Ned and Stacey (1995–2017) User Reviews

Witty TV show with style

[gypsyvamp · 8/10 · 13 January 2003]

I miss this show! Thomas Haden Church was always funny as Lowell on "Wings", and proved his talent even further on "Ned and Stacey". It was also no surprise to see Debra Messing go on to such success as Grace, of "Will and Grace". Thomas Haden Church's character, Ned, had the best wardrobe ever on T.V.! The dialogue was intelligent and witty. The premise, though contrived, was more believable than most sit-coms. I would like to see this show released on DVD, and I would really like to see Church in another show.

Plucked the first season DVD out of the dollar bin, what fun! It's cute and clever

[inkblot11 · 7/10 · 16 April 2012]

Ned (Thomas Haden Church) has a terrific job as an ad executive in Manhattan. But, alas, the big boss tells him that he can't promote him further up the ladder until he's a stable family man, with a wife. This is not what Ned wants to hear. Also working at the agency is accountant Eric (Greg Germann) who is married to the lovely but catty Amanda (Nadia Dajani). The two wedded folks decide to fix Ned up with Amanda's sister, Stacey (Debra Messing), a writer for a newspaper called the Soho News. The blind date, dinner for both couples, doesn't go well, as the ad man and the journalist are polar opposites. Not long after, Stacy sees one of Ned's ads and realizes he "stole" an idea she had thrown out in casual conversation. Miffed, Stacey heads to Ned's apartment, to tell him off. But, wait, Ned's digs, which he inherited from an alzheimers stricken aunt, is gorgeous and Stacey longs to get away from bunking with her parents. What if, she proposes, ha ha, to Ned, we get married, in name only? Neddie could get his promotion and Stacey could get her own room in a beautiful, well-situated apartment? It's a go! But, from day one, bickering goes back and forth, making everyone, including Eric and Amanda, wonder if the marriage will last. Then, too, just what are the ground rules about the twosome's romantic life? This series, which I probably missed from working two nights a week for years, is a delight. Church was fresh off his stint on Wings and Messing hadn't found stardom as part of Will and Grace but the duo works beautifully together. Church's dry wit and Messing's zaniness make for a very nice romantic comedy show. German and Dajani are also very funny and deft, as are the other supporting actors. In addition, Ned's apartment is quite glamorous, as are the costumes and alternate sets. Nice, too, is the script and timely direction. All fans of mixed-matched romantic love tales should try to add this one to their collections.

Better than Will & Grace!

[Sylviastel · 8/10 · 22 April 2007]

I loved Thomas Hayden Church here as Ned and I prefer Debra Messing here as Stacey than Grace. I think this show could have been a bigger hit if the network allowed it to grow. The premise was silly but somehow Church and Messing made it work even if only for two seasons. Church left his beloved role on Wings to pursue his own sitcom. The comparison between the two roles is noteworthy for any aspiring actor. Here, Ned is intelligent and lot less naive. He marries Stacey to get a promotion and she marries him to live in a grand New York City apartment. What won't people do to live in Manhattan? At first, there is this friction and uncomfortableness but slowly they turn out to be in love and if only love was really like that. The show was heading in the direction that Ned and Stacey were going from being a fax pas couple to an actual duo. Too bad, the network canceled it. Of course, Church has moved on to other things and Messing will always be known as Grace but I much prefer her here as Stacey.

Will & Gracey, but better

[JZvezda · 11 March 2003]

Greg Germann stole this show, not unlike his efforts on "Ally McBeal". Debra Messing was far less annoying here than she currently is on "that show". Thomas Hayden Church was sublime as the me-centered womanizer he illuminated with "Ned".

I do a polka of disgust when clever, acerbic comedies like "Ned & Stacey" meet an untimely death and crud like "Yes Dear" & "Good Morning Miami" live on. Tis a travesty.

This delightfully original series lived a micro-short life in syndication, but your chances these days of seeing it are about as likely as seeing a sequel to "Rabbit Test". It's a low down crying shame. First "Herman's Head", now this.

