SINGLE PARENTS – JAKE CHOI, KIMRIE LEWIS, LEIGHTON MEESTER, BRAD GARRETT, TARAN KILLAM

Tonight after MODERN FAMILY, the latest ABC comedy, SINGLE PARENTS (from Liz Meriwether and JJ Philbin), premieres.  The show stars Taran Killam as Will Cooper, a single dad who becomes the room parents for his adorable daughter’s classroom. Though they initially hate him and his gung ho helicopter parenting, the rest of the room’s single parents (get it) welcome him into their group, and I’d imagine, antics will then ensue.

Based on the trailers for the show, I was not at all impressed.  Thought it was a gimmick that would quickly over-stay its welcome.  But watching the first episode, I was charmed by the chemistry, the flow, and Will’s neuroses that eventually brings the group together. The kids are adorable; you can understand completely why this rag-tag bunch of single parents came together in the first place, and I found myself rooting for Will to get his ass in gear.

Taran Killam is deserving of a breakout and sandwiched between MODERN FAMILY in their 10th year, and ABC’s new answer to THIS IS US (with less crying…), A MILLION LITTLE THINGS, there’s a solid chance that this could be it. He’s over the top without trying too hard and his chemistry with eventual-leading-lady (because, duh) Leighton Meester is immeasurable.

Speaking of Meester, she’s a comedy gem that I really wish had gotten better material than last year’s MAKING HISTORY. She’s sharp, funny, and someone worth watching, especially here. The rest of the cast gets fleshed out in the first episode, as well, and it’s always good to see Brad Garrett!

I’m sure week after week, they’ll tire of the conceit that this show has to be (like a procedural) “single-parenting-fail-of-the-week” and we’ll see this square up to be a solid ensemble that could easily last a few seasons or beyond.  Give it a chance and let us know what you think!