Out of Practice (2005–2006) User Reviews

Great Modern Sitcom

[Wonder_Woman527 · 8/10 · 21 June 2013]

I was so happy when I first discovered Out of Practice. Finally, a good classic sitcom. I wasn't disappointed either. I watched the entire season in three days. It has some great old-school humor mixed in with some more modern concepts and family dynamics. The actors were perfectly cast in their roles. Stockard Channing and Henry Winkler play off each other extremely well, Christopher Gorham and Ty Burrell have great comedic timing together and Paula Marshall brings something fresh and inviting to the show.

Overall, if you're looking for something nostalgic and comical, this show is it. It was definitely over too soon.

Not so Bad!

[Sylviastel · 7/10 · 7 January 2006]

Okay, this show is not so bad. When you have Stockard Channing, Henry Winkler, and Jennifer Tilly in the cast, you have to like it, I guess. It grows on you. I didn't care much for the three adult children-two male doctors and a lesbian which seems to be more of running joke but they do handle that carefully as to not alienate the viewers. I don't care that it's set in New York City. Since I'm pretty familiar, I think New York City has been done to death in sitcoms. They could have picked Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco, etc. for a change of setting. The writing is average. Still no matter what, Channing and Winkler's characters are the attraction to this mediocre show. I don't care for the adult children. They're not up to par or on the same level as the people who play their parents are. Even the father's mistress or girlfriend, Jennifer Tilly (I hope I got the right Tilly sister) manages to hold her own. It's a shame that the networks feel that they must put younger characters in the spotlight and keep the true stars in the shadows. That is Winkler, Channing, and Tilly.

Great Show

[jevans-33 · 17 October 2005]

I was so happy to see this comedy on TV. It has the wit of Fraiser, and since Kelsey Grammar is the director, I guess that makes sense. Both Henry Winkler and Stockard Channing add a great sense of experienced talent to the show, the new talent who plays Ben, the brother and sister - have great timing, as well.

The lines are so well written.

However I will warn you, some of the lines fly by fast. It is a little hard to understand the relationships at first viewing of this show. But once you understand it, it makes for a great comedy. It would help new viewers if the producers in the opening - did a " Hi my name is ben and this is my family" and explain all the dynamics before the show starts each week. That way someone new does not turn it off since they don't get it, especially since some of the humor is educated humor.

I strongly recommend giving this show a watch and a chance

clever script with engage characters

[whtpwht · 10/10 · 5 May 2006]

amusing fast paced banter; better than reality shows The best shows include conflicts with husband and wife characters; it falls into the category of "screwball comedies" with some physical comedy or banter reminiscent of Lucille Ball updated for 2000's Materialistic and sexist son vs. humanitarian son Has a lesbian daughter with typical humor about her sexual preference; Nonethess, Stockard Chaning is the best part of show Hope the networks don't cancel as it has been moved around & went through a vacation last winter; All in all enjoyable 30' sitcom with strong comedic writing. Shows a family who handles various personal crises as a family despite sibling rivalries, unusual divorce situations but most of all love for each other

Love the Show

[mry-green · 10/10 · 2 May 2006]

I've seen 3 episodes, and am unable to find it at this time in my area. I browse the TV Guide weekly, hoping to see it listed. I've always loved Henry Winkler (how can you not?) The chemistry between Henry and Stockard is amazing. The writing is excellent, generating much laughter and leaving me wanting more.....but where is it? Does this forum have any impact on getting the show in my living room? Crystal is a delightful character, and represents every ex wife's nightmare - young, blond and so hard to hate. True to our times, the introduction of a gay daughter openly supports what many families are composed of. Let's fun with reality.

Protest to BRING BACK "OUT OF PRACTICE"

[hildamarmolejo · 10/10 · 12 June 2006]

June 12, 2006

"Out of Practice" is wonderfully funny, intelligent, and respectful show to say the least. I think it is one of the best comedy to come along in years. I've e-mailed CBS many many times to bring the show back on the air. I've actually have been boycotting the CBS network until they give the show a fair chance.

After a very successful start, CBS took it off the air for a few months or so than when they brought it back on a new day and time they only showed two episodes. On the CBS "Out of Practice" website it says that it is coming back on a later date . . . and just left all the fans of the show hanging.

Anyway, I want to organize a PROTEST outside the CBS Network "The Early Show," because the people walking around can be seen. With signs saying BRING BACK "OUT OF PRACTICE," or something like that. But I need help to get the word out.

PLEASE . . . Give your suggests so we can bring this one-of-a-kind wonderful comedy back on the air if it be on CBS or another network!

Leave your suggestion here or on the Forum on: www.outofpractice.org

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Smart sitcom!

[studioAT · 10/10 · 17 January 2011]

This was a wonderful sitcom that sadly was short-lived, but boasted a wonderful cast.