The verdict has been delivered by broadcast TV: Strip it of life, dress it up, make it palpable for the masses, and viola! Hit.

Long live "Ned & Stacey". R.I.P.

Great example of 90's better sitcoms

[Casualforces · 9/10 · 9 February 2019]

This was only on my radar because I wanted to see the few episodes in season two written by Charlie Kaufman. Big fan of his films, and after realizing his TV credits included work on two of my all-time favorite comedies (Get A Life & The Dana Carvey Show) wanted more examples of how he wrote half-hour comedy. They were some of the funniest for sure. However, the show as a whole was very enjoyable. It really is basically a two season pilot for Will & Grace, but I think I like it better. I'm young enough I only knew Thomas Hayden Church as the heel Lyle in the George of the Jungle movie we watched on VHS a lot as kids. From my child's eye (haven't seen that movie in years) he was very funny in that, and stole most of his scenes. Church is hilarious and over the top of in this role, and I think his energy provides a better foil than Will would later. Eric (Gregg German) and Amanda (Nadia Dajani) deserve mention as well, both actors do a great job and bring a lot to the show. Debra Messing sings right on key, no issues here, basically playing a softer Grace Adler. Tough to find this show (I lucked out with cheap DVD at flea market), but if you can find it I recommend watching.

Season 1 Was Awesome. Season 2 was Horrible.

[collectorofsorts · 6/10 · 20 February 2021]

I just came across this old series and Season 1 was awesome. Season 2, on the other hand, was terrible. At the end of Season 1, the writers decided to shake things up and just ruined the synergy that the main cast members had. Season 2 is just stupid stuff. Why do they always do that when they have a show that's working?

One of my favorites!

[Brett_Buck · 10/10 · 21 October 2002]

Ned and Stacey is the hetero version of "Will and Grace". Except it's actually funny. The premise is virtually identical, platonic co-habitation, the roles are virtually the same. Everything is played for laughs, no serious undercurrents, no position to take; just go for the joke. Neds self-absorption, Stacey's contempt for Ned, Amanda's contempt for humanity, Eric's sad-sack befuddlement, it all just works. They did an entire show about the down-on-his-luck Mr. Beveldere, for God's sake! Any real TV fan has to admire that.

I can only imagine that the show was killed only because Thomas Hayden Church was just too far over the top for most people. I thought he was great but everyone I talk to absolutely *hated* him. But slap in Eric McCormack (who is undoubtedly a better actor, just too understated to really be funny), slap on a gay aspect to get some press and make it look like a different show, and problem solved.

introducing Debra Messing

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 23 July 2017]

Stacey Colbert (Debra Messing) is a neurotic Jewish freelance writer in New York. She is desperate to get away from her nagging mother after getting dumped by her fiancée. Her sister Amanda (Nadia Dajani) is happily married to sweet, clueless accountant Eric Moyer (Greg Germann). They set Stacey up with his selfish, unscrupulous, superficial, and materialistic co-worker Ned Dorsey (Thomas Haden Church). It is fire and ice. When his boss plans to give away his expected promotion of Creative Director to a family man, he quickly invents a fiancée to marry. Stacey needs his apartment and he needs a wife. What could go wrong? In the second season, they plan to divorce while he partners with Amanda in her muffin shop.

This is Debra Messing's big break on network TV. She has great charms that is equal to the scoundrel Thomas Haden Church. The obvious move is for Ned and Stacey to get together. The pilot should have planted better seeds for that relationship to grow. There is a lot of combative chemistry but they slow-roll the coupling. They may as well be Will & Grace. They need more heat at the start which would translate into better friction throughout the show. Otherwise, the four leads are solid sitcom players.

A forgotten classic sitcom

[BlueSkies765 · 10/10 · 9 March 2019]

The 90s had a lot of classic sitcoms. Even though we're in a golden age of television shows right now I believe some of the best sitcoms come from the 90s. Oddly I've forgotten this show but when I was scrolling through a 90s television shows list on IMDb and I saw the name pop up I quickly remembered how much I loved this show back in the day. I decided to rewatch it.

