The Odd Couple (2015)

:

Season 1
  • Network: CBS
  • Series Premiere Date: Feb 26, 2015
Season #: 3, 2, 1
User Score
5.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 84 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 84
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 84
  3. Negative: 29 out of 84
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  1. BobbyZim
    Mar 8, 2015
    8
    I was wary of this one, being as I am a big fan of the play (which I've seen in various productions), the Jack Lemmon/Walter Matthau movie and the Tony Randall/Jack Klugman series. Normally I loathe remakes - especially of classics - but the more I thought about it, the more I realized... the original "classic" was based on a movie based on a stage play of which I have seen numerousI was wary of this one, being as I am a big fan of the play (which I've seen in various productions), the Jack Lemmon/Walter Matthau movie and the Tony Randall/Jack Klugman series. Normally I loathe remakes - especially of classics - but the more I thought about it, the more I realized... the original "classic" was based on a movie based on a stage play of which I have seen numerous productions. This isn't a remake, it's another adaptation. Had Matthew Perry and Thomas Lennon been playing Oscar and Felix on stage, I would have gone in a second. If it seems like a million other shows, it's not because it's "recycled." The 1965 play is the original that everyone else recycled in other sitcoms not called "The Odd Couple." Calling this premise "recycled" is like calling the premise of a Superman movie a rip-off of Spider-Man and Iron Man. Besides, much like Superman, the premise is so basic and simple ("He's a slob. He's a neat freak. They're best friends and roommates. Comedy ensues.") that it's almost archetypal and has been adapted for women, for people of color, for later decades and even for significantly foreign cultures like Japan.

    The question, of course, is how they pull it off, and the answer is, if I'm completely intellectually honest and objective: Pretty well, actually. Perry clearly has as much if not more affection for the material as I have - this was reportedly a pet project of his for a decade - and it shows. He wants to get it right, and so he basically does. The updates for the 2010s (Oscar Podcasting from his apartment; Felix's love of vegan cooking and yoga) are all logical and smoothly introduced. The supporting cast - including a finally-aging Dave Foley (when he was on KITH and "NewsRadio," I kept wanting to ask him if his dad knew he was doing his show for him) - are great. Most importantly, the chemistry between Perry and Lennon works. They clearly like each other personally, so you believe them as friends, and both are equally skilled enough at playing either straight men or comics that they're able to maneuver the delicate pushmi-pullyu nature of the premise in all its incarnations.

    On top of that, the show avoids the major pitfalls into which it easily could have fallen. There are people of color in the cast - this isn't the magically lily-white New York City of "Friends" or even "Agent Carter" - and as Oscar's literary agent, Wendell Pierce even plays a character of authority. Still more surprisingly given the premise and ESPECIALLY the lead-in (two words: Chuck Lorre), the show manages not to be misogynistic, even granted Oscar's womanizing. The replacements for the "coo-coo Pigeon Sisters" have individual personalities, motivations and quirks mirroring Oscar's and Felix's and are no longer the "two-headed monster" of the original. (Although, it should be noted, in most American stage updates, the Pigeon Sisters' stand-ins are Latin, so there is a missed opportunity here.)

    If I could find one fault with the show three episodes in, it's that the writing is not YET quite as sharp and crisp as it clearly could be. But to be fair, that's a flaw of MOST traditional sitcoms in their first few episodes, and "The Odd Couple" has shown steady improvement since the pilot. By the time its second season starts (and there likely will be one, given its ratings success thus far), the writing staff will probably have gotten into the swing of things, and this will be that most endangered of all species in the TV ecosystem: A multi-cam sitcom that's funny, likable and not offensive.    … Expand
  2. Ariadne
    Feb 23, 2015
    6
    Was that a laugh track? It didn't make the show funnier. That said, there were some funny lines. Overall, Matthew Perry is no Jack Klugman. This was the worst of his comedies yet. I hope the two can get some better timing and more genuine acting, but if not, I'm outta there.
  3. Frankony
    Feb 21, 2015
    6
    Let's not get crazy. This is not a great sitcom... yet. Matthew Perry has an obvious love for the material and in attempting to update it has not thrown out the baby with the bath water. It's a great sit and there was some genuine com. I'm in for a few more episodes. F.U.
  4. mooshoo
    Mar 7, 2015
    6
    I think many people were just waiting to hate this show and won't give it a chance. They think it's sacrilege to remake the Odd Couple.

