blend of characters and the frustrating situations they get into - mostly love Jerry Stiller's character - we lost a great comedy actor when he left us!
Can't understand why this is called The "King" of Queens when it is quite clear Doug is not the King of his own home let alone Queens, a more realistic title would be "Carrie is always right" because everything has to be her way or no way which can be quite annoying, Arthur Spooner is Frank Costanza imported from Seinfeld which makes Jerry Stiller look like a one trick pony who can only play eccentric angry old men which I am sure is not true, some of the episodes are quite entertaining but some others are bordering on farce and leave you feeling embarrassed on the characters behalf, I sometimes quite like the show but can't help thinking it is a poor man's Everybody Loves Raymond.
- feeney_martin
- Dec 29, 2006
- Permalink
Simply, one of the greatest US sitcoms...ever!
I'm still watching re-runs to this day (Aug 2021).
I'm still watching re-runs to this day (Aug 2021).
- Go_For_The_Jugular
- Aug 29, 2021
- Permalink
King of Queens is a great series to watch. They do mess up with some errors in writing from time to time, but are one of those series where episodes are there own entity. Good series to relax and enjoy with.
I am not from USA, but I watched many american tv shows. This is not the best show I have ever watched, not the best scenario or acting, but I adore this sitcom! First thing I noticed is that this show is real. They are not famous, rich people, not lawyers, surgeons... Doug and Carrie are real couple, with real friends and problems we all can relate to. This is show about middle class family, marriage, family, problems with money... our life is
full of things like those. It made me laugh so many times! Unfortunately as the time passes, show wasn't what it used to be. But, it has never been boring! I enjoyed all the way!
The show is solid. Casting is good. Some real comedy gold moments but one thing always holds every episode back.. The constant musical bits between each character moment. The episodes aren't long but between each take there's music, an tho it only takes up a few seconds, over the course of each episode it did ruin the momentum. I love the cross Ives with Ray barone. Generally when I watch the show I'm looking for particular episodes to record as I didn't really care much for the supporting cast but overall its a very funny and charming show. You also have episodes ending abruptly, like the episode where Carrie finds out her dad lost her name and dug and Ray go clubbing. They just end without conclusion. If only they'd cut out the music between takes and put more time to wrapping each episode up. This show would of then been a 10/10 tho it's still very good and alot of episodes are very enjoyable.
- twanster-97655
- Oct 6, 2019
- Permalink
I absolutely adore this show! The chemistry between Leah Remini and Kevin James is remarkable. The two of them act really well together and make it appear as if they are a real couple. Jerry Stiller is phenomenal as well and absolutely hilarious! Almost every episode is relatable to just about any American. Sure Doug can be selfish at times but by the end of the episode he realizes it and apologizes. All in all this is a very well rounded show and I like the casting choices.
- jenkothetarheel
- Nov 1, 2020
- Permalink
This sitcom is not particularly amazing, it's not all that funny, the characters aren't that great, Arthur completely carries the show and episodes without him feel inferior. But with all that said, I found myself watching reruns of this show far more than any other mediocre sitcom from the early aughts. There's just something about it I can't quite put my finger on. This is a very watchable show with a few truly great moments.
- mattatthemovies
- Aug 22, 2022
- Permalink
I can't help but be completely annoyed by this sitcom. It's like they didn't even bothered trying ro write good comedy, just rehash third rate jokes and hope it sticks. The worst of all this is that it's all so damm uninteresting and lacking in every way.
To make things worse leading man Kevin James has a permanent "I'm so funny" smug grin on his face that would be tolerable if only he once delivered in the comedy department, which he doesn't, he just lies there doing nothing like a big unfunny baby. Which takes me to the relationship between the Heffernan's- easily the most insincere and poor representation of a married couple on any TV show, really headache inducingly obnoxious Remini spends the whole show as if it where a violent chore to even be around her own husband. Jerry Stiller yanking the few laughs on the show is doing a 100% repetition of his role as Frank Costanza in Seinfeld only this time his hints mostly tread on water due to the inability of the central duo in recognizing a joke even if it flew by them. The episodes just drift along in a stream of nothingness, their jobs add nothing and their interaction is even worse.
This is not even a waste of talent, there is no talent here, this is a laughless creative desert.
To make things worse leading man Kevin James has a permanent "I'm so funny" smug grin on his face that would be tolerable if only he once delivered in the comedy department, which he doesn't, he just lies there doing nothing like a big unfunny baby. Which takes me to the relationship between the Heffernan's- easily the most insincere and poor representation of a married couple on any TV show, really headache inducingly obnoxious Remini spends the whole show as if it where a violent chore to even be around her own husband. Jerry Stiller yanking the few laughs on the show is doing a 100% repetition of his role as Frank Costanza in Seinfeld only this time his hints mostly tread on water due to the inability of the central duo in recognizing a joke even if it flew by them. The episodes just drift along in a stream of nothingness, their jobs add nothing and their interaction is even worse.
This is not even a waste of talent, there is no talent here, this is a laughless creative desert.
- KingofCarrotFlowers
- Jun 19, 2006
- Permalink