I can't think of a seriously below excellent episode, every one is a joy, doing a lovely line in farce.

Of course had it gone longer we would likely never had 'Modern Family', but that doesn't stop this sitcom being excellent in its own right.

Great cast!

[ksullivan-91156 · 10/10 · 1 February 2019]

I cant't believe this show didnt last more than one season. The writing was fantastic & the cast amazing!

I am the voice of reason

[criticman2000 · 1/10 · 20 June 2006]

Wow. I cannot believe the glad-handing love fest that I just witnessed over this awful, awful show whilst browsing through the reviews. I was going to pass on this one, but seriously-- NOBODY HATED THIS EXCEPT ME???? My God.... . I'll be brief. Boring, pedantic, UNFUNNY; plots, gags and characters stolen from 60's and 70's sitcoms (like "The Mary Tyler Moore Show") that were actual entertainment, performances that are either acts of desperation, or just bland and faceless. This is another show with nobody to root for! 6 people that are total stereotypes of their kind and not a hero among them. Henry Winkler is as dull and uninspired in this role as he's been trying to convince us he is in real life since he was the Fonz. ENOUGH already, Winkler! You're a nebbish! I'm convinced! Stockard Channing (who consistently seems on the verge of a nervous breakdown), is shrewish here and well aware that she is, but has nothing to work with. I'd give her the sympathy vote, if I didn't dislike the character so much! Both struggle to swim against the tide of these poorly written scripts. So glad this has gone (probably). Next, CBS needs to dump the terrible "How I Met Your Mother" and "The New Adventures Of Old Christine".

Attended Taping Last Night

[Atouk · 14 September 2005]

I attended a taping of the sixth episode of OUT OF PRACTICE last night. Because the first episode has not aired yet they showed us that one before the taping so we would be familiar with the characters.

Bottom line: This is the show to watch.

I was fairly skeptical, because I find most (if not all) current sitcoms to be completely unbearable. However, this one is the exception. VERY funny AND smart. An interesting sidenote: the first episode that they showed to us last night before the taping did NOT have Jennifer Tilly in it; it had some blonde girl. Apparently once the show actually got picked up they decided to cast Tilly in that role and only recently went and refilmed those scenes with her. Therefore, the version that airs on CBS next week will obviously be different than the one we saw last night in the TV studio.

Getting better every week.

[ttgchris2003 · 19 October 2005]

I've seen this show four times now, I missed episode two, and I LOL every week! I really think that by the end of season two this could be the best comedy on TV. The writing is sharp, the cast is first rate, and the show is just funny. It gets better every week. Actually, it gets better by the minute because, unlike most sitcoms, the jokes are actually part of the story and build on themselves as the show goes on. So it's definitely worth it to stick around for the full half hour. I'm hooked! Henry Winker plays the dad, Stockard Channing plays the mom and they are great together. The kids are played by Christopher Gorham, Paula Marshall (what happened to Cupid?) and Ty Burrell and they're all hilarious.

Good Show - Better then watching endless hours of reality shows

[horrordude_666 · 1 November 2005]

I've watched this show for several weeks and found it enjoyable. There are few Sit Coms on today which are watchable - most of the TV viewing is taken up by reality shows - most of which are re-cycled versions of Survivor, such as, The Apprentice, Martha Stewart, Rockstar, America's Top Model, blah blah, blah. Who even cares !!!!

There are very few Sit Coms on which are watchable (Two and a half men, Still Standing, King of Queens) let alone a night that has a good lineup of TV (without the reality shows).

I say give this show a chance and you will be pleasantly surprised. All the characters are interesting and interact well. Henry Winkler and Stockard Channing are good in the show and Paula Marshall does a great job as the daughter - I recognized her as the reporter from the Seinfeld episode - the outing.

Great Show!

[kahlendavid · 8 October 2005]

When I first heard about this show, I initially thought it would have little "real" comedy, in other words, I thought I would end up laughing at what was not intended to be funny but when I watched the pilot episode, my opinion was change within the first 10 minutes of watching. After watching it, I found the witty banter and pleasantries between the characters made the show completely pleasurable to watch and I would recommend it to anybody who is looking for a laugh. Its the perfect family show with a twist, they're are all doctors except poor Ben who doesn't have an M.D. after his name and is having a rocky break-up with his wife despite the fact that he is a marriage counselor. It it a funny show and the actors have good chemistry together.

I was NOT expecting to like this one...I was GREATLY surprised!

[impydykiechick · 21 November 2005]

I LOVE this show!!! I saw previews for it all summer & I thought it was going to be so stupid...but then I watched a few episodes...

Now, I am NOT a sitcom fan. I find most of them so boring and dumb. There are a few I've genuinely loved, like Friends and Everybody Loves Raymond. Out of Practice is a classic in the making.

