Summer Comedies: Spoofs, Moms, and Gay Barbers

If the drama and horror premiering this summer is too much for you, then you might want to try some of the new comedies from the past month.  For instance, last week  (June 23) Comedy Central broadcast a new comedy Another Period that spoofs America's super wealthy from early last century, showing that not every upper crust household was as well run as Downton Abbey.  The series includes some talented actors and actresses, including Christina Hendricks from Mad Men and Jason Ritter from Parenthood, but most of it is wasted in skits that go a little too far.  Here is a trailer with some highlights of the Bellacourt family from Newport, Rhode Island.

Another comedy that started last month is Odd Mom Out on Bravo. 

Premiering on June 8th, this show is about a "regular" mom trying to make her way in New York's Upper East Side when the rest of the woman are over-privileged monsters.  Think of it as Girls, but 10 years later.   It has some funny moments, such as when the main character Jill Weber (played by Jill Kargman) has to decide if she wants "Von" in her name, with all the trappings that can provide.  It shows that Under the Dome is a real thing with these women, and they like the isolation.  

Finally, if you are looking for a simple comedy that may remind you of Cheers, but with scissors, check out TBS' Clipped, which premiered June 16.  Here you get a group of Boston barbers and their boss throwing one-liners at one another all day, two potential lovers fighting their feelings (aka Sam and Diane), and a gay Norm married to a local cop.  The close contact of the characters, mean boss, and ongoing banter also reminded me of Taxi.