A Look At Fox's New Comedies (2012 - 2013)

Ben & Kate

Fox's pitch: Ben and Kate, the heartwarming new sibling comedy created by Dana Fox (What Happens In Vegas) and directed by Jake Kasdan (Bad Teacher), debuts this fall. Starring newcomer Dakota Johnson and Nat Faxon (Bad Teacher, Academy Award-winning co-screenwriter of The Descendants), the comedy follows a pair of odd-couple siblings—one, an overly responsible single mom; the other, an exuberant kid-at-heart—and their friends as they push each other out of their comfort zones and into real life.

My Thoughts: Faxon's lovable-buffoon is overplayed, and I don't much care having to watch him get into funny situations each week while his forever embarrassed sister helps him out of them. I won't be watching.

The Goodwin Games

Fox's pitch: The Goodwin Games, the inventive new comedy from the executive producers of How I Met Your Mother, Carter Bays, Craig Thomas, and Chris Harris, is slated for midseason. Starring Scott Foley (Grey's Anatomy, Felicity), Becki Newton (Ugly Betty) and Jake Lacy (Better With You), the family comedy tells the story of three estranged siblings who return home after the loss of their beloved father (guest-star Beau Bridges, The Descendants), and unexpectedly find themselves poised to inherit more than $20 million—if, and only if, they can adhere to their late father's trivial wishes.

My Thoughts: While the premise seems a little far-fetched, there's enough entertaining characters here too overshadow that. I'll check it out.

The Mindy Project

Fox's pitch: Created by Emmy-nominated writer/producer and New York Times best-selling author Mindy Kaling (The Office) and starring Kaling, Chris Messina (Damages), Anna Camp (The Good Wife) and newcomer Ed Weeks, The Mindy Project features Kaling as a skilled OB/GYN navigating the tricky waters of both her personal and professional life, as she pursues her dreams of becoming the perfect woman, finding the perfect man, and getting her perfect romantic comedy ending.

My Thoughts: Mindy's not necessarily a likable lead, but in this case it seems its because she's more of a three-dimensional character. I could do without the medical backdrop. I might check it out.