Ronna & Beverly (2009 TV Movie) User Reviews

Best comedy on cable since the Tracy Ullman Show!

[DoctorMortimer · 8/10 · 22 December 2009]

If you liked the Tracy Ullman Show, you'll love these girls. Reminded me of women in my old neighborhood for sure. The accents were spot on with some friendly jabs at the hang-ups and stereotypes of this segment of the Baby Boomer generation. A pleasant reminder that fresh young comedy is alive and well today.

It's like watching Seinfeld's cousins rambling on after a Barbara Streisand show, but these women know how to download an Iphone application. A three camera television show with the vibes and authenticity of a one-act play. The unique comedy of these two up-and-coming comedians is a brand I hope to see more of in the future. Great riffs between these two sparring comic pros whom seem wiser beyond their years as Ronna and Beverly. Only they know the limits of where their comedic partnership can take them, but this powerful female duo will certainly rank as one of the top female comedy teams in recent memory.

While I've seen them on the stage and thoroughly enjoyed their show, on the small screen is what suits these two the best. It's like a great SNL skit except you want this one to keep going. The sarcastic whit is biting and the Boston Jewish accents will be studied by linguists and bungled by future actors for years.

Good

[manitobaman81 · 7/10 · 5 September 2014]

I'm glad this didn't take itself seriously; that's the only part I liked about it. If you are a 14-year-old boy, you might like this, and that's cool. But If you are older and are getting just a little tired of all the crap, the media and the world around us has the guts to throw at us, then you shouldn't watch this. It's bad; it's real bad. But not that bad if you just turned on the TV on a Sunday afternoon and have nothing else to do. In the end, this is what there is for most of in our world today. The consumers decides what the media throws at us, and when the majority of the consumers are in fact, young or shallow-minded, this is what we get. 7/10.

Hilarity

[robinabox · 10/10 · 22 December 2009]

Every aspect of the show is great, but the brilliance of Jessica Chaffin (Ronna) and Jamie Denbo (Beverly) cannot be overstated. They'd played these characters for years in their live shows before writing the pilot, so when the camera starts rolling it's catching these ladies in the middle of amazingly full, rich lives. Individually, they're a riot, but when they start to riff and spar together, it's bust-a-gut and wet yourself hilarious. Like, seriously consider wearing a diaper while you watch. What's amazing is the line they walk between caricature and gloriously, painfully real (and often pathetic) characterization. I love these women. I really hope it gets picked up and becomes a show I can watch every week, or perhaps twice a week, like American Idol.

Ronna & Beverly bring the fun to TV

[Samaraym · 10/10 · 2 January 2010]

It's back! The fun in television is back. That's the first thing I thought after I watched Ronna & Beverly. These ladies are so committed to their characters that you can't help but be taken along for the ride. While there is a lot of great TV out there, what's extraordinary about this show is the magnetic duo of Jessica Chaffin (Ronna) and Jamie Denbo (Beverly). Rather then throwing some people on the screen because they look the part, these girls bring back the magic of true character work at it's best. The kind you fall in love with. The magic ingredient that makes a show a hit. Even though the actresses are younger then the yentas they portray, not for a second did I not believe that Chaffin and Denbo were the remarkably funny Ronna and Beverly. Adding to the mix, the creative queen of Weeds, Jenji Kohan, is also a writer on this clever endeavor. I'm hoping for more Ronna & Beverly because it would be a shame to lose these Jack Beanstalk beans.

Ronna and Bev made me ferklempt

[saffta · 9/10 · 23 December 2009]

Oy, I got so ferklempt watching this show! They must be Boston cousins of Beverly Richman. OMG I think I belong to the same sorority.Bev in bed with the construction guy would never happen in my neighborhood.He would need a Mercedes or at the very least an MD or a PhD before the yentes I know would give it up. Well, maybe just for a diversion he would do but not for a serious relationship.I've actually seen people try to use contacts to get ahead in an emergency room so that's a little bit of realism for you. Hell, my son in law the doctor got me a private room in a full hospital! If you run out of people to make matches for I've got a list an arm long. Long may Ronna and Beverly wave!

You go girls!!!!

[makeup-stacey · 10/10 · 21 December 2009]

Awesome and funny!!!!! Cant wait to see more ,more, more of Ronna and Beverlys escapades!!!!! I laughed til I cried!!!! This is something new, different and fresh. I loved the filming and the theme song. Characters were great.

The girls so connected with every woman just like them. Larry David gone female! In these tough times laughter is the best medicine and Ronna and Beverly are the cure. I definitely cant wait to see what other craziness they will get into.