While some shows are pure nostalgia and seem corny when rewatching, Ned & Stacey is nostalgic but it still feels just as magical as when I first watched it. Thomas Haden Church is the main reason this show is unique. He steals the show with the comedic style of the self-centered, sarcastic executive with the heart in the right place. But all the other people on the show also have their own styles that make this show great. It's a dance. Thomas Haden Church can't pull off the comedy without the others help.

The concept of two strangers living together while having a fake marriage is unique (as far as I can tell) and is the reason for the continues hilarious situations the characters get into.

To me I felt a difference in the two seasons. Season 1 is new and refreshing. Everybody is introduced to each other and are discovering each others personalities. It's funny and nothing romantic really happens between the two main characters even though I was rooting for it, but there were enough new situations to keep the show fresh.

Season 2 the romance sadly never takes off either. I wonder if this is the reason it was canceled because viewers at that time maybe had the same sentiment as I have now. After a few episodes in season 2 it felt like the show was becoming repetitive. I skipped a lot of the season because I really needed to see how the season was going to be concluded.

The ending was underwhelming. When Ned finally expressed his love to Stacey it could have had a more satisfying conclusion. It was still a sweet moment though. And maybe if it had a third season it could have been fleshed out. It was definitely too soon to be canceled but it also did need new ideas. I still love the show. One of my favorites.

Ned & Stacy

[leo321 · 2/10 · 11 April 2021]

Swap out Ned for Will and Stacy for Gracie. Seriously did anyone else notice this?

Thank heavens or we never would have met Jack. The only interesting and funny thing about that show.

Another underrated sitcom

[guyfromjerzee · 8/10 · 17 February 2007]

I am insanely critical of comedies (as you'd find out if you browsed through my movie reviews) and I tend to despise sitcoms in general, but "Ned and Stacey" was one of those sitcoms I actually embraced. I recall enjoying the show when I was a teenager, so I figured it was worth purchasing the first season on DVD. Well, it was a delightful trip down memory lane. I still find the show very funny, and it makes me feel even more proud that Thomas Haden Church is now a household name. Way, way before "Sideways" came out, there was "Ned and Stacey." Church's impeccable comic timing definitely contributes to the magnitude of the show. I didn't feel he was annoying or over-the-top, like some of the other IMDb users. Trust me, I have a low tolerance for obnoxious comic actors. But Church has a unique comic ability that is comparable to few others. Debra Messing was great on the show as well. I'm not a "Will and Grace" fan, and thought the show was completely overrated. I wasn't impressed by Messing on that show, but I think that was mainly because she was working with less-than-satisfactory material. When she did "N & S," she hadn't had any sitcom experience. But her delivery and timing of each joke was solid. Not to mention the chemistry between her and Church was solid. To top it all off, the show was blessed with a fine supporting cast. Nadia Dajani and Greg Germann rounded out the superb cast. The dynamic between Church and Germann is hilarious, with Church being the loudmouth and Germann being the soft-spoken pushover. No one plays a soft-spoken pushover better than Germann. And Dajani was pitch-perfect at playing a pure cynic who's always prepared with a smart-aleck remark. My only mild criticism of the show was the segments during the closing credits. I've never been a fan of movies or TV shows playing outtakes over the credits. It's fun watching them in Jackie Chan flicks, because we find out the difficulty it takes for him to perform his elaborate stunts. But in other cases...what's the friggin' use? When the show didn't play outtakes over the credits, it played alternate scenes where ridiculous things would happen, like Dajani's character being poisoned by Ned by him slipping arsenic into her drink. Again....what's the use? But that's about the only bad things I can say about "Ned and Stacey." At the heart of the show is a brilliant premise: Two single people being forced to pretend like they're married, while juggling their individual love lives? Pure brilliance. And for those of you who don't live on the East Coast, the concept of marrying someone to get an apartment in Manhattan is not too far out of whack. It's slightly unfortunate that the show was canceled after its second season, but not too unfortunate. At least the show wasn't too hyped up and didn't run into its tenth season, in which the writers would inevitably run out of ideas and conjure up ridiculous premises for episodes and tack on celebrity cameos, whether they make sense or not. Now that we're in the DVD age, it's not too late to check out this underrated gem. Even if you don't want to cough up the cash for a DVD, you can probably find reruns of it playing on USA or some other basic cable channel.

