Spin City

Spin City has a premise with potential, a superb supporting cast and a leading man of great appeal. The sophisticated series should be the fall's winner by a landslide. [17 Sept 1996, p.E1]

Every few years, if we're lucky, a new sitcom arrives that is so effortlessly funny, its characters so perfectly realized, that it seems more like a third-season opener than a fresh-from-the-box pilot. "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" was that way; so were "Taxi," "Cheers" and "Frasier," to name a few others...I may be overstating things, but I don't think I am, by placing tonight's Michael J. Fox showcase, ABC's Spin City, in the same league. [17 Sept 1996, p.70]

Reunited with "Family Ties" creator Gary David Goldberg, movie star Michael J. Fox scores a landslide victory in his terrific TV comeback. [16 Sept 1996, p.35]

But most importantly, Spin City should be a hit because of Fox, who's never been more likable than he is here. [17 Sept 1996, p.6D]

Spin City just happens to be very funny. [17 Sept 1996, p.F1]

Based on both content and time slot - between "Home Improvement" and "NYPD Blue" - Spin City is potentially the breakout hit of the season. [17 Sept 1996]

A devilishly discerning comedy. [17 Sept 1996, p.39]

It's one of those premiere episodes that look and feel as if the best is yet to come. [17 Sept 1996, p.E1]

As homage to the unclean gymnastics of p.r., Spin City is certainly the season's most believable new sitcom. And also by far the best.

Fox's return to prime-time TV finds him hitting his mark...What's more, the actor is surrounded by a likable cast. [17 Sept 1996, p.1C]

Spin City is firing on all cylinders. It's a slick little contraption custom-built by professionals, and if it's not exactly full of surprises, at least it's roaringly competent. [17 Sept 1996, p.B01]

Everything about City does not spin with equal balance. The pilot's plot (the mayor stumbles into a gay rights controversy) is so hackneyed and out-of-touch, it makes you wonder if the writers have been to New York in the last decade. But the spin doctors at Spin City insist the plot's creakiness is an aberration - and so many other things in the show go well, I'm inclined to believe them. [17 Sept 1996, p.D-4]

As might be expected with any Gary David Goldberg product, Spin City is smart stuff. The one-liners zing, Mr. Fox and company are disarming and the 22 minutes flow by effortlessly. The only snag is that concept of spin. Are those who toy with the truth all that funny?