Suspense for the Romantic Heart

I adore Matthew Perry and he has done a good job of staying relevant landing him more than a few jobs and a couple of pilots over the years. Anyone remember Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, or how about Mr. Sunshine? Both promising pilots with Matthew Perry in leading roles, neither really stuck.

That being said, Go On has a great premise and I am looking forward to watching it. The major attraction for me is Matthew Perry (I just adore him), however due to the base story I would watch it without him.

Blurb: An irreverent yet charming sportscaster who, after a loss, finds solace from members of his mandatory group therapy sessions. Misery loves company. Unless you’re sportscaster Ryan King, who thinks misery should just be left alone.

After taking some time off, Ryan – who recently lost his wife in a car accident – is now ready to get back to work. And while he seems like his same old charming, cocky self, his boss won’t put him back on the air until he seeks counseling. So, Ryan reluctantly joins a support group with one goal in mind: get in, get out and get back on the radio as quickly as possible.

It is my hope Go On is the game changer for NBC and Matthew. It has potential and all of my fingers and toes are crossed. Usually I say it is the writing that will make or break a TV pilot and or series. This is not the case with a Dramedy, this is not to say it doesn’t make a difference, it always makes a difference. Dramedy usually relies heavily on the casting. You must have a very talented cast of actors or actresses to successfully pull off a dramedy. Some examples, just for frame of reference are, Gilmore Girls, Weeds, Chuck, and Ally McBeal.  All of these hit and hit big! Some other examples are Ed, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, Dead Like Me, and Shameless, these didn’t stick. If you looking at the examples side by side all of the writing production value and overall support are equal. The casting in all the shows are also substantially rooted with stars like William H Macy, Matthew Perry, Amanda Peet, Tom Cavanagh, Julie Bowen, Mandy Patinkin, & Callum Blue.

The only difference is simply the translation, meaning the audiences ability to relate and attach. Sometimes they do, and sometimes they don’t, it is honestly the luck of the draw, almost like the conditions for a perfect storm or an F-5 tornado. You can try and predict them all you want but there is no sure fire way to know until the collision.

Remember this is being marketed as a dramedy, so while you might need the tissues, you will also get the payoff of a smile.

Go On is schedule to run Tuesdays at 9/8 Central Fall 2012