The Guest Book (2017–2018) User Reviews (49)

anthology style TV comedy show

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 28 September 2019]

Mount Trace Realty is a mountain vacation retreat where one rents Froggy Cottage from married couple Wilfred (Charles Robinson) and Emma (Aloma Wright). Their nephew Eddie (Eddie Steeples) has various menial jobs. Local stripper Vivian (Carly Jibson) runs a blackmail scam with her adopted stepson Frank (Lou Wilson). Dr. Andrew Brown (Garret Dillahunt) lives next door with his son. Officer Kimberly Leahy (Kellie Martin) is the local sheriff. The renters have crazy adventures and write them down in the guest book. In the second season, Vivian hitches a run with Eddie on his way out of town. They find themselves involved with a different rental house and another guest book.

Creator Greg Garcia got a concept which leaves the show in an unusual anthology style. Each episode is about new guests. It's a style better fit for dramas. Comedies do need constant leads with whom a relationship can be built between the viewer and the show. It is unusual but eventually the recurring roles keep the show anchored more than the guest book premise. The guest book becomes nothing more than a McGuffin and even less than that. Greg's humor is still fun and he brings back quite a few of his cohorts. I don't usually write the reviews until the show is canceled and then I hear Greg's comments on a podcast. I certainly hope that he's joking about retirement.

If you want to try this out, see Episode 8

[stick500 · 8/10 · 11 October 2018]

If you're at all interested in this show, first watch Episode 8 with Jenna Fisher in the one about the Alzheimer's patient. If that one doesn't get you hooked, than this isn't your kind of humor. The very first episode was the weakest in the bunch and isn't a good indication of the laughs to come. Certainly in the same comedy vein as My Name is Earl and The Last Man on Earth. Really glad to see there's a Season 2 on the way!

Crazy in and out going's on in a mountain cabin town of different people!

[blanbrn · 8/10 · 17 August 2017]

"TBS" has a new wild little series called "The Guest Book" as each week a different story takes place as characters move in and out of a mountain cabin getaway retreat. And each episode is funny and crazy with far out with happenings as each character faces his or her own problems with a lot of baggage. Plus each episode has some sexy scenes and many well known guest stars visit the series. This comedy series proves that life is fun, and not what to expect and that thru travel and fun escape happens while letting one's wild side come out and take over! Overall well done comedy series that one should enjoy because it doesn't take things to serious all while going over the top with some crazy stories and characters.

Lame reviews

[hoshonthefly · 31 December 2017]

IMDB reviews come up lame for this show - this show has subtle humour that has escaped the reviewer - time to hire some people who report the positives of programs , not always finding ways to be negative - chimps can do that

I loved this show, until today.

[lostdom · 6/10 · 16 November 2018]

Do you know what killed Dad's? Vomit on screen. Normal people don't want to SEE the vomit. You lost me tonight with all of the on-screen vomit. I hate you for doing that to me. Fire the writer who suggested it.

10 out of 10!!

[mynameisgreg-75144 · 10/10 · 8 August 2017]

Love it! I had heard about this show and was really excited to see it on TBS. Wow. Was it great. I couldn't recommend it more. Anyone that doesn't like is insane. And yes, as mentioned, it's dirty so don't let your kids watch. Bu man oh man is it funny. And the actors are amazing. And whoever the DP was did an amazing job. More please! I hope there is a season two.

as of now kind of a hit and miss

[chrisdye-62271 · 6/10 · 30 August 2017]

OK I watched the back to back episode of this show and one I really liked however the other episode had a rather rude confession scene mocking God but on the flip side I seen other episodes since that one and have really enjoyed them and they have managed to keep getting funnier as the show moves along as of now my favorite episode has been the one with 'jamie presly' now that's the kind of laughs I wanted from the begging

This is My Name is Earl 2.0

[thom-gillespie · 10/10 · 11 August 2017]

I watched the first episode and was not sold and didn't plan to watch anymore but stumbled on episode 3 and was totally blown away. This is basically Room 104 done right with an incredible sense of humor, good dialog, great acting and no laugh track.

Highly recommended.

The first season was great

[interestingstuff · 6/10 · 11 July 2022]

I really liked the first season and found it to be great but I don't get the point of the second season. They should have just ended the show after the first season instead of ruining it with that pointless season which felt dragged and went nowhere.

