Let's just get this out of the way: My Boys isn't a very good show. Calling it mediocre is even going too far. However, I can't be the only one that's watching it, because the TBS sitcom is already a few episodes into its third season. That's right - My Boys has actually been somewhat of a minor success for TBS, partially due to some wise scheduling. Save for the first half of season one, My Boys is always on during the spring and summer months when - surprise - there isn't much else to compete with. The show might not be great, but hey, new TV is better than no TV.
After season two's Italian villa wedding disaster "who kissed who?" cliffhanger, I had pretty much given up on the show. I mean c'mon, that was a bad finale. But then I got this press kit in the mail:
Needless to say, that was a few weeks ago and I'm only getting around to opening it up now. Not like the contents of the box were a surprise or anything. Everything packaged is pictured right on the front!
So the box had been sitting in my office for days now and after swearing I wouldn't watch this show again, I did. Wasn't planned. It was still scheduled on my DVR and just like that, two new episodes showed up. If you watch My Boys then you know why I finally caved and opened the box - moustaches. Good show, bad show, mediocre show - moustaches are funny. "Welcome Back, Kalla Fotter" and "Private Eyes" were actually pretty decent episodes. However, the press kit? Not so much. Some playing cards, mints, bottle opener, a tee-shirt that feels like it's made out of tissue paper, a Dating for Dummies novelty book, and a few episodes on DVD (which came separately from TBS, but I'm including in the picture above):
Too bad it was the two episodes I had already watched. Oh well, at least it came in some nice packaging that I can actually display on a shelf. Anything but one of those dusty eco-friendly cardboard DVD sleeves that sheds paper fibers all over the place.
There was one other item that caught my eye though:
See that next to the notepad? It's a pretty slick brushed metal Mercedes Benz key chain. The reasoning behind its inclusion in the press kit? Fake it until you make it. I like it. Of course, that got me wondering - My Boys must actually be doing much better than I thought if Mercedes Benz is one of the official sponsors. Then I flipped over that little white tag on the key-ring:
Hmm ... well, scratch that theory.
My Boys airs Tuesday nights on TBS at 10:30PM ET.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
4-15-2009 @ 7:46AM
Rachel said...
I actually find the show charming, though lately, I feel like it's hit a slump plot-wise. Less-than-mediocre is unduly harsh (and you totally know it!)
It's on TBS...so it's all about the lowered expectations anyway. I have seen far worse 30 minute comedies on major networks...
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4-15-2009 @ 7:47AM
bc said...
I would rank it in the top 10th percentile among sitcoms currently on the air. But it doesn't surprise me that Toomey hates it.
4-15-2009 @ 7:47AM
Racedriven said...
I love watching My Boys on tbs from the first episode to the present one, its a really good series and I would love to have that press kit including the DVD, however the only downside is that the show is on in the summer time, but I will say that might be because several of the cast are stand up comics and not bad to listen to neither.
Plus, my father acturally like its too and that's hard to do.
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4-15-2009 @ 7:47AM
Cathy said...
My Boys is one of the only decently written and well-acted sitcoms on the air. It's a shame that it's on TBS and aired at 10:30. I'm sure it would have a greater following if it were on at a more godly hour.
The sad fact is that most of the viewing public are brainless morons who watch reality television.
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4-15-2009 @ 7:47AM
Darren said...
My Boy's is a great show - I love it. It's not too complicated but it's funny! I just wish it wasn't on a year after the last season ended.
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4-15-2009 @ 7:48AM
davpel said...
Couldn't disagree more. My Boys is one of the best sitcoms on TV right now (just behind The Office and 30 Rock). In fact, I think the show is really hitting its stride right now. The first two episodes of this season have been amongst the best of the show's run (and definitely the funniest). Great, great cast.
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4-15-2009 @ 7:48AM
Michael said...
