Mr. Sunshine

:

Season 1
  • Network: ABC
  • Series Premiere Date: Feb 9, 2011
Metascore
54

Mixed or average reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 23
  3. Negative: 3 out of 23
Watch Now

Where To Watch

Buy on
Stream On

Critic Reviews

  1. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Tim Goodman
    Feb 9, 2011
    60
    Part of the hedging about Mr. Sunshine stems from her role. In the pilot, it's a wildly over-the-top portrayal that's simultaneously fun to witness but worrisome as to whether Janney can pull it off every week.
  2. Hitfix
    Reviewed by: Alan Sepinwall
    Feb 9, 2011
    60
    Much like "Cougar Town" was back in the fall of '09, Mr. Sunshine is a show with a lot of likable performers, a solid creative pedigree, occasional laughs and a whole lot of room for improvement.
  3. Philadelphia Daily News
    Reviewed by: Ellen Gray
    Feb 8, 2011
    60
    The premiere of Mr. Sunshine feels more forced at times than it needs to be, as if the writers mistrusted Perry and company's ability to wring humor from real-life situations and felt compelled instead to send in the clowns--with axes--to get the job done.
  5. Variety
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    Feb 8, 2011
    50
    While the varied events coming to the center each week do create comedic possibilities, Sunshine will wax or wane less on what passes through that revolving door than on the underwhelming occupants of its regular offices.
  6. Uncle Barky
    Reviewed by: Ed Bark
    Feb 9, 2011
    42
    Decidedly dreary for openers, Mr. Sunshine succeeds in making Cougar Town look like a lion of the prime-time jungle. That's obviously not the intent. But Perry, Janney and company will have to brighten matters in a hurry to avoid a very quick sunset.
  7. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    Feb 9, 2011
    40
    Mr. Sunshine never really comes into focus. I'm regarding this as a work in progress, and am hoping it finds its way in weeks to come the way Cougar Town quickly did.
  8. The Huffington Post
    Reviewed by: Maureen Ryan
    Feb 9, 2011
    40
    Mr. Sunshine isn't particularly hilarious or endearing, and the comedy doesn't surround Perry with a balanced ensemble of characters who get to be funny as well.
  9. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Hank Stuever
    Feb 9, 2011
    40
    Even when the pacing and writing and performances seem to line up, some intangible quality fails to quite hit the spot.
  10. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    Feb 9, 2011
    40
    It's not a complete disaster, thanks to supporting actress Allison Janney and a smooth single-camera tone. But it's a quintessential "so what?" sitcom that practically begs you to damn it with extremely faint praise, mincing your words down to the blandest of neutrality.
  11. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: David Hinckley
    Feb 9, 2011
    40
    It just doesn't feel like it's setting up a story we're really going to care about.

Awards & Rankings

65
#65 Most Discussed TV Season of 2011
95
#95 Most Shared TV Season of 2011

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 46 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 46
  3. Negative: 6 out of 46
  1. KundK
    Feb 11, 2011
    8
    I usually agree with the critic aggregation, but here the metascore is way off. The premiere was consistently funny, fast, ironic and slightlyI usually agree with the critic aggregation, but here the metascore is way off. The premiere was consistently funny, fast, ironic and slightly weird and with no canned laughter. Tonally, it reminds me of the late and great "Better Off Ted" - human crises in an almost absurd, non-human world. The cast is uniformly excellent, the writing is crisp and everything looks great. I just hope they don't abandon the out-of-left-field humour in order to pander to a broader and duller audience.… Full Review »
  2. castle
    Apr 20, 2011
    10
    This is my new favourite show. Sure it's weird seeing Matthew Perry play a character other than Chandler, but give it a couple of episodesThis is my new favourite show. Sure it's weird seeing Matthew Perry play a character other than Chandler, but give it a couple of episodes and his character really starts to come out. The humour is well written and different, with just the right amount of randomness. Also there's no laugh track over the top making the show seem a little more intelligent than most sitcoms these days. Also don't let the name throw you off, it is fitting after seeing an episode.… Full Review »
  3. chrischance
    Apr 7, 2011
    5
    Started off promising but it became dull and the same thing every episode. I am a fan of Matthew Perry, i liked Studio 60 & Friends. I believeStarted off promising but it became dull and the same thing every episode. I am a fan of Matthew Perry, i liked Studio 60 & Friends. I believe he is a smarter man and could have changed the pace of the comedy in this.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »