Watching Sitcoms

Now that Big Bang Theory is down to repeats, I went to the library and took out lots of first season DVDs for old sitcoms that I used to know and love. Plus, I borrowed the first season of The Office from my nephew, as well. I’ve been pretty swamped for the last few days (I had 17 people at my house for dinner on Thanksgiving!!) but I still found time to watch a stray ep here and there.

One set of DVD’s that I got was the first season of Mad About You. My husband I used to love that show, which started around the time we got married and we always felt that Paul and Jamie were very much like we were. For one thing, they had the same bedspread as us, and the same bathroom items (like the toothbrush and soap holders). Also, they celebrated their anniversary in September (when we got married), Paul’s birthday in May and Jamie’s birthday in January, the same as us. Beyond which, my hubby also has a short common first name and I have a name that can be either girl or boy.

They always seemed to be doing or saying something that was just like something we’d just done or said. I’m not sure when we stopped watching, if we just ran out of time, or even of the show ended or something like that. I just don’t remember.

So we sat together and watched the first ep this week. I kinda remember it being funnier than it was, but maybe I was just distracted. The ep was about how Paul and Jamie never have any time together and Jamie’s being worried that they haven’t had sex in a week. (Obviously, they are newlyweds without kids or they’d know that married people never have sex!) Instead of the quiet evening they plan to spend together, Jamie’s sister, Paul’s best friend and another couple that they know all show up for dinner. On a side note, I don’t remember Paul’s “best friend” Shelby. I only remember his cousin, Ira. So perhaps that part was rewritten after the pilot ep.

Of course, this being sitcom land, everything works out and Paul and Jamie have sex in the kitchen while their guests are told to stay out of the room. It was actually funnier than I just made it sound. Just not as funny as I remember. If I get around to watching the rest, I’ll let you know.

The Big Bang Theory, Mad About You, Paul Reiser, Helen Hunt, The Office, Steve Carell