United States of Al

I confess I was somewhat predisposed to like this show because I am very fond of both of the lead actors. Moreover, I have lived overseas, so some of the humor about cross-cultural differences resonated with me in a way it might not have for everyone who tuned into the United States of Al. That being said, I see potential in this show.

While the pilot was not filled with non-stop laughter, there were a lot of cute moments and it served its purpose by conveying the storyline and providing insights into the main characters. Personally, I find the concept of this show appealing because it portrays a very plausible situation. Being able to look a the return of a soldier who served his country set up storylines that could both tickle your funny bone and pull at your heartstrings. Naturally, the inclusion of his one time translator opens up the fish out of water trope, as well as the possibility of some serious bromance.

What remains to be seen is whether or not the writers can pull all that together into a funny package, while avoiding the pitfalls most Network sitcoms are falling prey to these days. If the creators of this show continue to focus on the human element, storytelling, and jokes, this could become something special. Alternately, if they go the preachy route, turning this into a vehicle to push their preferred political ideology, there will be no saving it.

For now, I see enough of a spark that I will keep my fingers crossed and continue to watch...

As a veteran, and as the mother of two young men who went to war, I found this show to be a wonderful combination of humor and the realities of returning from a war zone.

I really like Al and his using his lifelong skills to help the world in which he now lives to adjust to his way of doing things. His fast talking his way into and out of trouble is a really cute aspect of his character that will lend itself to a lot of laughter in later shows.

I also like how they showed in the very beginning the love of the two men who saw the elephant standing side-by-side and came out on the other side alive.

As far as the laugh track, people reviewing this show, talking about how bad it is... Try to remember the first show was the pilot being filmed during a pandemic. If I had to guess, it would be that no audience was allowed to be there. But, that's just me using common sense and a lack of judgment because I choose to judge something AFTER I've seen it, rather than before.

This show is reminiscent of the sitcoms we used to watch on television. Everyone is who they are, even if it bothers some people, and the writers are great at capturing what life was like for military members who come back home after months in the sandbox, and their struggles readjusting to a life that no longer requires hypervigilance and sleeping with one eye open.

I also really like how Al gets involved in fixing his bro's marriage. It's not just the soldier who suffers when s/he returns from war, but the family, too. I like how the show gives us both sides of the trauma.

I hope this show enjoys a long run because I like it. A lot.

Edited to add: People seem to be complaining about the uniform not being "realistic." People... (SMH) It's sitcom, not a reality show. Most people wouldn't even notice this... Let it go!

First of all Asyir Kalyan overacted ad nauseam, so much that he ruined every scene But as the series is moving on, he has toned down and is effective . The premise could work especially if they develop the PTSD aspects . I like the other cast members, I am going to give this one a chance.

I thought it was a good show!! We laughed and for a pilot episode think that it's good enough to watch again!!

It's rare and about time that network comedies take a chance on a new challenging premise. Al is an Afghanistan legal immigrant who worked as a translator for the United States military. He comes to Columbus, Ohio where the American soldier and his family welcome him into their home. The sitcom needs time. The cast is fine but the show is stilling trying to find itself. The actor who played Al I'd not Afghani but he is talented an experienced. He was David spade's assistant in rules of engagement and played a Muslim foreign exchange student in another sitcom. I'm glad to see chs exploring other cultures and religions. I only wished they did it sooner.