All we can ask for is more episodes because I know they will always make me laugh. Congrats!!

Inspired.

[akrinst · 10/10 · 24 December 2009]

The brilliant comedic team of Chaffin and Denbo gets a long-overdue TV vehicle, in collaboration with "Weeds" creator Jenji Kohan. Think of it as a distaff "Curb Your Enthusiasm," but with TWO impossible Jewish protagonists instead of just one. It's a joy to watch the improvisational virtuosity of these two performers, who've honed their chemistry at the Upright Citizens Brigade theater and elsewhere. Especially hysterical: Beverly's violent reaction to a cute baby, in which her affection is articulated as a bloody rampage. Of course, like Larry David, these two are masters of mortification, so be forewarned. Painful, indeed, but also painfully funny.

My new go-to show when I need a good laugh

[rkagan1118 · 10/10 · 24 December 2009]

The Ronna & Beverly pilot had me rolling on the floor laughing. Jessica and Jamie play hilarious and believable characters (particularly so if you come from Boston and have a Jewish mother yourself). They are so on-the-money portraying Jewish middle-aged divorcée Bostonians, that I was slightly embarrassed for myself, yet couldn't get enough! From the opening scene to the final frame, I was laughing out loud! I DVR'd the show... watched it twice already, and a third time with my husband who was busting at the seams! I hope Showtime picks up the show as an ongoing series.... it would entice me to keep Showtime in my cable lineup for 2010.

Rocks the house

[emily-r-rosenbaum · 10/10 · 22 December 2009]

What I want to know is how did Ronna and Beverly escape from my childhood and come to haunt my TV set? It's all the humor of being around a Jewish mama without having to eat the gefilte fish. It is a shame this show has not been picked up. Why would the networks pass on something that is genuinely funny? The writing is sharp and the acting is spot-on, although, frankly, a little painful for how close to home it hits! I hope the show gets picked up so that I can watch more episodes. For now, I will have to haunt the internet looking for clips. One piece of advice, however -- definitely keep Ronna and Beverly away from your babies...

I Love Ronna & Bev

[wonderwomanaz · 10/10 · 22 December 2009]

Ronna and Beverly is an amazing show. This incredibly talented group has been working together for years perfecting these hilarious characters. I've seen this and some of Jamie Denbo's other shows at the UCB theatre in Los Angeles. She is an amazing talent and this show deserves a chance.If this show gets picked up, I guarantee it will have an incredible following. Where else do we get to see comedy that touches on real life situations but also makes you almost pee your pants? Ronna and Bev remind me of one of my high school friend's mom and her group of bridge playing, dirty talking, cackling friends who would pinch my cheeks and lecture me about my life. So many people can relate to these characters. We need more shows by and about strong, funny women. Ronna and Beverly is an absolute must-see!

Love these funny women!!

[lebaneselooker · 10/10 · 22 December 2009]

First of all, I LOVE female driven comedies!! Love them. I have seen these ladies perform live many times - but I absolutely LOVED their TV version. I really hope they produce more of these episodes, because they are outrageously funny - but they are also AMAZING ACTRESSES!! It's amazing how they can be so over the top and believable at the same time!! Pure entertainment. I LOVE RONNA ANE BEVERLY! If you like to laugh, and you love watching women dominate the comedy field (which I do, it's about time, right?) Then check out Ronna and Beverly, because you will be charmed, shocked, tickled, entertained and warmed by their commitment to bringing these characters to life. More, more, more!!

Loved it!

[j_hempe · 10/10 · 23 December 2009]

I was fortunate enough to have been watching showtime when this episode aired- I haven't laughed out loud at a new American comedy in a long time. It has all of the elements that any comedy lover would appreciate. Coming from Massachusetts myself, the actresses successfully re-created many ladies from my youth. You can't fake that accent! Not only were the characters of Ronna and Beverly perfectly executed but they are supported by hilarious writing. It's hard to make fun of cancer and make it work, but these two do. Easily on par with "Curb Your Enthusiasm", "30 Rock", "Tracey Ullman"etc. We need this show!

Still Laughing

[jameslaynes · 9/10 · 22 December 2009]

If you're looking for a window into the yenta communities of Boston, Long Island, Los Angeles or Miami you need look no further than this hilarious relationship comedy featuring two spot-on perfect portrayals of two 50-something Jewish Mother/authors who make you cringe in the best way a la The Office or Larry David. Like the best cutting edge comedies, Ronna & Beverly is often irreverent, pushing the boundaries of social morays but always hitting the comedic mark. What makes this show even better is the Simpsons-like attention to detail (catch the 'Robert Parish' sandwich order) that let's you discover something new on the second, third and even fourth viewings. I've read that this is just a pilot but here's one plea to Showtime to reconsider their decision. There's a dearth of quality comedy on television and cable as it is, and we can't afford to let a project with such vast potential die on the vine.