    PS NO IT'S NOT A LAUGH TRACK; it's a live audience. Although I agree I hate hearing the laughter. It dates the show. The main cast did vey well, and the writing was good for the first two shows. I enjoyed it and I laughed -- what more could you    I think many people were just waiting to hate this show and won't give it a chance. They think it's sacrilege to remake the Odd Couple.

    PS NO IT'S NOT A LAUGH TRACK; it's a live audience. Although I agree I hate hearing the laughter. It dates the show.

    The main cast did vey well, and the writing was good for the first two shows. I enjoyed it and I laughed -- what more could you want?? There are some very creative twists to the original plot and the two main actors are excellent; supporting cast are experienced actors and know what they're doing, too (except for Leslie Bibb).

    Personally, I wouldn't cast Leslie Bibb in anything every again; she's Skeletor-like and unattractive and can't act. Her smile is a repellant. She keeps showing up in new shows and tanking them. She ruined one of my favorite shows -- GCB. So...in the Odd Couple, we're supposed to believe that Bibb is the hot babe and her more attractive and shapely sister is the uggo?? Get rid of Bibb, get a really attractive love interest, and the show might go on.    … Expand
  5. Pottsmiller
    May 7, 2015
    0
    I loved the original Odd Couple. This new version has the worst writing and acting I ever watched. I thought it might get better after the first episode, but it's the same boring lack of comedy.
  6. jcreighton
    Apr 27, 2015
    10
    I find the show very comedic. The cast is very talented! Matthew Perry and Thomas Lennon make a perfect Oscar and Felix, respectively. Along with the witty Yvette Nicole Brown and the very funny Lindsey Sloane.
  7. ceschba
    Apr 27, 2015
    0
    Don't waste your time on this one. Fake laugh track. Jokes aren't funny. Acting is awful. Oscar and Felix are annoying. When it comes on, I turn the channel. Hope this waste of TV air time doesn't last long. The one "good" thing about this show is that it's only 1/2 hour LONG.
  8. edmh007
    May 2, 2015
    7
    I like this show. The actor playing Felix really makes the show work. Matt Perry is ok and the supporting cast is ok too. Hope the show makes it. Its too good to cancel!
  9. Sbeyer69
    May 20, 2015
    9
    I watched the Odd Couple with my Dad growing up.. I feel my opinion of this show holds water being a fan of the original. Mathew Perry is a great choice as Oscar! He delivers modern topics with a retro tone! Thomas Lennon is dead on Felix!!! Kick back and just enjoy a good laugh because that's what this show is about. Agree to Disagree and be odd!!
  10. DanaD
    Jul 19, 2015
    10
    For the first time in a long while I've actually laughed watching a comedy show. The couple Matthew Perry and Thomas Lennon are really hitting it off, so to say. Their fine mimic is simply exquisite and very suggestive. I haven't seen such great comedy in a long time, all supported by a very funny script. Love the show. Great cast. Keep up the great work!
  11. AverageTVViewer
    Feb 26, 2015
    2
    Sadly, I hated it. I loved the original tv version and really, really wanted to like this one since I really, really like Matthew Perry. But I thought the writing was terrible, the characters didn't seem natural as if they were interacting in real-life situations, they seemed to me just like what they are, actors waiting for their turn to say their next lines. Everyone seemed so stiff,Sadly, I hated it. I loved the original tv version and really, really wanted to like this one since I really, really like Matthew Perry. But I thought the writing was terrible, the characters didn't seem natural as if they were interacting in real-life situations, they seemed to me just like what they are, actors waiting for their turn to say their next lines. Everyone seemed so stiff, but hopefully it was nervousness or that they haven't found their groove yet, so I will watch another week or 2.
    Oh--and that laugh track. I don't know why, but it was so noticeable. A laugh track should be unobtrusive and add to the humor, but this laugh track was just to noticeable to the point of annoyance. Maybe it was because the show didn't engage me that the laugh track stood out so much, but again, I'll try another episode or 2 only because I really like Matthew Perry. He is so much better than this show----at least this show so far.    … Expand
  12. Tracy1968
    Feb 20, 2015
    0
    I was really hoping for a good sitcom from Mathew. This new show was the worst over acting sitcom I have seen in a very long time. They tried to act like the old show. What they should have done was come with something new and make it there own not wasting another half hour of my life on stupid sitcoms again.
  13. Disco
    Feb 26, 2015
    3
    I admit. I was closed minded as soon as I saw the trailers for this show. It's The Odd Couple though and I just had to peek. That said, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I didn't hate most of the show and I credit Thomas Lennon's Felix. I had to admire how deftly he plays the role as more fastidious rather than effeminate.

