I have personally loved NBC's "Undateable" since it first aired in the summer of 2014. That being said, the network has decided to take the show in a direction that most would not attempt for it's third season: an entire season of live episodes. Coming from a network that has produced the most famous live show, "Saturday Night Live," for over 40 years, it is clear they know what they are doing. I was a bit skeptical before the season started, but one thing has been proven over the past couple of weeks: it works. Here are 6 reasons why.
1) The Cast
The most important part of any good show is a cast that works well together, and this has to be one of the best I've seen. What makes their chemistry so good? Knowing each other prior to working together is always a plus. The show's two leads are Chris D'Elia (who you might know from "Whitney," his various stand-up comedy specials, a very memorable episode of "Workaholics," Justin Bieber's Roast, and that spot-on imitation of a drunk girl) and Brent Morin. They play roommates Danny and Justin, respectively, who are always trying to teach the other a lesson, usually with a ridiculous bit that gets everyone else involved. Fortunately for us, D'Elia and Morin are extremely comfortable working with each other, as they have been friends through the stand-up comedy circuit for ten years.
Also from the wonderful world of stand-up are Ron Funches and Rick Glassman, who play Justin's friends Shelly and Burski. The four of them have actually been on two different comedy tours across the country to promote the show.
Finally, the cast is rounded out by classically trained actors Bianca Kajlich ("Rules of Engagement") who plays Danny's sister Leslie, the wonderfully British David Fynn (who has had guest spots on "Sherlock" and "Game of Thrones") who bartends, and the most recent addition Bridgit Mendler ("Good Luck Charlie") as waitress and Justin's love interest, Candace. Somehow the show has managed to find a cast that really compliments each other and works amazingly together, which we all know is especially important for a show that is live.
2) The Writing
The writing for this show is just funny, there's no better way to describe it. With comedians delivering the lines they could have chosen gimmicky nonsense to get themselves through the live shows, but they actually try here. They know the strengths of each actor, like Brent Morin and Bridgit Mendler's singing skills and Chris D'Elia's ability to deliver long monologues of nonsense when needed, and they utilize them. That being said, it is time we discuss the live shows' potential for:
3) Improv
Their ability to improvise was utilized a lot in the first two seasons in filming when they would come up with a good idea on the spot that was often added into the show, but now they have the potential to improvise dialogue live, which has the potential for a hilarious turn. We saw this in last season's live episode with both a hilarious plot twist created by guest Scott Foley ("Scandal") and a kiss planted on Brent Morin, courtesy of guest Ed Sheeran that was not scripted. They have utilized their improv abilities so far this season very well, often breaking the fourth wall and alluding to their previous acting jobs, but it's a live show and self-awareness is really the point.
4) Guests
As was seen in the live show last season, the "Undateable" set is no stranger to guest stars. Almost every cast member of "Scrubs" has taken a walk through their bar. The potential for this grows in a live show because everyone wants to be a part of it. We've already seen Scott Foley (referred to as "TV's Scott Foley) twice, playing himself. The possibilities for who could walk through the door next are endless, and that is very exciting.
5) Music
Similar to "SNL," the show promises a new musical guest every week. We've already been wowed by acts such as Saint Motel and Meghan Trainor, so the bar is set pretty high. In addition to the unforgettable moment when Ed Sheeran and Victoria Justice sang "Baby, One More Time" last year, whatever follows is only a positive.
6) Social Media
The season may have only begun a few weeks ago, but the stars are already utilizing the greatest weapon of live TV, social media. They all have Twitter and Instagram and are not opposed to using them during the show. They even have a Periscope account to let you watch them livestream from their points-of-view, during rehearsal and on air. One of the best and funniest things they have done this season is provide the viewing audience with a phone number that connects you with the cast, usually Chris D'Elia, who will even answer it live.
As you can see, the "Undateable" Live team is doing everything right. With the way they're going I see no reason why this season shouldn't be a success and, fingers-crossed, lead to a renewal for next year.
Watch live Fridays at 8/7c on NBC