First of all, the pairing of Henry Winkler & Stockard Channing is BRILLIANT.

Second, the humor keeps me in stitches. Last week I was watching from my gym, where there are about 20 TV's to choose from, and you can plug in headphones to the machine you're using and pick which TV to watch from. I was watching this show & laughing so hard I had people looking at me like I was crazy. I've never seen such great use of irony as a comedic vehicle before. The humor is simply brilliant.

Third, at first glance the characters in the show are pretty generic...the divorced parents, the womanizing son, the "underachieving" son, & the lesbian daughter. But the character development becomes apparent in just a few episodes & each one brings life to the show.

Fourth, being a lesbian myself I REALLY like a gay character being more than comic relief in a show. I relate a lot to this particular aspect of the show because of how MY family reacts to me being gay. In my experience, the reactions from the parents and the siblings are dead on. This being said...I don't think the GENERAL public is ready for a gay themed storyline being this prominent in a sitcom. The majority of the public simply wouldn't understand them & would even see such a prominent gay storyline as "in your face". I REALLY want this show to last several years, so my only piece of advice to the directors would be to cut back on all the lesbian references. Plus, I'd like to know more about the life of the daughter, besides the fact that she's a lesbian.

The bottom line is that this is a great show and is worthy of a look. I honestly think this has the potential to be a GREAT sitcom.

Wwheres my show?

[woodskat · 9 February 2006]

I loved Out of Practice...which incidentally included two favorite stars..Henry Winkler and Stockard Channing. Where is it? Cancelled? Dang.....I am tired of watching sports all the time......put my show back on....The concept of the whole family being doctors of one sort or another...was incredibly clever. Hospital and doctor shows are usually copies of each other. The cast delivery of lines was absolutely "broadway" talent. I am so sick of dead body shows....and sports....when we get a refreshing new look....like Out of Practice why do they cancel it?.....(Jennifer Tilly is great too, as the sexy girlfriend).

I wasn't bored...I roared at the lines and delivery.........we need more./....

This Show is great

[bohara · 6 February 2006]

I've seen every episode of this show it is great. From the start all the actors have you believing they are a family. (a dysfunctional one) The writing isn't ground breaking but it's better than the shows you have to sit through before this one airs. When they argue it's not just cheap shots for laughs. all the characters seem thought out. and the actors are very talented. Christopher Gorham, Paula Marshall, Stockard Channing, Henry Winkler, and Jennifer Tilly fit the characters they play. The show moves around enough that you don't get Bored. Most shows all scenes take place in one or two rooms. I guess it's cheaper that way. One problem is believing that Ty Burrell could attract the women his character is supposed to.

Out of Practice is my favorite show

[AmcfanL88 · 16 January 2006]

Out of practice is my favorite show. I first started watching it because I like Stockard Channing and I thought the whole cast is good they are all really funny and they all work well together. I love how the parents are divorced and they still get along good for the kids and I love that the daughter is a lesbian. I also love how the family gets along, I think its really funny and loving at the same time. The writing is really good how they put comedy and drama together. I think its a great idea putting a family like that on T.V. Its a lot better then all the other shows that are on. I got my whole family hooked on it. I cant miss a episode. GREAT SHOW

Loved It, Hated It, Will Tune In Next Week! (Shouted U Morons!)

[harley3 · 14 November 2005]

I just finished watching the "Wedding" episode Thursday November 14, 2005. I hope to catch the others in reruns... I can't believe this one slipped by me...

The comedic dialog was Stupendous! I laughed until I had tears streaming from my eyes and my sides began hurting…

I Freaking Hated Every Second of It!!!

It Depressed The Hell Out of Me Since I've Live Every Agonizing Minute of It.

Well Done Henry!!!

I'll be tuning in next week… Thank God CBS is finally discovering talented writers again…. I'm so sick and tired of the same Ole' BS!

Henry's My Hero Again!!!

Go Fonzi!!! (Shouted U Geek Morons!)

Bubba in Wakulla Florida!

seductive show

[Vincentiu · 9 November 2014]

a family . and a lot of events. the father looking the happiness. the powerful mother. and the poor Ben.that could be all. the subject seems be old, the characters are the same from another series. but Out of Practice has a little detail. first - the smart script. than - the cast. and the fine humor about family problems, relations between its members, social life and links between generations. a series who could be useful lesson of cinema for the ironic image about society. and, sure, a high entertainment example. interesting and clever, it is a lovely piece of comedy. and this virtue is real important front to avalanche of series who are only expressions of rating high need.

Disappointing

[sh33na · 19 December 2005]

We are usually out on Monday nights, and we Tivo King of Queens and Two and a Half Men. My guess was that the fillers they stuck into the other half-hour slots this season would be stinkers.

