What? MIKE & MOLLY is a comedy about a working class Chicago couple who find love at an Overeaters Anonymous meeting. Officer Mike Biggs is a good-hearted cop who sincerely wants to lose weight. Mike’s partner, Officer Carl McMillan, is a thin, fast-talking wise-guy who, despite his teasing, encourages Mike on his road to slimness and romance. While speaking at an O.A. meeting, Mike meets Molly Flynn, an instantly likeable fourth-grade teacher with a good sense of humor about her curves. For Molly, focusing on smart choices isn’t easy while living with her sexy older sister, Victoria, and their mother, Joyce, both of whom flaunt their effortless figures while indulging their healthy appetites right in front of her. Mike also faces temptation at the diner that he and Carl frequent, where they’ve become friends with a Senegalese waiter, Samuel, to whom dieting is a foreign concept. Mike and Molly found each other in the most unexpected of places. Now, they’re about to find out where their quest for companionship will take them.

Who? Stars Billy Gardell as Mike; Reno Wilson as Carl, Melissa McCarthy as Molly, Katy Mixon as Victoria, Swoosie Kurtz as Joyce, and Nyambi Nyambi as Samuel.  The series is executive produced by Chuck Lorre (TWO AND A HALF MEN, THE BIG BANG THEORY) and Mark Roberts (TWO AND A HALF MEN).  Pilot was written by Roberts and directed by veteran director Jim Burrows.

Where/When? CBS, 9:30/8:30c Mondays following all new episodes of TWO AND A HALF MEN.

Why (Why Not)? I was very nervous going into screening MIKE AND MOLLY that I would be offended by the idea of two plus size stars being made fun of for their size.  What I found when I watched was a comedy with heart that doesn’t offend in the least bit.  Melissa McCarthy was always one of my favorite parts of GILMORE GIRLS, and she’s delightful here, especially when dealing with her family.  Billy Gardell is another guy that is always funny.  And he’s charming, too.  The major downside, aside from the trouble I have believing Swoosie Kurtz has ever had children with her too-thin frame, is that I don’t necessarily buy Mike and Molly as a couple and for a show that’s all about them dealing with life as an OA attending couple, that’s a big deal.  It’s a show I won’t seek out, but a show I won’t mind catching on the DVR or in reruns!

How? Definitely DVR and watch when time permits!