Incredible

[S219l · 10/10 · 22 December 2009]

I watched Ronna & Beverly and, wow, I love this show!

It's everything; brilliant, original, and absolutely hilarious.

It's really fun to watch and clearly an exceptional show. The writing is phenomenal and the characters fully realized. They remind me so much of my friends' mothers. It's so spot on.

I recorded it and actually watched it twice. It really made me laugh. There were so many hilarious scenes - I lost it when Ronna was listening to classical music in her car.

The whole show was just great.

Encore!!!!

Clever, Funny.

[mks-9 · 9/10 · 21 December 2009]

Cleverly written. Over the top. The opening scene made my jaw drop. Cancer can be funny. So politically incorrect. Funny and embarrassing at the same time. The show was set in Boston. However both Ronna and Beverly reminded me of women I grew up with in Pikesville, MD. The wardrobe was dead on. The accents were perfect. Hate to admit it, but Ronna's driving was similar to mine. After that scene, I'll be watching my language! The supporting and guest characters were also wicked funny. Ronna and Beverly's book tour would be a lot of fun to watch. I hope Showtime brings Ronna and Beverly back. With such talented women, what a shame if these characters are wasted on just one episode.

Hysterically funny!!!

[davdepley · 10/10 · 21 December 2009]

Just watched the pilot and OMG these women are funny! These days great television comedy is coming back around to shows that create compelling and enduring characters. (Seinfeld, The Office, 30 Rock) This show is a wonderful addition to the trend as it features 2 WOMEN, neither of whom needs a man to lead the way to the laughter. Kudos to the producers for backing these ladies up and not falling back on standard formulas. The characters in this show are magnificent and their interplay simply a joy to watch. It is obvious that the actresses know their way around a punchline, and are loving every minute of bringing these women to life. More, please!

Gorgeous and Fabulous

[ebanville-2 · 9/10 · 22 December 2009]

Loved it. These gals are smart, funny and a fresh burst to my eyes. The pilot's slickly directed by Paul Feig and written by the lovely ladies (Jessica Chaffin & Jamie Denbo) along with "Weeds" creator Jenji Kohan. Under the wigs, you'd recognize Jessica and Jamie from their guest appearances on everything from "Weeds" to "Entourage" to even "Zoey 101."

Having seen the live show multiple times in L.A., I'm a bit spoiled and maybe came into this a bit skewed. But still I think even in it's edited form, it still rings just as amusing. The skin cancer pubic hair run is enough to keep you laughing and giggling for the entire thirty minutes, never mind the chemistry and fire shared by the two life long friends of Ronna & Bev. If you like broad comedy and satire, check it out asap. You won't be disappointed.

Caught this on Showtime last night

[Bayhound · 10/10 · 22 December 2009]

Very funny show. I like entertainment that's not afraid to push the envelope, and in that regard, this show was fearless. The show starts off with the protagonists telling a cancer survivor group that nobody wants to hear about their cancer. Wow. And then later, one of the ladies tells Mack from Night Court that she thinks black people can sing better than white people, and the heavier the better - it reminded me of a less socially-aware Larry David.

I read somewhere this was just a one-time deal; I hope this was wrong, cause I'd love to see this show again. It has an outrageous sense of humor that I'd like to see more of.

Excuse me! Ronna and Beverly are the best! Thank you!

[ehoulihan · 10/10 · 22 December 2009]

Jamie and Jessica are an absolute scream! I've had the pleasure of watching "Ronna and Beverly" interrogate Casey Wilson and Michaela Watkins fresh off their undeserved SNL cast-off, as well as Boston favorites Joey McIntyre from New Kids on the Block and Eli Roth ("The Bear Jew" from Inglourious Basterds) live from the UCB Theatre in Los Angeles-- and look forward to telling my friends back east to tune in. Excuse me! Their show is incredible and it's so exciting to see funny females taking names and kicking butt on TV! If you love Mike Myers as Linda Richman and miss Amy Sedaris and Stephen Colbert on "Strangers with Candy," you've found your long-awaited replacement-- with more outrageous antics, Jewish guilt and hilarity to boot. I hope Showtime picks it up for a full season. Thank you! Excuse me!