ABC’s ‘How to Live with Your Parents’ will be a hit or miss

By Kevin Bartelt

After spending spring break binging on Netflix (don’t deny it), you are probably ready for a new show.

Like for all of life’s problems, ABC has a solution. “How to Live with Your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life)” is a refreshing sitcom that will debut 8:30 p.m. April 3 on ABC. From what I have seen in the previews, “How to Live with your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life)” seems like a B+ show. Before I can make assumptions, it’s best to know what the show is about.

The witty and pretty Sarah Chalke (Elliot Reid from “Scrubs”) plays Polly, an anxious and divorced mother. Due to the plummeting economy, Polly and her daughter move in with her parents. Similar to most family sitcoms, Polly’s parents are unique. Polly’s mother, Elaine (Elizabeth Perkins), is uptight and inappropriate; her father, Max (Brad Garrett), is laid back. In addition, Polly struggles between her ex-husband who wants her back and an old friend who she used to like.

If you couldn’t tell, there’s a lot going on in the plot. I feel like if I missed an episode, it would be difficult to fill in the gaps. In addition, “How to Live with Your Parents” has slapstick and light-hearted humor not seen often in shows about a divorced protagonist. I’m not sure if this will pull me in or get old quickly. This comedic style differs from Louis C.K., as he incorporates dark comedy into “Louie,” his show about being divorced. It will be interesting to see if “How to Live with Your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life)” can compete with “Louie.”

The way the show features Garret, also known as Robert Barone from “Everybody Loves Raymond,” is a definite plus. However, it would be unfortunate if Garret is typecasted from “Everybody Loves Raymond.” If Garret is just playing an older version of Robert, the show will be disappointing.

Honestly, I think it will be a hit or miss. With two great actors, the show has the potential to do well. However, it does not seem to be a standout. Will Chalke and Garret raise the bar or will “How to Live With Your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life)” flop? Find out April 3 on ABC.