This series wants to be a knee-deep-in-nostalgia network type show, but with cable attitude shoveled on top. Think AMC's old "Remember WENN," with a generous dosage of HBO freedom.
An older generation would have appreciated this, but will likely be turned off by some of the jarring inclusions, such as the TV writer (closeted male) who likes to be punched and raped (offscreen). Or, more writers engaging with a prostitute (offscreen), in a helicopter above one the writer's new home. Plenty of pointless "f bombs." It all just seems awkward.
Allowing a naive kid (19?) to be the center character is a mistake. The writers characters are too cartoonish. Think "30 Rock," but not written well. It has all been done before, with much more substance and humor.
Producer/writer Reiser was a guest 22 times with Carson, and I think 21 with Leno. He obviously saw it all happen, but this early 70s-set series does not feel authentic. Just silly.
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