So, How Is: Go On

Although there is no shortage of great and hilarious comedies on TV today (such as Parks and Recreation, Happy Endings, and Archer, just to name a few at the top), NBC's Go On, which currently airs in the extremely sitcom-crowded Tuesday 9pm slot, has proved to be the best one of the new season so far. Now about halfway into its first season, Go On has demonstrated itself to be much more than just "the Matthew Perry show," with a large cast made up of multidimensional characters instead of dull and over-done caricatures. These fully developed characters allow the show to be a true ensemble comedy, both funny and heartfelt, in the vein of Modern Family.

The premise has recent widower Ryan King (Matthew Perry) join a therapy group to work through his grief so he can go back to work. The role is another wisecracking extension of Friends' Chandler Bing, only as a sportscaster. Whether or not that sounds appealing to you, the real reason to tune in is for the rest of the stellar cast, led by Julie White as Ann, another widower in the group. While Ryan deflects his emotions with mockery, Ann coats everything in a bitter shell, still angry at her wife for failing to take better care of herself for her and their two kids (yes Ann is a lesbian, but that's merely an aspect of her character, rather than what defines it). Another member of the group who is much more than her character description is Sonia (Sarah Baker, Zach Galifianakis' wife in The Campaign), initially known as the crazy cat lady. Her comic timing works wonders when paired with any member of the cast and her sexual enthusiasm is always uncomfortably hilarious. Even the standard "probably actually insane one," Mr. K (Brett Gelman, who's beard should be familiar to comedy fans), has been giving both the group and the audience small insights into his life as a robotics technician, elevating him beyond just being Ryan's idolizer. Even the group's leader, Lauren (Laura Benanti), has been revealed to be only slightly more together than those she helps. With therapeutic training from Weight Watchers, Lauren's insecurities about her relationship with  her boyfriend Wyatt (a recurring Hayes MacArthur, another familiar face) have allowed her to be more than just the group's guide. So if you are able to stand Matthew Perry (which is probably a prerequisite since, lets face it, he is still the center), you'll be pleasantly surprised by this little show's fresh humor and genuine heart.