The best thing about this show is Honeyhoney's music though. I really enjoyed songs they played at the end of each episode.

creative stories

[adggurl · 10/10 · 8 August 2017]

i turned on the television with my wife the other night and found this program. we watched the first one and laughed so hard. didn't know there was a second one til the first one ended. that was a good surprise. the people who live in the town are hilarious and we will watching week after week. the big stripper was funny. my wife likes the raising hope dad neighbor. good writing and really creative show.

More seasons of Guestbook!

[kerrygerard58 · 10/10 · 30 March 2022]

I cackled out loud. I need more of this in my life.

The characters, amazing actors, the storyline! I don't want it to end. Please make another season. The reality of 2022 is unbearable. I need comedic relief. Save me from this apocalyptic nightmare we refer to as reality. Y'all funny, unapologetic, and enlightening. Thank you for helping me repair myself.

The one liners make me laugh outloud. I need this phantasmagorical display of humans. One day when I'm older I can only hope to be this funny.

Strippers, blackmail, cops, doctors, arrows, children?

Keep up the good work.

Please write tons trivia. That's what brings me peace, the idiotic syncrasies.

More please!

Great 1st Season - WTF 2nd Season

[KenW-3 · 3/10 · 24 October 2018]

The first season was great. Just watched the first two episodes of season 2, and this isn't even the same show. Did you lose all of the writers? It's just gotten weird, but not in a quirky fun way.

Refreshing New Comedy

[tamalagreen-50537 · 10/10 · 8 August 2017]

I enjoyed the first two episodes and look forward to see where this is going. Great cast of characters and actors. I like the unique way there are reoccurring characters and new characters every show. It definitely has Greg Garcia's signature style. If you like "My Name is Earl" you'll probably like this one too.

Curiously delightful! And no laugh track is necessary!

[Ed-Shullivan · 10/10 · 9 January 2018]

As far as the definition of black comedy goes this comedy television series makes light of such matters as infidelity, drug use, attempted murder, and even extortion which personifies what taboo TV was in the first half century of family television viewing on many of the older comedy TV shows. The Guest Book is welcoming in an new era of what mainstream TV audiences will view as a curiously delightful half hour sitcom far removed from the original concept of family TV viewing such as The Lucy Show, My Favorite Martian, or I Dream Of Jeannie used to represent to comedy.

This is a hilarious black comedy TV series that revolves around the seasoned character actor Charles Robinson (most likely remembered for his character on 180 episodes of the 1984-1992 TV series Night Court as court appointee Mac Robinson). Charles Robinson who plays Wilfred and his wife Emma, played by Aloma Wright run a cottage for rent in a tiny remote town where people come to forget about their troubles.

One of the people who has come to get away from his marital troubles is Doctor Brown played by Garret Dillahunt. Dr. Brown is estranged from his wife and his ten (10) year old son who he dearly misses. The local town Officer Kimberly Leahy played by Kellie Martin is smitten with the good looking Dr. Brown and she wants to get to know Dr. Brown a lot more intimatley.

There is also the towns local watering hole, a titty bar run by an extortionist named Vivian played by Carly Jibson who uses her radar power to seek out weak gentlemen that she can videotape in compromising positions. One of her victims is the motel manager Wilfred who she extorts to provide her with free motel rooms where she can continue to extort more male victims.

So each week we see new motel guests visit this picturesque rural area with a local grocery store and titty bar, and each week we see some new characters personal stories come to life which makes us laugh because in truth, we wish in some small way we could live the lives (even vicariously) these losers are living.

I give "The Guest Book" a solid 8 out of 10 rating and I trust season 2 will be filled with a whole new group of visitors to this motel community who getto sign their guest book. What a hoot!

Thoroughly enjoyed the first two episodes

[ahernj-91122 · 10/10 · 8 August 2017]

The Guest Book is a new TBS anthology comedy from creator Greg Garcia (My Name is Earl; Raising Hope) and it certainly delivers. This is Garcia's first foray into the cable world and so far I'm loving it. Being a cable show, it doesn't have to cater to your broadcast network standards and practices, and as a result, the jokes don't have to be played safe. That being said, this one is definitely not for the kids. But after you and your significant other put the kids to bed, be sure to check out this show for a lot of solid laughs thanks to a bevy of wacky characters. Even though it's an anthology series and you'll see new guests every week, it doesn't appear to just be standalone episodes. The townsfolk seem to have some developing story lines, which is nice to see and makes this series more cohesive than just your regular anthology. I will be checking back in to Froggy Cottage next week.

