Matando el tiempo

I don't know how we managed to get this show in France (for cable viewers only) since it seems like it did not really meet its audience in the USA. Anyway, I think it is really funny and, although not as well written as Seinfeld its acting is even better... too bad it has been cancelled. I'm glad I taped all the episodes so that I can watch them again and again!

Of course, you have to take into account that I'm a huge Jennifer Grey fan and I really like AJ Langer. The first time I saw this show I thought it was horrible. I've since given it another chance and I really like it. It's quirky, funny, and interesting.

This show had the potential to be the next Seinfeld, unfortunately like Seinfeld, it needed the time to build an audience that would appreciate it. This is not a show for everyone (neither was Seinfeld) and if you are the type that likes to do other things while the TV plays in the background then you aren't going to get this show. It was clever (as a previous viewer noted, sometimes too clever) at times silly, and always worth the half hour.

A couple of things doomed it. It was preempted, and eventually removed to make room for five days a week of Who Wants to be a Millionaire, which of course flamed out quickly with that much exposure. The other was some of the humor that if you know L.A. you'll think is hilarious, but if you don't it will take time to learn how they are. I hate to keep referencing Seinfeld, but for those unfamiliar with New Yorkers it took awhile for people to understand how important a parking spot was. That's the way this show was. If you are unaware of the way police chases are televised daily like soap operas you won't be amused by them gathering by the TV. Likewise if you are unaware of "the valley" then the "safari" to the valley will be lost. All and all a really amusing show and a real shame it was never given the chance to build an audience.

"It's Like, You Know..." was an extremely funny sitcom that was clearly doomed from the start. The writing was always exceptionally sharp, but its humor was far too sophisticated for general television audiences. For instance, one memorable episode featured a documentary style, a French-speaking nun accompanied by subtitles, demographic pie charts, and repeated references to Lorrie Moore. Not exactly mainstream humor. (And all this in a single episode!) Most of the shows' jokes served to poke fun at the habits of Angelenos, and again, these are regional jokes that most people probably won't understand.

Hey, I loved "It's Like, You Know...," and I watched it every week. It was hilarious, and occasionally it was quite charming. But it hardly came as a surprise to me when the show was canceled. Seriously, there is such a thing as being too clever.

If you have ever lived in LA, then you will understand the bizarre truth underlying this show. You'd find the show hilarious and true, and very smart--a kind of Seinfeld for LA.

Jennifer Gray plays herself, after her plastic surgery when no one recognizes her anymore. There's an independently wealthy bald guy named Shrug who is exactly like someone I knew in LA, a shallow but good looking prouder, and a ditzy, sweet masseuse.

The shows are about getting work, getting dates, plastic surgery and traffic--meaning, it's about LA.

The unhappy New Yorker's view of LA is dead-on, as is the fact that he loves to complain about it, and then gets to like it.

The best episode is when they all had to stop everything they were doing and watch the skycopter follow a high-speed chase. This is also true to life.

Very funny, but probably too hip for the room. Too bad it didn't last. If it's on reruns anywhere, watch it!