Sam & Cat

Sam and Cat is exactly what the title says - two characters from two of Dan Schneider's previous shows put together in one environment and left to have fun together. The two characters haven't changed significantly since their previous appearances on iCarly and Victorious, respectively. There are a few laughs scattered throughout the premiere, but even the laugh track seems aware of how frail the comedy is. Any longtime fan of Schneider's brand of humor will be satisfied by seeing gutsy Sam and ditzy Cat interacting with each other and other folks, but genuine gut- busting comedy of the kind that was more common on iCarly is nowhere to be found. It seems Schneider is simply going through the motions rather than trying to create something original and memorable, but as of the time of this review's writing, only one episode has debuted so far. Thus, it remains to be seen whether or not Sam and Cat can rise above mediocrity and come close to matching iCarly in influence and enjoyment.

Imagine that when "Laverne and Shirley" moved to Los Angeles they had opened up a babysitting service in their apartment complex and you have "Sam and Cat". This is one of those pre-sold spin off shows, trying to fuse characters from Nichelodeon classics "iCarly" and "Victorious". In this case Sam Puckett from "iCarly" (Jennette McCurdy) and Cat Valentine from "Victorious" (Ariana Grande).

"Laverne and Shirley" was able to develop some entertaining supporting characters, something "Sam and Cat" is still working on. The two little British girls have considerable potential but no one else in the supporting cast has registered a pulse.

It seems like a great idea because Sam and Cat (like their 1950's Milwaukee counterparts) are a study in contrasts. Sam (Laverne) is extreme and abrasive in a loud and physical way. Cat (Shirley) is gentle and cerebral (well Cat is more a gentle and innocent airhead than a cerebral one). This character dichotomy is appealing to viewers, who respond positively to the way the two girls complement and complete each other.

"Sam and Cat" had a chance to go one better on the dynamic because Ariana Grande has the best face on television or at least this side of Kelly Berglund. Which cries out for a production technique of wide shots of Sam's physical comedy in juxtaposition with close-ups of Cat. This technique would not only play to McCarty's strengths but would cement a huge bond between the audience and Cat. Grande is a naturally gifted actress who should be able to subtly sell her character's intense vulnerability in these tight shots. Thus the production technique would consistently echo the character contrasts that are the basis of the show.

Unfortunately this is a cheap and unimaginative production, filmed almost entirely in wide master shots. I can't think of a more extreme example in that regard since the old black & white Republic serials. This is the cheapest possible production method and the easiest and fastest way to crank out a lot of sterile running time. Just watch an episode and note the almost total absence of close-ups, it is glaring because virtually every line Grande delivers and every reaction she has to McCarty's antics would work better with the camera tighter on her. But this show is just beginning so I am hopeful the producers will recognize what is being lost by this cut-rate production method and will replace the current production company with one that has a clue.

Just rides on the coattails of iCarly and Victorious. Cat's voice and character is dialed up to an 11 and not in a good way. Extremely average show that can be entertaining at times. No substance whatsoever.

There are a few reasons why this double-spin off is a total miss: First of all, both Sam (from iCarly) and Cat (from Victorious) were foil characters on their respective shows, with the funny weird stuff to offset the more well-defined, balanced characters. Here we have two comic relief characters and no one to offset them. Look at 'Friends': The ill-advised spin off, 'Joey', was an absolute train wreck, because Joey as a character was not strong enough to occupy an entire show. Sam and Cat are just not strong enough as separates or together in this same way. Both Victorious and iCarly also had strong premises, whereas the premise of Sam & Cat is extremely weak. They're living together and they've started a baby-sitting service. That's pretty much it. There are a few throw-in characters, like a little black market-dealing kid, but none of them add anything to the already weak concept. Nickelodeon was grasping at straws trying to come up with a reason why these two girls would live together and what they would do. My biggest complaint, however, is that when you take Sam away from the iCarly cast and Cat from the Victorious cast, their characters are basically just annoying. Putting them together doesn't help anything. Sam is just a really bad person all the way around, and Cat is borderline mentally retarded. To sum it up, going from iCarly and Victorious, this is a huge step down from both. Not nearly as funny, or interesting, or relatable in any way shape or form.

Another low-brow, immature offering from the creators at Nickelodeon. The show generates a few laughs but continues to rely on slapstick comedy a little too much. I get it, it is a show for younger children but why must it be so brainless.

The show is watch worthy but the style is nothing new and a little weak. Sam Puckett bores me and although Cat Valentine is adorable there is only so much of her you can take.

Nickelodeon pick up your game. Putting two supporting actors together does not equal a star. Also a weird child grifter and a man who behaves like Forrest Gump does not make a supporting cast.