Episodes premieres tonight on BBC2/HD at 10/10:30PM.
It's a BBC/Showtime co-production about a British couple (Stephen Mangan, Tamsin Greig) trying to navigate their way through Hollywood after selling their critically acclaimed British show to the states. Matt LeBlanc stars as... Matt LeBlanc. Created by David Crane (Friends) and Jeffrey Klarik (Mad About You).
Critical reviews are quite divisive, with some loving its comedy styling and behind-the-scenes look at television production and the suits. Others loathing parts the 7-parter saying that it has potential for a good second season but this first one is bogged down with mean-spirited and almost-cartoon-like network heads and the real show lies in the comedy and drama among the central couple. Everyone agreed that it improved over the course of the series and is a better-formed show by the end. It's also unanimous that LeBlanc is the star of the show and rocks every scene he is in. His appearance in the pilot is shoe-horned in from a later episode.
I am absolutely watching.
Tis a bit of clever scheduling that this was the lead-in to the US (well-received) adaptation of Shameless last night, wherein the actual creator of the original has a say in what's going on. FTR, Shameless is great if you haven't seen the original; if you have, around the third episode new storylines start to kick in and it improves.
(BTW: Glee S2 launches on E4 tonight, but I guess you all knew that - decent opener!)
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The Cape premiered last night: it didn't do terribly, but I was expecting a huge drop-off from the first to second episode and it was incredibly consistent. I'm quite proud that the show done so well honestly. I was expecting a 2.2 start and it falling to a 1.7 18-49 or something, but NBC must have really sold it. Be interesting to see if them numbers stick. Esp on a monday - its regular night. Am doubtful.
Expect me to make a renewal post on Friday or something. All the broadcast nets are doing the TCA this week.