Bless This Mess, a new sitcom on ABC, may not be groundbreaking, but it offers simple and straightforward entertainment for those who enjoy a light-hearted watch. Let’s explore 10 fascinating facts and insights about this amusing show.
1. A Classic “Fish Out of Water” Sitcom
As Variety highlights, Bless This Mess is a quintessential “fish out of water” sitcom. The story revolves around New Yorkers Mike and Rio, who quit their jobs and move to a Nebraska farmhouse, despite having zero experience in farm work. Their lack of expertise serves as a major source of comedy throughout the show.
2. Originally a Fox Pilot
According to Deadline, Bless This Mess began as a Fox pilot but eventually became an ABC mid-season sitcom. ABC was keen on the concept, while Fox showed less enthusiasm.
3. Affected by Fox’s Buyout
One reason for Fox’s lack of interest in Bless This Mess was its buyout by Disney. New Fox head Charlie Collier was hesitant to greenlight the sitcom, as he wanted to better understand Fox’s performance under new circumstances before taking any risks.
4. Fox Didn’t Need Another Sitcom
Fox had already approved two new animated comedies and had successful shows like Cool Kids and Last Man Standing. Additionally, the network had a strong sports lineup, reducing the need for more sitcoms.
5. ABC’s Mid-Season Sitcom Demand
In contrast, ABC needed a mid-season sitcom to fill gaps in its lineup, making Bless This Mess a convenient choice. However, mid-season can be a challenging time for a show to start, so it remains to be seen if the sitcom will survive beyond its first season.
6. Low-Stakes Storyline
Bless This Mess has a low-stakes feel, as the main couple doesn’t seem to risk much by making a significant life change. This lack of seriousness may appeal to some viewers, but the show could still evolve as the cast and crew continue to gel.
7. Steering Clear of Politics
A CNN review notes that Bless This Mess avoids politics entirely. While some viewers may appreciate the escape from political discourse, the absence of politics makes the show feel somewhat insubstantial and inauthentic.
8. Relying on Alternative Humor
Instead, Bless This Mess focuses on humor unrelated to current issues. The show’s main sources of comedy include the dilapidated farmhouse, the couple’s unpreparedness, and their quirky neighbors. Time will tell if the sitcom expands beyond this limited scope.
9. Created by Lake Bell and Elizabeth Meriwether
Bless This Mess was created by actress-turned-director/screenwriter Lake Bell and Elizabeth Meriwether, the creator of Single Parents. If viewers enjoyed the latter, they might find Bless This Mess appealing as well.
10. Potential for Growth
Despite its shortcomings, some critics, like Pajiba, see potential in Bless This Mess. The show’s narrative could develop in interesting directions, and the cast and crew may hit their stride as the season progresses. Fans of the show’s premise should continue watching, even if they weren’t initially impressed.
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