User reviews

NET NEWS reminds me of a modern-day "WKRP in Cincinnati". The parallels are there: Eddie Gaspar is Andy Travis, Marisol is Jennifer, Tom Stanton is Les Nessman. But make no mistake: this series is no rip-off. The nice balance of female and male characters, the truly ensemble cast, the rapid-fire dialogue... all are executed superbly. The character of Tom Stanton is able to pull off dementia jokes without offending- no easy task.

The biggest negative is the production quality, which I'd say is mediocre at best. Dodgy sound and shadow lighting distract from the strengths of the show (dialogue and character development).

I'm looking forward to Season 2!

Net News centers around Bob Andros a boss who never left the 70s or at least what he thinks is the 70s. From the unlit dangling cigar to the focus on awkward and sometimes degrading treatment of women, writer/director John T. Georgopoulos imagines a modern media office in a comedy whose politically incorrect style will anger some and delight others. To both ends of the viewing spectrum the series asks "What's wrong with you?". Are you titillated by the Andros' casting couch mind or are you so wrapped up in the PC mindset that humor fails? Either way - "What wrong with you?" would be answered if you don't take the chance to watch this developing adult comedy that takes risks without taking itself ... seriously.

On the surface, the light-hearted scenes play up immature and seem designed to offend masking some truths about American humor. Aging anchor (Ivan Mann), effeminate sportscaster (Laval Alsbrooks Jr.) and the parade of attractive women superficially gloss over underlining "The what's wrong with this?" and "Should we be able to laugh at this?" social aspects. Raw humor, empty sets, stilted dialogue and stagnant camera angles echo the bleak reality of where and how netcasts are made. The scene composition, line delivery, appearances and moral play between Andros and circle of associated talents produce an almost South Park like environment where teleprompter readers,out-of- time producers and directors cavort with workers more interested in forwarding their careers than protecting their workplace rights. Additional shining lights among this fresh cast are Angela Burno, Samantha Rivers Cole, Krista Robelle, Trevor Van Uden and G. Paul Salvetti. All need more time to fully develop strong chemistry that should come with a second season block.

With kudos to the Office, NewsRadio and WKRP, Net News attempts to breakdown behind the scenes interplay that may or most likely may not happen off set. Putting aside the more serious questions asked, there are times the viewer can almost expect a stop motion Andros to chased by scantly dressed co-workers to the tune "Yakety Sax". Looking forward to another season. Benny Hill salute!