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.
Add a Review
-
btoews1 March 2020
-
paudieconnolly7 June 2021Kevin 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.
-
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!
-
atlasmb24 July 2019In 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. -
danlman44719 October 2004I 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).
-
zakmorrisotl19 May 2020Arthur is a god amongst men. No one will ever compare
-
tammoseppelt12 August 2018Leah 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.
-
subwmn25 September 2020This 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.
-
ta-6064423 November 2022What isn't to like, with Doug as the loveable, average, everyman with a hot wife that tells it like she sees it and a wacky father-in-law taking the place of the sitcom kid.
The first seasons are the best because Carrie was more mellow and smiled and laughed more. In the later seasons they have Carrie yell about most things, but in the early episodes she'd only raise her voice when Doug did something really stupid.
What guy doesn't want a job he likes, good friends and a wife that doesn't just say "nothing is wrong"?
It isn't a show that set out to break boundaries or do cutting edge stories but it is entertaining and a nice half hour escape; with some really funny moments. -
vinny_styles1 October 2006I 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..
-
matthewreinink23 August 2022This 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.
-
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.
-
supernj26 October 2020King 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.
-
nealwcopeland26 January 2012I almost find this show as annoying as Everybody Loves Raymond. THe Husband in mind-numbingly childish and immature. The wife is downright mean and vile and just a nasty shrew of a women. And the Father in law that lives in the basement makes me want to hurl my TV out of the window. But worse yet every episode is the same...Kari will say to Doug in every episode "you are unbelievable" and believe me HE IS! I use to think shows like Roseanne were annoying but no I have changed my mind..clearly either I don't get shows like this and Everyone loves Raymond type Humor at all. I find it just quite insulting to be honest! it's really not funny that Doug and Keri's friends avoid them because they are horrible people to be around,what's funny about that.
-
mattymatt4ever27 February 2002I 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) -
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! -
mcsinteriors18 August 2020Just like with most shows, the show goes through some growing pains and changes the first season, but by the start of the third season (there's a total of nine seasons), this show becomes one of the funniest and best written sitcoms ever. I didn't even start watching it until it was off the air and in reruns. I can't believe I didn't try it sooner!!! 10 out of 10!!!
-
twanster-976557 October 2019The 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.
-
jenkothetarheel2 November 2020I 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.
-
feeney_martin30 December 2006Can'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.
-
tadted6 May 2021Love 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!
-
cartmannn-5315612 May 2021Even though I'm not a Kevin fan.... the show was still funny.
-
Go_For_The_Jugular30 August 2021Simply, one of the greatest US sitcoms...ever!
I'm still watching re-runs to this day (Aug 2021). -
policy13413 April 2008Just bought the first season of this show after sampling a few of them in reruns.
You get a real good feeling watching it. It doesn't have the most outrageous humour but it gives you solid laughs after you get into it. Kevin James is a very likable lead and Leah Remini and him do have great chemistry. You actually believe that they could be married although she is definitely way hotter than him which is also pointed out very often on the show.
Jerry Stiller is a great addition and does not merely do a re-hash of his Frank Costanza character from Seinfeld. He is an actual person, although a mildly warped person.
The changes from the pilot to the end were not forced as they are on a lot of other sitcoms, although you do wonder whatever happened to Carrie's sister. After the fourth episode she has completely disappeared. One thing though, I hated the Ray Barone episode. It completely destroyed my hope that this series didn't have to do some kind of weird crossover like they do on so many other shows, Empty Nest, Mad About You and The Drew Carey Show to name a few. Everybody loves Raymond was on the same network and Ray Romano is a good friend of Kevin James yes but come on. The plot twist of that particular episode seemed forced.
Anyway, minor quibble. The rest of the episodes of season one are well made and Kevin James is not made out to be a slob because of his weight like so many supporting characters on other shows. Very well done. -
sferg629 April 2007There is not one character on this sitcom with any redeeming qualities. They are all self-centered, obnoxious or two dimensional. My husband watches it, claiming that there is nothing else on, but I would rather watch nothing.
The only sitcom that I can think of that was worse was Yes, Dear. At least that one didn't get 9 seasons.
Being overweight does not make a comic genius, and Kevin James does not have the talent of John Goodman, Jackie Gleason or John Belushi. Leah Remini may have talent, but if so, she is wasted on the shrewish wife. Jerry Stiller is convincing as an annoying old man. Maybe there is a reason for that.
This is a perfect example of why sitcoms are derided.