I have to admit, I was never a fan of Reba McIntyre’s first foray into sitcomdom, so the idea of a new Reba sitcom is less than enticing.  I know she has a huge following and networks love “sure things” when it comes to new programming, but Malibu Country seems like such a retread I’m not sure I have the energy even to watch the pilot.

I always try to imagine the pitch session for a show like this.  Could the higher ups really have thought jilted country signer moves to Malibu with her Mom and kids was an original idea that would strike comedic gold?  I doubt it.  It’s much more likely the show producers uttered the word “Reba” and the network started signing the deal.  They probably didn’t even have to look up her Q score.  But how often is this successful?  How often have first time around sitcom successes returned to primetime with a new show and found another hit?  It’s rare.  Why?  I believe it is because people watch sitcoms for the situation (writing and comedy) and less for the star power.  Sure, Kelsey Grammer succeeded with Frasier after a successful run on Cheers.  He’s also flopped with one or two network shows since. Same for the rest of the cast of Cheers. And don’t even get me started about the casts from Friends and Seinfeld.

I believe that you are more likely to find success with a sitcom by casting lesser known to unknown actors (and there are quite a few to choose from).  Before Friends launched, most viewers had only really ever seen Courtney Cox.  Of course, there are exceptions to my “rule,” but more often than not characters are more believable when they are portrayed by an unknown.  Known actors, especially those who have been on a sitcom for several years, bring too much baggage to a new show.  I think most viewers can’t let go of that actor’s alter ego (eg. Bob Denver was Gilligan, John Ratzenberger is Cliff Clavin, and Jason Alexander is George Castanza).  For the actor, it’s both a blessing and a curse.

So back to Reba.  What we have here appears to be the typical fish out of water scenario.  Country girl in Malibu launching her singing career.  Sad to say this storyline seems like it was born out of a network executive’s conversations with his or her spouse on their way to a Reba concert.  But maybe I’m wrong.  Watch the trailer.  Tell me what you think.

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