I've seen seven of eight of the filmed episodes and found that I wasn't laughing as much as I did with the Pilot. I think I found it a bit offensive to stereotype when it first came out but now that Bateman, Mapa and Nucci are all in other things, it's fascinating to watch them hone their skills. Bateman does his self-discovery/I thought I was smarter than this thing which is present in almost every episode of ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT(and I think he's much cuter as he gets older); Alex Mapa is working hard at one liners but is funnier in his moments in character, looking at Frankie for the first time or climbing in the window with a smile and a quip; Danny Nucci is about to be big in the WORLD TRADE CENTER movie but here, he's a Guido - a good looking Italian young man, still a little too green around the ears for his own good but likable (and he plays well off of Bateman). The situations were more than a bit sitcom, but the surrounding cast were just starting to be interesting when it ended. There's not a lot you can do in 22 minutes but they managed quite a bit. If it comes out on DVD, rent it, or see it on LOGO.
12 Reviews
I still remember this...
preppy-330 May 2002
It had an undeserved short run back in 2001. The big problem was the network kept changing the nights and times for it. After episode 2 I couldn't find it!
Anyways, it was good (especially the premiere) and Bateman and Nucci really worked well together. Also, they didn't shy away from showing off Nucci's great body--he's in a towel halfway through the first episode.
So, it was a good little series--too bad it wasn't given a chance.
Anyways, it was good (especially the premiere) and Bateman and Nucci really worked well together. Also, they didn't shy away from showing off Nucci's great body--he's in a towel halfway through the first episode.
So, it was a good little series--too bad it wasn't given a chance.
Thoroughly entertaining!
superstar4913 June 2001
I was lucky enough to catch this on it's debut considering this didn't last long on CBS, as it appears to have been dropped or cancelled.
I originally saw the movie this is based on and didn't care for it. The TV series is far more better thanks to Jason Bateman and the actor who plays the next door neighbor (Earl?). I really had some good chuckles and it was the first time in a long time that I made the effort to catch a new episode the following week.
I hope that either CBS will continue to air it or maybe another network will pick it up.
I originally saw the movie this is based on and didn't care for it. The TV series is far more better thanks to Jason Bateman and the actor who plays the next door neighbor (Earl?). I really had some good chuckles and it was the first time in a long time that I made the effort to catch a new episode the following week.
I hope that either CBS will continue to air it or maybe another network will pick it up.
It is one of the best shows I have seen
elyazevedo5 January 2007
Some of my best friends is very entertaining and funny. Intelligent script, it makes sense. The humor is light with an emphasis in real life situations. The characters are pretty close to what I have seen in real life. I feel that we need more programs like this one full of light funny humor that anyone can watch and not be offended. It is my observation that now days most people are exposed in their daily lives to similar situations so the writer is not so far off when exposing certain issues such as the ones I've watched. I really think they did a great job. I would like to see more of it and have told all my friends about it.
one of the best sitcoms I've seen
netknight7716 November 2017
I recently saw this accidentally and devoured all 8 available episodes several times. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. As far as sitcoms go, this is definitely one of my all time favourites, and it saddens me deeply that it didn't get a decent run. Personally, I think it's funnier than Friends and Will & Grace put together.
For me, the appeal of this show is the way it questions and deconstructs stereotypes and prejudices, instead of just enabling jokes at people's expense through them. Every episode imagines another scenario in which people's expectations and prejudices of one another lead to wrong assumptions and casual hurtful judgments of each other (as well as to hilarious misunderstandings). What I am most surprised about is how well this has aged, considering the subject matter.
And it does all that without being annoying about hitting you over the head with a "moral". The scripts are absolutely hilarious from start to finish. They have a classic screwball or comedy of errors feel to them, and jokes are built up and layered in a way that is worthy of one of my other favourites, Frasier.
The cast have great chemistry and fit their roles perfectly. You immediately like all of them and there is even some well drawn character development, as they get to know each other and grow closer and learn from each other, which is unusual for a sitcom. Alec Mapa has some of the best comic timing I've ever seen.
Overall this show is a heartwarming gem, and I shall return to its woefully short 8-episode run again and again.
For me, the appeal of this show is the way it questions and deconstructs stereotypes and prejudices, instead of just enabling jokes at people's expense through them. Every episode imagines another scenario in which people's expectations and prejudices of one another lead to wrong assumptions and casual hurtful judgments of each other (as well as to hilarious misunderstandings). What I am most surprised about is how well this has aged, considering the subject matter.
