Comedy revival: 'Community' and 'Parks and Recreation'

Pictured: (l-r) Donald Glover as Troy, Danny Pudi as Abed on "Community." (NBC Photo: Chris Haston)One of the great joys (and surprises) of the Fall 2009 TV season is that after years in the TV desert, comedy is once again cool. It may not yet be king, but I definitely find myself more excited about TV's comedies than most of its dramas these days ("Mad Men" is an obvious exception).

ABC's "Modern Family" (9 p.m. Wednesday) is at the top of my must-watch comedy list but NBC's Thursday comedies are not far behind.

I've already sung the praises of the greatly improved "Parks and Recreation" (8:30 tonight, WPXI). which has another winning episode tonight that's Halloween-themed.

But I've also enjoyed watching "Community" (9 tonight, WPXI) develop. It's not as sure-footed as "Modern Family" and Jeff's (Joel McHale) pursuit of Britta (Mt. Lebanon native Gillian Jacobs) threatens to become repetitive, but I like seeing the ensemble players come into their own. That's especially true of Abed (Danny Pudi), a breakout character in the pilot who continues to make the strongest impression.

What comedies are you hooked on this season? Sign in (or register to sign in) and post your comments below.

Posted Oct 29 2009, 12:49 AM by Rob Owen
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Comments

Sirfuller wrote re: Comedy revival: 'Community' and 'Parks and Recreation'
on Thu, Oct 29 2009 1:36 AM

"Modern Family" is quickly becoming one of my favorites.

Traffic wrote re: Comedy revival: 'Community' and 'Parks and Recreation'
on Thu, Oct 29 2009 10:16 AM

I really like Community. I am not saying it is Friends or Seinfeld good/funny, but I actually look forward to watching TV on Thursday again.

I just starting watching the Office, so I, unlike others who may have grown tired of some aspects, find it very funny.

Glee may not be strictly a comedy, but I like that as well and was quite disappointed last night when I got home to see the World Series was on instead.

I wanted to like that Jenna Elfman show, and I have laughed a few times, but watch it only if I have nothing else to do.

V is now five days away. Hope that makes the cover of the TV Week!

Rob Owen wrote re: Comedy revival: 'Community' and 'Parks and Recreation'
on Thu, Oct 29 2009 11:07 AM

Traffic, you should be pleased with the covers of both TV Week *and* Sunday Mag.

Sirfuller wrote re: Comedy revival: 'Community' and 'Parks and Recreation'
on Thu, Oct 29 2009 9:34 PM

If only TV Week had a decent crossword puzzle :(