Sounds like some resounding support for My Boys on TV Squad, at least from the readers! I'm also a huge fan of the show. The characters have real chemistry and, I think, hilarious. I mean, come on... Calling the guys d'Artagnan, American Chopper, and Amber Alert during their mustache-growing contest? Hi-larious. (Oh, and I believe the actors all actually grew those mustaches for the show and had a bit of an off-camera contest as well.)
Great show. Glad it's back.
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4-15-2009 @ 7:48AM
Kati S said...
Dude, My Boys is a great sitcom, by far the best live one not on CBS or NBC. And if you hate your press kit so much, feel free to send it onto me. I'd kill puppies for your job. Okay, hush puppies, but still.
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4-15-2009 @ 7:49AM
Marty said...
Wow, I always thought My Boys was a great show. Thanks for letting me know I was wrong.
You know what else probably shouldn't be elevated to the level of mediocre... this site. What happened? It used to be great, now I just stop by to see if anything has been cancelled.
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4-15-2009 @ 10:06AM
Vito said...
I could not have said it better Marty. My Boys is great! TV Squad...meh.
4-15-2009 @ 7:49AM
Jamie said...
Are you kidding? My Boys is a great show! It's charming, and I have a lot of laugh out loud moments while watching. I'd love a Crowley's shirt - I'd wear it with pride!
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4-15-2009 @ 7:49AM
gwen said...
I, too, love My Boys. I think it's hilarious. I love a show with a female lead who knows about sports and likes to play poker and drink beer and knows how to actually RELATE to guys, not just brainlessly date them like every other dumb female sitcom character. She seems like somebody I'd be friends with. And her guy friends are awesome - come on! - a mustache growing contest? That's awesome.
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4-15-2009 @ 7:49AM
Gin said...
My Boys is incredibly witty and charming. Tons of viewers and plenty of critics agree. What's your beef, Jonathan?
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4-15-2009 @ 7:54AM
Rob said...
I'm with everyone else here. Big fan of "My Boys"
Sorry Jonathan,... looks like your in the minority.
Now get out of the way so we can watch more "My Boys"
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4-15-2009 @ 7:54AM
Lisa said...
I'm with Gwen, give me a female lead that has a brain, a real job, and knows how to have male friends. PJ rocks. This is pretty darned good television so I'm on board the My Boys train.
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4-15-2009 @ 10:06AM
Amber said...
I enjoy the show a lot. It's funny but it's subtle. It doesn't go over the top with sight gags and absolutely ridiculous scenarios. There is no laugh track. The characters are all very complex. PJ is looking for love, but she's not desperate or shrill about her search. Andy is one of the few characters portrayed on TV who is aging and okay with it and not a curmudgeon.
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4-15-2009 @ 10:49AM
NYCGal said...
Uh Hey TBS! Forget TVSQUAD and send your press kits to those who will appreciate! Howsabout a fan kit?!?!
Anyway - My Boys is an EXCELLENT sitcom, funny, short and interesting characters. Just as fun as Big Bang, HIMYM, 30 Rock etc. . The female lead is a real lead, a real girl, and not just an excuse to hang designer duds on. She has real guy friends and any girl that hangs out with dudes, knows those are real dudes. The mustache growing competition was priceless!!! Their poker games and crowley's I just wanna hang with them all.
Keep it up TBS -- but uh can u have a longer season and shorter breaks between seasons puhlease?!?!?
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4-15-2009 @ 11:51AM
Dina said...
Not a very good show??? What ?!?
I was relieved to see My Boys back for a new season, it is one of my favorites. There is definitely too long between seasons.
I can't get enough of PJ and the boys.
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4-15-2009 @ 5:02PM
Denise said...
I love My Boys. It's a great show. Everyone in my office watches it and we all discuss it the next day, so I know I'm not the only one watching it this season.
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4-15-2009 @ 3:38PM
xtinemichele said...
Why I watch "My Boys"? 2 words. Jim. Gaffigan. 'Nuff said.
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