The Jake Effect (2003–2006) User Reviews

I only wish this show had a chance... it's delightful!

[KAnnD86 · 10/10 · 25 May 2006]

I watched 6 of the 7 episodes of this show tonight and I have to say this could have been a great series. First of all, it has a terrific cast. Jason Bateman plays Jake, a lawyer turned high school English teacher. Nikki Cox plays Liza, fellow teacher and possible love interest for Jake. Nick is played by Greg Grunberg. He's Jake's best friend and roommate who narrates the show. Together, they make a great team.

While the concept of the show isn't exactly original, it's far from boring. Each episode lets us get to know the characters a little better. The dynamic between Jake and Nick is really cool. They are totally believable as best friends. Their antics are the best part of the show. Episode 6 has to be my favorite. It involves an elaborate prank that is simply hilarious. The narrator really gets to play with the powers of narration. The show seems like it's beginning to hit its stride at that point.

Unfortunately this show was canceled by NBC before even airing. As part of Bravo's 'Brilliant But Cancelled' campaign, viewers are finally getting a chance to see this gem. Jake Effects had a lot of potential. I wish they'd made an entire season. That'd be a real treat. I hope they air the 7th episode soon because I can't get enough of this show.

Very enjoyable...no wonder it never hit the air...

[toddjob · 9/10 · 26 May 2006]

I'd be very interested to find out why this show never got on the air when it was actually made. The six episodes are very entertaining, shot with some style, and clever. Wait a sec, this is network television, so I guess that's 3 reasons it didn't make it. It's all becoming clear now! Seriously, Jason Bateman is great in the lead role, and the chemistry with Greg Grunberg (as his best friend) and Nikki Cox (potential love interest) seems evident even in the pilot episode. The interactions between those characters just don't feel forced at all in the six episodes, which is unusual early on in a new show. I think the show would have found better ways to integrate the other characters, particularly Kyle Gass' oddball teacher (who knows, if the show had continued, maybe we would have seen a cameo with the other half of Tenacious D).

I would love to have seen a whole lot more of these characters and dialogue. All in all, "The Jake Effect" was a funny show with a lot of potential, that for whatever reason, didn't get a shot to succeed. Take the opportunity to check it out while you can.

Real TV material that's not on TV

[chris-1724 · 9/10 · 26 May 2006]

I couldn't be more upset about a TV show that was canceled. This deserved to be on TV. I also watched all 6 episodes and could not believe how much I was hooked on the characters. Now, we're stuck with no resolution forever.

Jason Bateman does a great job keeping this from becoming a farce, he walks a fine line of comedy. Nikki Cox also does a wonderful job and reminds me of many funny coworkers that I've worked with before. She brings an authenticity to the show.

The show is just hilarious. Laugh out loud hilarious mostly.

A sitcom hasn't made me laugh that hard since the early Friends episodes.

I wish "The Jake Effect" was on air!

[laureng-catfish · 10/10 · 26 May 2006]

I love this show! I just barely saw two episodes on Bravo's "Brilliant but Cancelled" and was totally hooked. Jake Galvin is a great character. Played by Jason Bateman, he sort of makes you rethink the age-old statement "chivalry is dead." On one episode I saw, Jake got himself out of a tricky situation involving a mother at the school where he teaches. He took the approach of a truly honest and decent guy. Did I mention he's is kinda cute? The show was narrated by Nick Case, Jake's lawyer best friend. He had a dry sense of humor that made me crack up occasionally, which is a great compliment, considering I almost never even crack a giggle at t.v. shows.

Also on the show was Liza, a pretty teacher, who, the instant I saw, made me think, "Ooh! She should date Jake! They're perfect for each other!" Then I realized the terrible fact that the show wasn't going to air again. Why? It was great! "The Jake Effect" was funny, catchy, and had great characters! Please, NBC, give Jake, Nick, and Liza a chance!

wonderful, quickly forgotten comedy

[huskercourtyards433 · 10/10 · 29 May 2006]

I thank Bravo from the bottom of my heart for bringing back "the Jake Effect" one of the single greatest sitcoms of all time. I find Kyle Gass' performances consistently hilarious and I don't see how the critically acclaimed series was ever cancelled. Jason Bateman is a gift to the television screen and the dialogue in the series is no less than brilliant. I hate to compare this television show to the would be illustrious career of Tenacious D, but I can not help see the similarities between Kyle's character and he playing himself in all the great Tenacious D appearances. These include but and not contained to: "Tenacious D The Complete Masterworks" and such films as "Saving Silverman" in which Kyle gave an under-appreciated, yet duly noted performance as the magically inclined single man on a quest for the hand of the always lovely Amanda Peete.

Man this show blew my mind . . .

[mule66 · 9/10 · 26 May 2006]

Saw it last night on Bravo, thought I'd watch the first couple episodes but half way through the second show knew I was in for the long haul . . . The last episode (they showed) was the best I damn near levitated with awe and laughter at the green foam cowboy hat scene in the parking garage. Freakin' genius writing and great acting and characters. Y'knew these guys were tapped into the humor money vein when they had Kyle Gass as one of the supporting actors. I would definitely buy this if it came out on DVD. Bateman was on top of his game as always and his love interest was a knockout. The guy who played Bateman's best friend was terrific. Awesome show, too bad it was cancelate, doesn't surprise me though, television is controlled by twisted weasels. But hey if it wasn't cancelate we never would have gotten "Arrested Development," or at least it would have been without Bateman, which is hard to comprehend.