I'm Alan Partridge, Series 1Coogan =
The Larry Sanders Show, 4.16This episode pulls off a pretty remarkable trick; it’s the usual backstage showbiz satire but in the final minutes of the episode they create an actual classic, on-air moment within the show within the show. TLSS can certainly be cynical, but at this moment you get a sense of how reverential Shandling is of the late-night comedy format, as corny as it may be. Extra points for k.d. land and Scott Thompson talking curling and Chatelaine.
Modern Family, something from the current seasonThis has gone from pleasantly middling to borderline awful. Julie Bowen is the least capable comic performer on TV.
The PJs, 1.1 – 1.3 It’s not racist if Larry Wilmore says it isn’t, obviously. The running HUD jokes are good.
Roseanne, Season 1 –Season 5 (122 episodes)The first four seasons are superb. With Becky’s departure at the very beginning of 5, the series is still strong but the golden age is definitely over.
Spaced, 1.1-1.2Borderline unwatchable.
Suburgatory, 1.1I feel like if something is labeled a satire, for some folks that means it’s inherently smart. Watching one episode is admittedly not a fair measure, but this felt really tired. If I ever watch it again, it’ll be to see if Sisto actually does it with his daughter.