The problem is George Costanza was such a great character that I don't think Alexander can re-create himself by taking up another character in a different series. It reminds me of Mark Hamill and Star Wars. He was nobody except Luke Skywalker. Every film or acting part he had couldn't live up to Luke in SW. Maybe it is because he just got crap roles afterwards? Okay...maybe that is not a good example. If the networks really wanted a hit, then they would have spun the George Costanza character off into his own show. How is that much different from what is there now? Telling the difference between this new character and George from "Seinfeld" going forward is going to be very difficult. For one, their both comic parts so whenever we see Alexander in this new part make comedy...we're instantly thinking if that is something George would have done. I don't see it as a far stretch from what they have now if they just would have officially spinned George off into his own family. That would have been much more interesting because they have a backdrop story there that could be explored extensively. It would also allow for the former Seinfeld stars to come back as guests. It's essentially the same concept as Joey and "Friends". In summary, I'm going to have a very hard time accepting Alexander in this new role knowing he used up most of his great comedy already in a previously great character which was George Costanza. This new character will never be as good as that character in that setting. It would be much more interesting to have explored George Costanza years later with his own family, how he got there, and what he's up to now. Plus, bringing back his parents in "Seinfeld" would seal the show as a hit in my opinion. Alexander is not going to be able to use all the mannerisms he uses without us instantly thinking of George. George Costanza becoming a sports talk show host is a natural progression in my opinion. It is the kind of job that George would fit right into given his previous job with the Yankees. This show would have been a perfect spin-off. I think it would have worked out extremely well if they would have gone the spin-off route. For whatever reason, they didn't go this way. Therefore, I think this show will be a dud. Man, this would have been excellent if this were the George character. Too bad I'm going to have to pretend that is the case to continue watching. It's not a knock on Jason Alexander. It's more of a compliment. He cannot make me forget all the comedic work and make-up of George with a new character. I guess you could say it is stereo-typing. Maybe so... . Surf
I thought it was ok, but I’m kind of sick of all these “family man” shows that are trying to duplicate the success of Raymond. How many do we need? There’s Everybody Loves Raymond, Still Standing, Two and a Half Men, My Wife and Kids, According to Jim, 8 Simple Rules (before Ritter died), and that new John Goodman show is another one. I liked the idea of basing a character on Kornheiser, but why make it ANOTHER family show?
Yea...they should have made him a bachelor instead of having a family. It opens up more possibilities in my opinion.
Completely agree surfguy. And being a big Kornheiser fan, I think it's almost a disservice to cast Alexander because people will automatically assume that it's Costanza Redux. But Kornheiser is a very interesting character in his own right, he's an intelligent, ranting, old curmudgeon. And George was never intelligent, and was a pitiful loser. I hope Alexander can shed his Costanza image, because then this show could be good and stand on it's own. And Kornheiser will get the adulation of millions that he rightfully deserves. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to work myself off of Kornheiser's jock.
