Shelved

From the mind of Anthony Q. Farrell (writer for The Office, Overlord and the Underwoods), Shelved is a pretty expected single camera mundane and lighthearted workplace sitcom, centring around a small public library in Toronto, Ontario. The single season 8 episode series introduces us to all the library employees and a few of the regular visitors, and while quite enjoyable ultimately feels too short and relatively superficial. More of a trial season so far, I do hope future seasons get more episodes and flesh out character dynamics a bit more, but the writing was decent, the acting was decent, the set (basically just inside a library) was decent. A surprising amount of political and social issue commentary for a family sitcom, I didn't mind it, let out at least three audible laughs during its run, although I do wish they went a bit more of a nuanced route. It seems like most of the jokes basically wrote themselves, and they didn't go out of their way to create anything particularly clever, with any clear vision or passion, nor with any significant depth. Many are comparing this to The Office, however I'd say its much closer to Parks & Rec or Abbott Elementary in tone, and even closer to the likes of Superstore in quality and feeling like a daytime, innocent sitcom. Like Superstore again and unlike the others they spend no time justifying the existence of the camera and abandon the sort of "documentary" structure the others use, which is a totally fine if not preferred artistic choice from my point of view, however they now no longer have justification for the talking heads scenes, so these are missing and are missed. All said again its short so if you like these style of shows I would certainly recommend. I didn't love it, but I certainly didn't hate it.

It's just an average standard sitcom that doesn't really do anything to advance Canadian entertainment. Nothing really outstandingly good or bad here. People have told me the creator of the show is beloved by a lot of white executives in power. But I don't think he's a very strong TV writer. Not the best diverse voice Canada has but he is well-connected.

It's a very forgettable experience when you watch an episode. You don't feel compelled to come back so that will definitely hurt it.

But CTV could very well keep renewing this despite nobody watching because they need to have some Can Con and the diversity that is forced by the CRTC.

It's important to note that this is an actual sitcom though where you can see the clear jokes unlike CTV's "Children Ruin Everything" which is a cringe fest.

All the characters have a potential of having episodes based on the character. If I was to complain on the show, would be the character of Wendy being a little too nerdy......but the characters are all great, Jaq is just wonderful, Bryce adds old school. There are episodes that can be outside of the Library as well in the library the various characters add so much life and various story lines. The show has to be reviewed and rewritten for additional story lines and serious overtones with current life story's and of course funny / crazy story lines simple story lines. There is good diverse characters to put up several seasons of shows. Please write up season 2.

I have high hopes for this series. A typical office comedy series, with various character and their shenanigans. But sadly this is not it. The story itself doesn't bring us as the audience to care, or even knowing the characters personally. The characters heavily rely on the 'label'; the boss, the new worker, the mysognistic, the feminist, etc etc. Where's the funny? And what makes it even sadder, I hardly see the use of the public library as a setting. I only see they sort of 'interact' among the book, but not the actual job of librarians or what they actually do everyday. It feels like written by someone who seach about librarian's job and make a story about it.

I'm disappointed. After four episodes I decide to wave my white flag.

I think, for a first season, it's a good start.

I think Manager Wendy is too "otherworldly" for this. A lot of her lines sound like a badly written childrens' book. She's really unbelievable, the way she's written, and it's almost insulting if I'm honest.

Many of the characters are interesting but yeah - first season, underdeveloped; that's normal. Some good sight gags and punchlines - I lol'd once or twice. I like the pacing and the patter.

To be honest - I came here JUST to defend it cuz I knew it would take a beating but I don't want anyone to give up on it. I think it has SO much potential, and is ONE of the best ideas Canadian Television has had in a long time. Canadian TV has seemed to step up a little lately. I'm appreciating that.

Love the premise, love the path. Now just a little polish. I like it.