If you watched "King of Queens", it is nearly impossible to watch this new show (also starring Kevin James) without making comparisons. During the first episode, give yourself some time to mourn the absence of Carrie (Leah Remini) and Arthur (Jerry Stiller). Kevin's wife on "Kevin Can Wait" is played by Erinn Hayes. Donna is a suitable foil for Kevin, but she is not as much of a ballbreaker as Carrie. Take a deep breath; you'll get through it. Good news: Gary Valentine is on the show (but Nicole Sullivan is not).
When you get to episode 2, you are rewarded by a genuinely funny script about how Kevin discovers that the entire house has been decorated to satisfy his wife's comfort, with no regard for his. The comic chemistry between the two heats up. She may not be Carrie (or Alice Kramden), but she's still running the household whether he knows it or not.
The supporting cast is fine, but the writing has not yet developed those characters as much.
Bottome line: the premise and the cast are fine, but the writing is what will make or break this show. Hopefully, the episodes to follow will be written with the skill displayed in episode two.
Update 10/4/16: After three episodes, I am enjoying it.
Update 10/4/17: With Leah Remini joining the cast full-time, now we know what Kevin was waiting for.
When you get to episode 2, you are rewarded by a genuinely funny script about how Kevin discovers that the entire house has been decorated to satisfy his wife's comfort, with no regard for his. The comic chemistry between the two heats up. She may not be Carrie (or Alice Kramden), but she's still running the household whether he knows it or not.
The supporting cast is fine, but the writing has not yet developed those characters as much.
Bottome line: the premise and the cast are fine, but the writing is what will make or break this show. Hopefully, the episodes to follow will be written with the skill displayed in episode two.
Update 10/4/16: After three episodes, I am enjoying it.
Update 10/4/17: With Leah Remini joining the cast full-time, now we know what Kevin was waiting for.