And it does all that without being annoying about hitting you over the head with a "moral". The scripts are absolutely hilarious from start to finish. They have a classic screwball or comedy of errors feel to them, and jokes are built up and layered in a way that is worthy of one of my other favourites, Frasier.
The cast have great chemistry and fit their roles perfectly. You immediately like all of them and there is even some well drawn character development, as they get to know each other and grow closer and learn from each other, which is unusual for a sitcom. Alec Mapa has some of the best comic timing I've ever seen.
Overall this show is a heartwarming gem, and I shall return to its woefully short 8-episode run again and again.
A gay/straight show that makes me laugh out loud.
gwenbaggins14 July 2001
I've been watching this show since the day it began. I LOVE watching Bateman and Nucci together - their chemistry is amazing. Whoever writes for this show (I keep telling myself to see who the writers are so I can remember but I keep forgetting) are superb! I also have to rave about Mapa and DeLuise who star as the extreme versions of a gay and straight man respectively - I literally role around on the floor when they do their stuff. It's also nice for a change that the shows chuckles don't only come from the supporting cast (as is the case with 'Will & Grace'). Please let them keep this show - it's one of my favourite.
Amusing variation
mermatt8 March 2001
Based on the film KISS ME, GUIDO, this tv series is amusing and shows signs of being clever -- if CBS will give it a chance and not yank it because of a slow start.
People have been negatively comparing this show to WILL & GRACE on NBC, but I think this is a better and more comical show. Why? Because the two main characters in SOME OF MY BEST FRIENDS are amusing in their own way, and the supporting characters are also amusing. In the other show, the two main characters are so bland that I think the audience enthusiastic guffaws are either from alcohol or canned laugh tracks. The only real humor comes from stereotyping of the two supporting characters.
In any event, I give SOME OF MY BEST FRIENDS a thumbs up and hope to see it have a good run.
People have been negatively comparing this show to WILL & GRACE on NBC, but I think this is a better and more comical show. Why? Because the two main characters in SOME OF MY BEST FRIENDS are amusing in their own way, and the supporting characters are also amusing. In the other show, the two main characters are so bland that I think the audience enthusiastic guffaws are either from alcohol or canned laugh tracks. The only real humor comes from stereotyping of the two supporting characters.
In any event, I give SOME OF MY BEST FRIENDS a thumbs up and hope to see it have a good run.
Good Television !!!
zyxwvu0118 August 2001
Only saw two episodes of this show. Tried to tape a third episode, but ended up with some other CBS show instead (one of those last minute changes in schedule). From what I saw this series has (had ???) great promise. Justin Bateman was terrific. Just the right blend of regular guy/this is who I am bravado. Wish I could see more !!!
Love It!
barbarellasjsu15 March 2001
What can I say I've been a Jason Bateman fan since I first saw him on Silver Spoons!! He's a great actor and I love his character of Warren. I saw the first episode and just loved it! This series has the potential to make it! Good job to all the actors!!!!!
Funny at times..
disco_girl7517 April 2001
I think this show has some pretty good moments, and some boring. Warren and Frankie make a great "couple", and I think Vern(Alec Mapa) is hilarious in this show! Especially when Frankie and Warren's dog bites Vern's jacket. As a fan of Jason Bateman, I particularly enjoyed it.
Not Bad, Not Great
baker-93 April 2001
"Some of My Best Friends" does follow the "Will & Grace" mold, with Warren, a regular-guy brand of gay man and Vern, a queeny sidekick. This time we have an odd-couple relationship between Warren and his new roommate, Frankie, a straight guy from a working class Italian Bronx background.
This show thrives on broad stereotypes of all kinds; sometimes it's funny and sometimes it's just tired. But the relationship between straight and gay men is ripe material for comedy. One hopes this show will grow a bit and mine that. Certainly it got off to a start with a few of the episodes, particularly the one from last week (3/28/01). The writing will have to improve though.
This show thrives on broad stereotypes of all kinds; sometimes it's funny and sometimes it's just tired. But the relationship between straight and gay men is ripe material for comedy. One hopes this show will grow a bit and mine that. Certainly it got off to a start with a few of the episodes, particularly the one from last week (3/28/01). The writing will have to improve though.
Did anyone really think this was a funny show?
flaminghomeryto21 October 2002
So CBS finally figured out that gay shows were fashionable. Unfortunately, they didn't seem to realize that they could be funny also. This show was an embarassment to watch. Every character was a cliche. I couldn't get past the scene where Frankie burst into the room pretending to be Warren's (flaming!) boyfriend. It's almost as if the writers set out to offend as many people as possible in a half hour. Oh, and did I mention it wasn't funny?
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