The Hotwives of Orlando

Hotwives is knowing and funny, and a great showcase for many talented comedians who both star in it and appear as guests.

This show is a bit too easy, given that its source material has become a parody of itself. For those who have grown sick of the Bravo formula squabbling, these antics may be a tonic.

Writers Dannah Phirman and Danielle Schneider clearly know the source material they’re mocking and do a great job of getting laughs out of the absurdities of the “Real Housewives” shows. But sometimes the humor is dulled by the realization that while mockery can be fun, Hotwives still requires viewers to sit through “Real Housewives”-style inanity.

Strong as the writing is--and it’s way smarter and has a stronger point of view than your typical web spoof aspires to be--it’s hard to shake the feeling that it’s a web spoof, something that’s in stark contrast to the lavish and extravagant production Netflix is putting forth.

The issue here, in as much as there’s an issue here, isn’t that the jokes aren’t funny--it’s that they’re kinda lazy, especially coming from a group this capable.... The series is amusing enough to qualify as a good summer diversion--if not exactly must-see TV.

The plotlines here--a fund-raiser for a charity that provides high-heel shoes for dogs occupies the first episode--are kind of amusing, but in general the show looks as if it were far more fun to make than it is to watch.