Essence of a Fox Fiasco

[eschetic-2 · 4/10 · 22 December 2010]

It isn't hard to understand why a show with a popular supporting actor from one hit sitcom (Thomas Haden Church, Lowell on WINGS) and the soon to be co-lead on another (Debra Messing who would be Grace on WILL & GRACE - the gay community's AMOS 'N ANDY) could tank in just two seasons: total lack of chemistry between the leads and an unpleasant foolish concept with writing which could never rise above either.

Ned (Church) is a shallow, irritating, grossly sexist ad executive who cares about nothing but himself and is told he must be married for promotion purposes. Stacey (Messing) is a shallow, irritating woman - theoretically a writer, but we seldom see any evidence of an actual working life - who wants to find a place of her own (so do the bland Jewish parents she's still living with after a hypothetical fiancée has dumped her). After they agree to a marriage of convenience and begin to cohabitate, NONE of these essential character traits change. Contrary to age-old convention, no attraction or vestigial romance percolates (occasional bitchily jealous comments but no real warmth or romance), just deeper layers of self centered juggling and attempted "one-upping." One of the worst lapses of concept the writers imposed on the show was the ridiculous idea that Ned and Stacey could play around all they wanted outside their fake marriage because no one in Ned's ad world saw or heard anything outside their own insular world. Technically it freed them for "wilder" story lines, but it didn't help the "likability" factor of the characters or show an iota.

The only thing which almost made the show palatable on occasion was the insecure charm of Greg Germann (Eric "Ricco" Moyer, Stacey's brother in law accountant at Ned's advertising firm) and the frustrated wit of Nadia Dajani (Amanda, Stacey's sister). As the *only* appealing characters in the farce, the writers tried to expand their roles as the show wore on (and my, how it wore), but they were stuck with their basic concept of a non-communicating pseudo-marriage (technically the concept of WILL AND GRACE came from its creators' lives, but it's easy to understand why they thought of Messing to reprise a role she'd already played) constantly spring inconvenient surprises on each other. John Getz as an even shallower ad executive tried hard to add color in six episodes, but it was a case of trying to polish rotting fruit (to avoid the cruder advertising term) - especially in one of the better episodes when the writers try to warm up Ned and Stacey by showing all the real marriages in Ned's ad firm as even worse than their "fake" one.

Church's limited acting ability - he seems physically incapable of making eye contact with a person he's sharing a scene with - was disguised in WINGS by his character supposedly being "dim." It was a serious problem in this show where his character is supposed to be not only intelligent but self assured and successful. Given the level of farce writing on this, WILL AND GRACE and a made-for TV movie I've seen, one cannot draw many conclusions as to Ms. Messing's thespian ability, but they never seemed to rise much above the level of smiling and shaking her nicely coiffed red hair or trying to look intense or pouting and shouting.

For lack of serious competition during its original run and the all too brief appearances of Germann, I watched NED AND STACEY fairly regularly but could never find the charm. I recently picked up the DVDs of the first season that a local video store was selling off cheap because it never rented. Curiosity trumped memory. Unfortunately, the show was no better fifteen years later. It is best viewed as a textbook example of structurally sound situation comedy writing which fails completely without a credible concept, characters to care about or actors with any chemistry or warmth. Technically funny can't compensate for basic unpleasantness.

Fun show

[jmatrixrenegade · 1 August 2003]

Thomas Haden Church, sorta playing the smart evil twin of his character on "Wings" and Debra Messing, basically preparing for her role as Grace, was a good pair on this comedy. It only lasted for about two years, but it was a superior product, and had that fun edge that many shows these days only strive for.

