For those who are after some less demanding regularly scheduled programming, here are two lighter alternatives.
Glee
When Spanish teacher Will Schuester (Matthew Morrison) takes charge of the high school glee club, he’s got his work cut out for him. There aren’t enough members, there’s not enough money, and the head coach of the school’s competitive cheerleading squad, Sue Sylvester (the maliciously hilarious Jane Lynch), is trying her best to make the glee club fail. But somehow — and it’s less hokey in practice than in theory, I promise — Will’s faith in the kids brings out the best in all of them. (Cue triumphant musical number.)
At its best, “Glee” is a bitterly funny satire, a sweet and swoon-worthy romance, not to mention a technicolor venue for fun musical covers. Glee club divas Rachel Berry (Lea Michelle) and Mercedes Jones (Amber Riley) give standout performances every time they’re allowed to sing. The audience also gets a taste of newly discovered but less refined talent with quarterback-turned-lead-vocalist Finn Hudson, played with charming earnestness by Cory Monteith. While many of the background players in the glee club still remain one note, the show is slowly fleshing them out. Chris Colfer did a great job balancing sensitivity with joyful flamboyance when his character, Kurt Hummel, came out to his father.
Though the kids have their fair share of romantic entanglements, the real couple to look out for is Will and germaphobic guidance counselor Emma Pillsbury (Jayma Mays). He’s married, she’s not up for an affair, but every time they’re together, the audience is reminded that they’re perfect for each other.
The tonal uncertainty and penchant for risk-taking in “Glee” means that some things work and others fall flat. However, like the titular glee club, it’s fun to watch because it’s not quite like anything else you’ve ever seen. Pay close attention to dialogue and props for a taste of dark humor and double entendre. Relish the chance to see talented and self-effacing guest stars. (Josh Groban and Kristin Chenoweth have already appeared.) Accept that some of the show’s musical numbers make less sense than others. And if you’re still not having a good time, just listen to the songs.
Wednesdays, 9 p.m., FOX
Community
“Community” has its snarky protagonist, Jeff (Joel McHale), sent to community college after being discovered practicing law with a bogus degree. To win the heart of his pretty classmate Britta (Gillian Jacobs), Jeff creates a ragtag Spanish study group. Things go awry in the romantic quest, but the group quickly develops into a dysfunctional pseudo-family, leading to a lot of broad and bizarre, but genuinely funny, moments.
NBC is pitching “Community” as the next comedy hit, complementing its 9 p.m. lead-in, “The Office.” But what makes “The Office” work is a heavy dose of heart to balance out the zaniness. While the people at Dunder-Mifflin sometimes approach caricature, everyone has plenty of layers to balance out the quirks. And Jim and Pam offer a realistic alternative within the show: They’ve been in on the joke from the beginning, as everyone else in their world remains clueless.
Adding layers of idiosyncrasies takes time, and it’s possible that’s all “Community” needs. Right now, it’s a fun show, but the characters are still cartoonish, and Jeff and Britta are no Jim and Pam. Still, resident study-group weirdo Abed (Danny Pudi) offers a nice dose of meta-humor with his commentary on how life resembles a TV show. And though that shtick could get old eventually, his nonsensical Spanish rapping skills probably won’t. Chevy Chase’s Pierce, the group’s insane patriarch, also has potential.
Basically, “Community” is an amusing show that doesn’t require a ton of commitment. Watch it when you need a good laugh, or if you’re too lazy to turn the TV off after “The Office” ends.
Thursdays, 9:30 p.m., NBC
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