ABC Picks Up Five Shows on the Funny Side

Each and every one of the following series recently given the green light by ABC has comedy thrown into the mix. A couple I’ve mentioned in the past.

Dramedies

CASTLE: In this crime-procedural dramedy, Nathan Fillion stars as the title character Nick Castle, a famous mystery novelist who is bored with his own success. When a real-life copycat murderer starts staging scenes from his novels, Nick partners with NYPD Detective Kate Beckett and realizes he loves the challenge and rush of helping solve the crime. However, Nick and Kate’s styles instantly clash, leading to both danger and a hint of romance. Nick is kept grounded by his Broadway diva mother, quick-witted teenage daughter, and long-suffering ex-wife, who is also his editor.

Regular Cast: Stana Katic as Beckett, Molly Quinn as Alexis, Susan Sullivan as Martha, Monet Mazur as Gina, and Ruben Santiago-Hudson as Captain Montgomery.

CUPID: Emmy winner Bobby Cannavale stars in this romantic dramedy as Trevor, who may or may not be the Roman god of love, Cupid, sent to earth to bring couples together. Trevor is in counseling with famous psychologist and self-help author Dr. Claire Allen, who is also dedicated to helping lonely hearts find their soul mates. While she agrees with his cause, she questions whether he’s crazy or really is Cupid.

Regular Cast: Sarah Paulson as Claire, Rick Gomez as Felix, and Camille Guaty as Lita.

THE UNUSUALS: A crime-procedural dramedy starring Amber Tamblyn as Casey Schraeger, who started as an NYPD vice detective before unexpectedly being transferred to the homicide division. She quickly realizes that everyone in her new department has a unique sense of humor, in addition to dirty little secrets.

Regular Cast: Joshua Close as Henry Cole, Monique Gabriela Curnen as Detective Allison Beaumont, Adam Goldberg as Detective Eric Delahoy, Terry Kinney as Sergeant Harvey Brown, Kai Lennox as Detective Ed Alvarez, Harold Perrineau as Detective Leo Banks, and Jeremy Renner as Detective Joe Walsh.

Sitcoms

BETTER OFF TED: A satirical office comedy about Ted (Jay Harrington), a successful yet morally conscious man who runs a research and development department at a morally questionable corporation called Veridian Technologies. No achievement is too weird (a suicidal turkey) and no invention too unorthodox (an edible metal that is hard as steel but bounces) for Veridian. Ted adores his seemingly perfect job and colleagues, until he begins to take a closer look at the company’s extremely questionable practices… especially when they try to cryogenically freeze one of Ted’s scientists for testing purposes.

Regular Cast: Andrea Anders as Linda, Portia de Rossi as Veronica, Jonathan Slavin as Phil, and Malcolm Barrett as Lem.

SINGLE WITH PARENTS: This sitcom revolves around star Alyssa Milano’s character Lou, a woman in her mid-30s with an intrusive and crazy blended family. She’s happy her divorced parents are leading exciting lives, although her father needs her too much as a surrogate parent, and her mother depends on her around the clock as a shrink and confidante. Still, Lou is determined to establish a fulfilling life for herself. The series is based on the experiences of executive producer and writer Kristin Newman.

Regular Cast: Beau Bridges as Joe, Amanda Detmer as Sasha, Meagen Fay as Nancy, Annie Potts as Elizabeth, and Eric Winter as Charlie.