Impressive... Funny... and GOOD!!!

[canyouplay0-1 · 9/10 · 2 April 2003]

One of my favourite comedies- Ned and Stacey. It is funny and entertaining, and I am impressed by the fact that each character has his/her own individual character: Ned being self-centred and arrogant; Stacey being kind and tough; Eric being immature and weak; Amanda being aggressive and clever. It is a pity that the programme ended with Ned losing his job and Stacey finding a new apartment- not a happy ending. I have enjoyed watching this programme and would like to praise all of those involved in the programme for their magnificent effort.

An absolute FOX classic!

[Catherine_Grace_Zeh · 9/10 · 20 August 2008]

"NED AND STACEY," in my opinion, is an absolute FOX classic! I haven't seen every episode, but I still enjoyed it. It's hard to say which episode was my favorite. However, I think it was always funny when a mishap occurred. I always laughed at that. Despite the fact that it was a short-lived series, it would have been nice if all the main characters had stayed with the show throughout its entire run. It seems that no one stays with a show throughout its entire run. Everyone always gave a good performance, the production design was spectacular, the costumes were well-designed, and the writing was always very strong. In conclusion, I hope someone brings it back on the air for fans of the show to see.

Impressive... Funny... and GOOD!!!

[canyouplay0-1 · 9/10 · 2 April 2003]

***SPOILERS*** ***SPOILERS*** One of my favourite comedies- Ned and Stacey. It is funny and entertaining, and I am impressed by the fact that each character has his/her own individual character: Ned being self-centred and arrogant; Stacey being kind and tough; Eric being immature and weak; Amanda being aggressive and clever. It is a pity that the programme ended with Ned losing his job and Stacey finding a new apartment- not a happy ending. I have enjoyed watching this programme and would like to praise all of those involved in the programme for their magnificent effort.

Changed after first season

[nancyross · 8/10 · 8 March 2016]

I love this show. I bought the first season on DVD and just watched it again and the full second season elsewhere.

Debra Messing as Stacey looks amazing on this show; she is beautiful. Much better than as Grace. And Thomas Haden Church is hilarious as Ned.

The second season is very different. The first season focuses on Ned and Stacey and their relationship. This is much more diluted in the second season. The shows are good in a different way; you see more of Amanda and Eric and Ned is different. You don't see the warmth that comes across in the first season in the Ned and Stacey relationship.

And, honestly, why change the look of three of the main characters? Ned's hair is now long (which I hate for this show.) And Stacey's hair and makeup are both toned down and not as vivid. Amanda's hair also changed color from red to brown with highlights, which again, seemed boring.

And a muffin shop?? It seems unrealistic and too much of a change for Amanda.

** spoiler ** spoiler ** spoiler ** And I really, really hated the way it ended. It was so depressing and why end a funny show in such a way? Why destroy Ned on every possible level? And Stacey's final response was lacking.

But doesn't he still own that building? And what about all the floors on top of the muffin shop? Don't they generate income?

The show that made people take notice of Debra Messing.

[Brian-272 · 31 May 2001]

"Ned and Stacey" the show that had Debra Messing as a uppity business woman who to help a business man (Thomas Haden Church) get a promotion while she (Messing) needed a life, so up and both got married. The life of both Ned and Stacey was turned crazy this show had some of the funniest moments not only from Debra Messing and Thomas Haden Church but the other characters and guest gave great performances. This is the show that showed just how much talent that Debra Messing had she was very sexy in this series. "Ned and Stacey" used to air on mornings on the USA network because I watched many episodes of it all last year. This series is worth a watch it should have lasted longer.

Catch this if you can!

[ksdilauri · 9/10 · 29 November 2022]

Wow--I just stumbled across clips of this show by chance on YouTube, and am ready to buy the series if I can find it....and that's not typical of me. It has the basic premise of the short-lived mid-1960's sitcom "Occasional Wife" (if any of you remember that, I hope you're enjoying Social Security! Ain't it grand?) but with a mid-Nineties spin: the couple can't stand each other. Thomas Haden Church is a gem of an actor, with good comedy instincts--our kids loved him as Brendan Fraser's foil in "George of the Jungle"--and he's terrific here. He and the pre-Will & Grace Debra Messing are a worthy comic team. Catch some episodes if you can; it's worth a watch.

