UPDATED: Fall Pilot Review: ABC Comedy

IRREVERSIBLE: The comedy centers on an eccentric and self-absorbed couple and the trials and tribulations they often bring upon themselves. Cast: David Schwimmer (Andy) Iris Bahr (Julie) Jessica Knappett (Sarah). 

So, basically just Friends again?

AN AMERICAN EDUCATION: A remake of British comedy Bad Education, the project centers on British transplant Alfie Wickers, an unorthodox teacher who loves his students but his naïve enthusiasm and unconventional methods put him at odds with the test-obsessed administrators. Cast: Jack Whitehall (Alfie), Rosie Perez (Rita), Brittany Snow (Sarah); David Mares (Rodney); Devin Ratray (Jeff); Phil Morris (Principal). 

I'll watch anything that Brittany Snow is in. That's a promise. Side note... did that Bad Teacher show ever make it on TV?

UNTITLED BRIAN GALLIVAN PROJECT: An overworked father who dreams of a better life for his family decides to uproot them from the city and move to New Hampshire where they open a group of low rent tourist cottages. Cast: Molly Shannon (Cathleen); Shiloh Nelson (Phyllis); Tessa Albertson (Veronica); Ty Parker (Nathan); Charlie Kilgore (Lazy); Connor Kalopsis (Elliott); Paul F Tompkins (Teddy). 

Actually sounds like a promsing concept with stories of the guests, running the resort etc.

DAMAGED GOODS: Comedy about the sexual politics that have changed between men and women in this post-feminist era. Cast: Steve Talley (Jason); Justin Hartley (Tim); Ben Lawson (Michael); Kellee Stewart (Betsy); Anna Camp (Nicole); Kyle Jones (Kyle). 

This is either the next Happy Endings or Mixology. Sadly, my bet is on the latter.

FAR EAST ORLANDO Fresh Off the Boat: It’s the ’90s and hip-hop loving Eddie is growing up in suburban Orlando, raised by an immigrant father who is obsessed with all things American and an immigrant mother who is often bewildered by white culture. With his father owning and operating an All-American Steakhouse chain, this loving family of FOB (“fresh off the boat”) Taiwanese Americans try to live the American dream while still maintaining their cultural identity and sense of family. Based on chef Eddie Huang’s memoir. Cast: Randall Park (Mr. Huang); Constance Wu (Mrs. Huang); Forrest Wheeler (Freddy Huang). 

I think they meant to submit this last season (ie The Goldbergs, Surviving Jack).

GALAVANT: This fairy-tale musical centers on handsome Prince Galavant and his quest for revenge against the king who stole his one true love. Cast: Joshua Sasse (Galavant); Vinnie Jones (Gareth); Karen David (Isabella); Mallory Jansen (Madalena). 

This is a comedy? This is being described as The Princess Bride with music. Which sounds AWESOME. Looks hilarious. Trailer reminds me of Robin Hood: Men in Tights.

UNTITLED JEFF LOWELL Manhattan Love Story: A romantic comedy that exposes the unfiltered internal monologues of a young couple embarking on a new relationship. Cast: Analeigh Tipton (Dana); Jake McDorman (Peter); Jade Catta-Preta (Amy); Nicolas Wright (David); Kurt Fuller (William). 

I've always been Team Evan! But seriously, I really think Jake McDorman proved himself this past season on Shameless and hopefully more good things come his way, though I fear he's the next George Stults.

UNTITLED KEVIN HART PROJECT: Based on Kevin Hart’s life and stand-up, this comedy asks the question: “Can a man and woman ever truly be friends… after they’re divorced?” Cast: Kevin Hart; Romany Malco (Derek); Bresha Webb (Lorraine); Jayson Blair (Chip); Jeff Ross (Stu). ABC Passed. 

Kevin Hart is so hot right now.

SAINT FRANCIS: A blue-collar, no-nonsense, Long Island Cop and family man butts heads with the modern, liberal world when his 29-year-old sister gets pregnant out of wedlock. Cast: Michael Imperioli (Francis); Paget Brewster (Stephanie); Henry Simmons (Pete). ABC Passed

I actually kind of like the idea of an adult pregnancy instead of teen (ie Mom, Welcome to the Family, every other "family" show on TV...).

SELFIE: Comedy inspired by My Fair Lady tells the story of a self-obsessed 20-something woman who is more concerned with “likes” than being liked. After suffering a very public and humiliating breakup, she becomes the subject of a viral video and suddenly has more social media “followers” than she ever imagined — but for all the wrong reasons. She enlists the help of a marketing expert at her company to help repair her tarnished image. Cast: Karen Gillen (Eliza); Tim Peper (Ethan); Da’Vine Joy Randolph (Charmonique); John Cho (Henry). 

I'm actually surprised it has taken so long for a show like this to be proposed. Plus, John Cho is on my list of actors who I think deserve a good TV show. But could the lead actress be ANY more unlikeable? I kind of hate it already.

THE WINKLERS: Based on the Winklers lives, this multi-cam comedy centers on an emotionally reserved construction worker who unexpectedly ends up living with oversharing in-laws. Cast: Henry Winkler (Henry); Eva Amurri (Emily); Domenick Lombardozzi (Jack)l Josh Sussman (Jonah); Judith Light (Tita). ABC Passed. 

Uh, was this supposed to be on CBS? Also Judith Light cannot leave Dallas (unless in a body bag. That would be acceptable.)

Overall, I applaud ABC's comedy casting. Brittany Snow, Anna Camp, Kevin Hart.... and Henry Winkler and Judith Light (?). See more at http://insidetv.ew.com/2014/04/21/complete-fall-2014-pilot-list/2/