I guessed correctly, at least with Out of Practice. (I haven't seen the other new show they have squeezed in, and I don't intend to.) This was "New Year's Eve", and did it ever stink. And why is it listed as a medical show and not a comedy? Oh, because it isn't funny, I guess.

There are some talented actors in Henry Winkler, Jennifer Tilly, and Stockard Channing. Sadly, you'd never know it by watching them in this.

The older son looks like he should be one of the parents. His birth year is listed as 1967, which would make him 38 now. He must have had a hard life. His line delivery reminds me of Malcolm Gets from Caroline in the City, but without the wit and dry humor that made him endearing.

The daughter and younger son are forgettable. The rest of the cast was just a distraction.

The canned laughter is too obvious. I can usually roll with the punches, but the fake laughs are very noticeable. I don't like that.

The actors seem to be yelling, as if they are doing a play. Bad move.

Kelsey Grammar, Christopher Lloyd, and James Widdoes are not amateurs, by any stretch. I would expect better from them.

Welcome to cliché theater.

[ssmq61e · 19 September 2005]

Much ballyhooed, with loads of talented, experienced and recognizable names both in front of the camera and behind the scenes....and it comes across with all the subtlety of a Stooges short.

The writers have apparently tried to emulate the old screwball comedy repartee of Rosalind Russell and Cary Grant, but they got it so, so wrong. The charm of that old rapid-fire dialogue was the CHEMISTRY and the CHARACTER behind it -- NOT the staccato shouting, which is the only part reproduced here.

And all the acting talent here is wasted on pat, stale, already-done-much-better- somewhere-else characters. Even the incredible Stockard Channing, who would usually make watching such a stinkbomb worthwhile, is reduced to a one-dimensional harpy, incredibly stiff in her unconvincing shrillness.

Painful. Really. A great reason to dig the remote out of the couch after Two and a Half Men.

Bad. Just .... bad.

[Ursula_Two_Point_Seven_T · 10 October 2005]

Nice pedigree (Stockard Channing, Henry Winkler), but completely bad, awful, horrible, unfunny.

I'm stuck in Wisconsin on business and this came on the tube. The jokes were so stale, trite, and clichéd. Anyone with about 6 months of TV-viewing experience could see the jokes coming from a mile away. It was really sad. I think this show will be on the ash-heap real soon. It should be on the ash-heap NOW.

Henry Winkler left "Arrested Development" for THIS?????? Worst. Career move. Ever.

Rating: 0/10

The show to watch?

[kyoo · 19 September 2005]

THIS show is the show to watch? It was terrible! If it lasts the season, it'll only be out of respect to Stockard Channing and Henry Winkler. Stockard Channing from Grease and West Wing, and Henry "the Fonz" Winkler had NO chemistry whatsoever as exes. For me to believe they hate each other now I have to believe they were in love with each other at some time in the past. The jokes were canned and the other actors were terrible. The total show was formulaic. And why is Jennifer Tilly there? All she needed to do to make her appearance typical was for her to drop her towel at the door. The whole two brothers eavesdropping in the kitchen was reminiscent of three's company. Overall, if this show is still on after thanksgiving it'll be a miracle.

Out of it's Mind

[sfox718549 · 20 September 2005]

CBS as launched another nose dive for it's line up of comedy shows. The ensemble cast of "Out..." is headed by Stockhard Channing and Henry Winkler. The group portrays a dysfunctional family of five doctors. Winkler is the randy patriarch of the family (chassing Jennifer Tilly around), Channing is his overbearing ex, and Christopher Gorham, Ty Burrell and Paula Marshall are the stunned and stunted children of this (mis)match. And these folks are all doctors. Makes you want to rethink your HMO. We find the family gathering for a dinner at the youngest (under-achiever) son's apartment. His environmentalist wife is "chained to a redwood in Oregon" and is the butt of most of the best lines. You know that the writers need to be shuffled when the most interesting character (Naomi - the missing wife) is only mentioned in passing and is "killed" off in the middle of the show. CBS (stands for "Cute But Silly") can save this show if they; give Winkler a haircut, by him a wardrobe that fits and...oh hell can him and put him back behind the cameras where he belongs. What this show could use is Joseph Bolonga as dad! Is there a doctor in the house.

Mediocrity with a laugh track

[jqdoe · 21 November 2005]

Really, this show was about as forgettable as it gets. One episode was way more than enough for me.

BTW, is there some AFTRA rule that requires that every single sitcom family now include at least one lesbian or homosexual? Puh-leeze! Hey, Paula Marshall used to be hot and may have bumped this show a SMALL notch above mediocrity, but some genius decided to cast her as a lesbian, and to even make it worse, it looks like she has added like about 20 pounds to her posterior.

Conclusion: If you have nothing better to do with 30 minutes of your life than to watch 22 minutes of this show and 8 minutes of commercials . . . well, prayers sent.