Sullivan & Son

You should give this show a chance. There are harsh critics, yes, there are those who are downright haters, but they are not me and doubtfully, you! I know that some say that it reminds them of Cheers, even calling it a Cheers ripoff, but this is a new decade and many that will love it never even knew Cheers! Besides, I love it, and Cheers was a TV icon so what would be wrong with that?! It is a very decent show! I love when new shows are funny! Give it a try, you might love it, too! Pittsburgh, where this show is produced, is a very underrated city, at times. They have a fantastic city to share with the world. TBS is giving the USA an opportunity to see some of what Pittsburgh has to offer. Watch it and see for yourself.

I grew up on Cheers and Sullivan and Son seems like a failed attempt at that. The only focal point is centered on what's going on in the bar, the character that's always there until closing, the dim-witted character, the guy that knows everything, etc). It has all the makings of Cheers without any of the pizazz and well-thought out characterization.This show would be fine if it was a carbon-copy because Cheers is an iconic show and having a modern version would be great, but there's something severely lacking in this rendition. It's either the fact that we have to be reminded of Steve Byrne's biracial identity (literally each episode, the mother or father will say, "oh but you're half"), the flat punchline, the obnoxious laugh track, or the bad line delivery/bad timing that make this show mediocre at best. Bad timing especially is the show's weakest link.

With other shows you get to know the characters and so when they're suddenly forced into a new situation, it's hilarious because it's so alien. In this show however, they skim the surface of every character and then force them into a situation as if we've known them for years (for example, Owen, the not-so bright character does these amazing things when the bar closes down, but it happens all in one episode. It'd be more witty and satisfying for the audience to see him in each episode come in in different attire. Like, one day he's dressed in a suit and says, "I work for the bank now." or another day he's a post-man, another he's working at the homeless shelter, etc. While I appreciate a show that has an interracial setting (the first of its kind, I think), the script seems rehashed and flat.

I really wanted to like this show. I am a fan of Steve Bryne. He is a very funny guy if you have not seen his stand up check it out on youtube...but I just could not get into the show. I gave it three episodes and gave up. Here is the problem with this show the writers are missing the second act. There should be a first act, a second act, and a third act but with Sullivan and Son there is no second act. They completely skip it sometimes there is not even a third act. For example there was an episode with Steve's best friend where the bar is shut down and he goes off to get a real job. This could be interesting if you actually see him actually working and trying to be a real adult but you really don't see any of that. This is pretty much what happen... hey guys I have a real job now and end of the show hey guys that job was not for me......whats the point of even having that as a storyline if you are going to go in detail with it. Just so you can use it to have a few semi funny one liners? The show does not do enough or involve you enough with the characters and the story for you to enjoy the show.

Dan Lauria stars in a sitcom about a bar owner, Mr. Sullivan, who sells the bar to his son, Steven Sullivan, who has given up a lucrative law career in New York City. He goes home to Pittsburgh to see his family and realizes what he's missing. The cast is first rate with a stern Korean mother in a scene stealing role. Other characters include regular barflies played by Christine Ebersole (Carol Walsh) and Brian Doyle Murray who always worth watching. The show has some bumps and needs improvement in some areas but they're really worth watching. I love a good sitcom even with it's faults. You'll laugh, be offended, but you'll enjoy it if you give it a chance to succeed.

I was in Austin and saw an advance screening of the pilot. And it's hysterically funny, and it's nice, it's a family run bar, so it has real emotions and laughs. Found myself rooting for all the characters, laughing, and even teared up a little in the end. Great show.

Steve Byrne as the lead, is charming, and one of the better stand-up actors I have seen, when he says, "I want a good life," you believe him and it's moving, rare for a sitcom these days. It has Dan Lauria, the father from Wonder Years, who is great in this, he's the dad you'd want, if he ran a bar. The mother, Jodi Long, is priceless as the Korean mother. Her and the sister Susan get some of the best laughs.

Valerie Azlynn is so cute, sweet, and tough, nice strong woman combination, and she's hysterical. The jokes are funny, and it's daring comedy with the barfly Christine Ebersole as the former groupie, and Brian Doyle-Murray as the old white racist.

All of the friends and patrons of the bar are great too, can't wait to see more.