A unique comedy series with great writing, and a superb cast of both regular and guest stars

[Ed-Shullivan · 10/10 · 2 March 2019]

I loved this comedy series and how we are first introduced into this shows mysterious yet comedic band of regular series characters, as well as each episodes guest stars as they rent a room at Froggy cottage. In the first/pilot epiosde Tim's wife Sandy recently had a baby so she has been more than a bit cranky lately so Tim decides to get a babysitter and take Sandy to a cottage resort. Sandy is in no mood (at first) for sex and she demands that Tim get her a humidifer from the nearest Bed Bath and Beyond store which is an hour drive away. While driving back with Sandy's new humidifier Tim notice's a local titty bar establishment so he decides to make a quick pit stop and get a private dance from the hefty local stripper Vivian which ends up as expected with Tim getting a happy ending.

Little does Tim know that Vivian has had her stepson Frank video tape their intimate experience in the private dance room and now Tim is panicking that his wife will find out about his little impromptu strip club sexcapade.

The Guest Book is where each guest writes/narrates what their storyline is about and the half hour sitcom was over before Mrs. Shullivan and I even knew it was finished too quickly. We want more and more guests going to Froggt cottage resort and hear more comedic stories. It's a great little hidden gem that should be a must see.

It is both unique and hilarious.

Not a hit in my "book"....

[wildsparrow16 · 5/10 · 16 August 2017]

I am a huge fan of Wrecked, and some other TBS shows, but this one was a miss for me. I loved My Name is Earl, so I thought I would like this, plus the premise seemed like it could make for a funny show. But it is not. The characters are obnoxious, sleazy and not particularly funny. I may give it one more episode - maybe. But this show makes me want to take a shower because the characters are just so scuzzy.

Hilarious

[schneidermys · 9/10 · 26 October 2018]

Just started watching season 2 after loving season 1!!! Can't wait to see what else they get away with on regular TV. The list of famous people is amazing on this show. Check it out for yourself!

Love It

[adair0956 · 10/10 · 16 September 2017]

I loved this show. I'm 61, it's definitely adult, & sometimes I can't believe what they get away with putting on TV, but I love it. It's very funny, upbeat, & I the like the variety of stories & characters. The music is good too, with musicians appearing in each episode. I've recommended it to my daughter & my sister.

I love this show

[ralph25911 · 10/10 · 15 December 2019]

There's everything about it that I absolutely love about this show, it's quirky, has so many scenarios it's kept me rivetted. Now tickled could do with a dressing down for her scheming skills. Can't wait for season 3.

This show is hilarious!

[banningdl · 10/10 · 7 September 2018]

Love, Love it! I laughed so much. Just as good as My Name is Earl. Maybe better. I can't wait to see Season 2.

Loved season 1; season 2 total disappointment so far

[sukid · 5/10 · 22 November 2018]

10 stars for season 1; 1 for season 2. We really enjoyed season 1 and looked forward to season 2. Caught the first episode two days ago and the writing was so bad.... more crude than clever like season 1. Hoping there's a chance it shifts back to something we will watch

Luv'n it ! !

[cekadah · 10/10 · 24 September 2017]

Every episode has been and 'is' a perfect hoot!

The characterizations by the actors are spot on and without flaw. The writers have created a delightful atmosphere of quirky oddball situations that are flavored with just the right amount of comedy without being over the top dumb.

Anybody that cannot laugh and enjoy this series has a serious lack of levity in their life.

----------- 2nd season 5 stars *****

How can this marvelous show from season 1 tank so quickly in season 2 ? Because Gregory Garcia seems more interested in making the show about his own mind rather than the story of the renters relating their story of what happened to them while renting the guest house.--- does that make sense?

You need a break at Froggy Cottage!

[happyart-96487 · 10/10 · 25 August 2017]

I love it! Especially episode 2. It tells you exactly what religion is: A sham! Indoctrination... The actors are fabulous. The stories keep your attention. The humour is so twisted, it's so good! Anyway, send yourself away on a short weekend at Froggy Cottage, without the kids!You deserve a good laugh.

Love The Guest Book

[marleaums · 10/10 · 29 October 2017]

Just watched the first two episodes back to back and loved the humour (extra "u" for us Canucks!) Although each episode is a different story, there are aspects that carry over from the previous. But you have to pay attention or you will miss something! I also like how the first episode was quickly revisited in a novel way at the beginning of the second.

Keep up the good work. I am setting my DVR to more CMT shows like The Guest Book and Blackish :) Martine