Kirstie Alley, Bryan Callen and Rachael Harris need to be in every television show and movie (TV movies included) ever. The three of them are amazing. I have always been a fan of Kirstie's, but "Fat Actress" was my introduction to Callen and Harris. I can't believe I have never seen or heard of them before, they are amazing.
The fact that Kirstie was fat shouldn't really matter. What's wrong with a "fat actress" starring in a blockbuster film? There are plenty of fat and over weight men starring in films and television, but women? That's almost unheard of, and often scrutinised when they are. I applaud Kirstie for taking such a risk with "Fat Actress", as it is such a fantastic show, but in all honesty, i think to the general viewer it was mostly a "hit and miss" sort of show. A lot of the humor would have gone straight over the head of people who don't necessarily know what Kirstie, Bryan or Rachael were talking about.
Another gripe I have with the show overall is that it wasn't long enough. 7 episodes? Is that all we get?! I know she was losing weight towards the end of the series, but it would have been fantastic to have at least 12 episodes. The episodes that we do have though are hilarious and can be watched over and over again (if one desires).
Being sort of a mockumentary style show, as it isn't really a sitcom being that Kirstie is playing herself, the flow of the show is different to regular comedies, and there will be extended times where Kirstie, Bryan and Rachael will just be sitting down talking - which is fine, they were some of the funniest moments! Be warned though, there is a lot of swearing! Kirstie is in top form here, as usual, her comic timing is great, and she (despite making fun of herself) carries so much sophistication with her. Bryan Callen is a real hottie, and amazingly funny. Rachael Harris has the best hair, and she is super smart. The DVD features an episode with commentary by the three of them, and it is so fun to hear them talking about their show. They seem to all really get on well, and enjoyed working on the show.
Their are guest stars galore in "Fat Actress", from Kirstie's good friend John Travolta playing himself, and his wife Kelly Preston playing super-bitch Quinn Taylor Scott who eats tissue paper for lunch, to NBC executive Jeff Zucker playing himself (so funny), Melissa Gilbert and Rhea Perlman both make small appearances, McG plays himself, Leah Remini is terrific playing herself, and Mayim Bialik is awesome, but only features in two episodes. There is also a lot of name dropping and references to Kirstie's other works, which is very fun.
So, while the series was short lived, this seven-episode show was a terrific gem. I hope to see a lot more of Bryan and Rachael in the future, and that Kirstie continues her success throughout her career. Overall, I give this series 8/10, it losing points for reasons mentioned earlier. Give it a watch, as long as you prepare to be offended, and end up laughing hard out.