Ned and Stacey

[safenoe · 8/10 · 2 April 2024]

I enjoyed very much watching Ned and Stacey, which pretty much launched the career of Thomas Haden Church (who later gamed fame I guess in Spider-Man 3) and Debra Messing, who moved on after Ned and Stacey was axed, to be a lead in Will and Grace on a different network. Anyway, Ned and Stacey was one of those shows that debuted just after Friends did, and it was feel good, even must see TV, that didn't require too much concentration to unwind, especially in the 1990s when there was no streaming or social media or discourse and all that). The chemistry between the two leads was impressive for sure.

Good show

[Op_Prime · 22 April 2000]

Ned and Stacey was a good show. There was clever and well writing. The cast was great, most notably Thomas Haden Church (Lowell from Wings). There were a lot of great gags that fit in perfect with this show. It's a shame the show was so short lived. Would I recommend this show? Yes. Catch the reruns on the USA Network.

I Love Ned and Stacey!!!

[AngeFatoh · 28 June 2001]

Ned and Stacey is my favorite show! There's nothing better then Ned, Stacey, Amanda and Eric to brighten up a dull day! Ned and Amanda are my favorite characters. I love their wit and sarcasm, especially when they argue over the muffin shop. Of course, my favorite episode is the now classic "Loganberry's Run" where Ned tries to introduce the bizarre loganberry muffin to the Amanda's Amuffins menu. Throughout the episode, he obsesses over the muffin and tries to convince Amanda to make it in every way he can. I'm very depressed over the fact that this show didn't last as long as it should have. Thomas Haden Church is an excellent actor, so excellent in fact that I have developed a crush on him. I love Ned Dorsey!

MUCH better than Will and Grace

[anaa108 · 3 September 2002]

Interesting that NBC put Debra Messing into nearly the same role, while trading in a very witty sitcom for a mediocre one.

Ned is not gay, just ambitious and self-involved, and even in its last days, the show never fell to the level of hooking up the main m/f antagonists. Greg Germann (later on Allie McBeal) and Nadia Dajian are very funny as Ned's best friends.

It's too bad that interesting, complex characters (ambitious Ned, young and confused Stacey, wacky but very happy Amanda and Eric) are replaced by the easier-to-understand stereotypes: cute-gay Will, not-so-cute-gay Jack and the so common it's boring strident-oversexed-single female-"best friend". And I don't recall a laugh track on Ned and Stacey.

Anyway, if there's any way of seeing this show, you'll see what I mean. I'd love to see Thomas Haden Church in a big role. He's extremely talented.

A REALLY funny show!

[Tia_007 · 19 November 2002]

'Ned and Stacy' was one of my all time favourite shows! I just loved Ned, he was so crazy and sarcastic, Stacy was also great, but nothing could compare to Amanda and Eric. I think those two really took over the show! Especially Eric! Greg German was so incredibly funny, 'cause he was always fighting with his wife Amanda! And she was great too...being sarcastic and everything.

I loved this show, and i really wish it would last longer. Go Ned, Stacy, Amanda and of course...Eric!!!!

Great show

[edwardbass · 27 February 2005]

I loved this show and was terribly disappointed when it was canceled. I agree with other comments - this is the "straight" version of "Will & Grace", and I'm simply amazed that Debra Messing is in both! However, I've tried to watch Will & Grace, and it's absolutely painful to watch the show! Debra was 1,000 times better in Ned and Stacey. And I love everything that Thomas Haden Church does - he absolutely made this show. I just hope he gets some good recognition (and hopefully some deserved financial rewards) from his role in Sideways. While Thomas Haden Church was the "star", I also enjoyed Greg Germann a lot. His relationship with Thomas' character, Ned, were a big part of what kept me glued to this show. Bring it BACK!