There is nothing more invigorating than a fall television premiere, especially after a drab summer season lacking in fresh programming. NBC's Thursday night lineup this week helped freshen things up.
NBC loaded its Thursday repertoire with four season premieres "Saturday Night Live Weekend Update Thursday," "Parks and Recreation," "The Office" and "Community" a mix of hysterical highlights and droll disappointments.
"SNL" began airing special Thursday night editions of their popular fake-news sketch during the lead-up to the 2008 presidential election, when record audiences were tuning into "SNL" thanks mostly to Tina Fey's impersonation of Sarah Palin.
Because this "Update" which stars Amy Poehler and Seth Meyers does not air on Saturday night, let alone the weekend, the title seems somewhat out of place, yet the show is certainly entertaining. Luckily, this past week offered enough humorous news to keep the half-hour installation full of jokes. Hopefully future weeks will offer enough fodder to keep the show fresh.
"Parks and Recreation" rounded off NBC's hour of Amy Poehler, as the series, which stars the comedienne-actress, premiered its second season at 8:30 p.m. After failing to live up to expectations last year, the show seems to finally be picking up speed. Peppered throughout the mediocre half-hour episode were genuinely funny moments, and although the series still feels like an "Office" imitation, it may finally be developing a real comedic presence.
There is not much to say about "The Office" that viewers don't already know this show is funny. The new season is no different, and the premiere delivered non-stop laughs. "The Office" continues to serve as the anchor in NBC's comedy lineup and undoubtedly will do so for years to come.
Lastly, rounding out the night of comedy at 9:30 p.m. was the network's new series "Community," featuring an all-star cast including "SNL" alum Chevy Chase and Joel McHale of E!'s "The Soup." The pilot is incredibly amusing, and manages to be both cute and crude at all the right moments.
With "The Office" and "Community" making triumphant debuts, along with decently entertaining premieres from the night's other programs, it seems as if we are seeing the return of "Must See TV," the advertising slogan coined by NBC for Thursday nights in the days of "Cheers," "Seinfeld" and "Friends."