    Matthew Perry - what can I say. Ugh. He is easily worst    I admit. I was closed minded as soon as I saw the trailers for this show. It's The Odd Couple though and I just had to peek. That said, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I didn't hate most of the show and I credit Thomas Lennon's Felix. I had to admire how deftly he plays the role as more fastidious rather than effeminate.

    Matthew Perry - what can I say. Ugh. He is easily worst casting choice for the role of a gruff, hard living yet lovable Oscar. He is simply too one dimensional comedically and it showed every time he opened his mouth. There is absolutely ZERO chemistry between him and any other character.

    Friends worked mainly because of the great writing. It made some mostly mediocre actors look fantastic and sadly, Perry's weak career since has proven that time and time again. Here, he is simply an out of place Chandler with lame dialogue.

    The supporting cast of characters were pretty limp overall but I give Yvette Nicole Brown a B- and would happily see her stick around. That said, some serious retooling is necessary overall for this show. Start with the obnoxious laugh track.

    Again, there was more not to like than the opposite here however I did mildly enjoy the show IN SPITE of Perry and that is only due to Thomas Lennon and Yvette Nicole Brown.

    Not enough to keep it in my weekly rotation though.    … Expand
  14. jpw001
    Feb 26, 2015
    3
    I will watch again next week, but I hope they loosen up and find their own rhythm. I was expecting so much more from these actors. Very disappointed the whole odd couple premise was missing. They were stiff and unnatural. Hope they get better if not I will tune this one out.
  15. moviemonger
    Apr 30, 2015
    1
    I never thought I would witness witty and spot on Perry (as"Chandler" from Friends) so horribly boring and "cue card reading-esque" in a comedy which gets the coveted spot following Big bang. This show offers no laughter, horrible casting and a lack of chemistry. Jack Klugman has to be turning in his grave - on the other hand "Quincy" could probably use some work these days - likeI never thought I would witness witty and spot on Perry (as"Chandler" from Friends) so horribly boring and "cue card reading-esque" in a comedy which gets the coveted spot following Big bang. This show offers no laughter, horrible casting and a lack of chemistry. Jack Klugman has to be turning in his grave - on the other hand "Quincy" could probably use some work these days - like pronouncing this alleged comedy dead.… Expand
  16. meadhbh
    Mar 7, 2015
    0
    Jack Klugman would be disappointed, and so am I. Matthew Perry's Oscar Madison is a creep who thinks with his little head, and he's practically a stalker. He is in no way, shape, or form funny. I stopped watching during the last episode and deleted it from my DVR, and I will never watch another episode.
  17. TVboobtube
    Sep 9, 2015
    0
    This show is pathetic. The acting is so "forced" and unacceptable. The jokes are strained. So dumb. I watched about 15 minutes. On two episodes. Just horrible.
  18. Rysingzombie
    Feb 20, 2015
    9
    As I look back to some of my favorite sitcoms, I don't think I have ever enjoyed a first episode as much as I enjoyed "The Odd Couple!" Both Matthew Perry and Thomas Lennon had great chemistry together and I actually really liked the supporting cast! I highly recommend that people give this series a chance. There were a number of times I found myself actually laughing out loud. AfterAs I look back to some of my favorite sitcoms, I don't think I have ever enjoyed a first episode as much as I enjoyed "The Odd Couple!" Both Matthew Perry and Thomas Lennon had great chemistry together and I actually really liked the supporting cast! I highly recommend that people give this series a chance. There were a number of times I found myself actually laughing out loud. After the show was over both my wife and I turned to each other and said, "Wow that was actually pretty funny!" I'm crossing my fingers for good ratings! Thanks CBS for giving us another great comedy!… Expand
  19. falakrohitFGR
    May 7, 2015
    10
    i love this show.............its very comedic.............,Matthew Perry rocks.....i am from India.. and cant able to see it live so i download it and enjoy myself..........................................its awesome
  20. Know
    Mar 1, 2015
    0
    Awful show. Can't believe that the 'laugh machine' was played after each and every statement. If this show stays on TV, I must be crazy. Or, there are some very simple viewers out there. Perry has real hurt his imagine in this show of the Odd Couple.
  21. 15MaxCharacters
    Mar 16, 2015
    2
    The problem with the show isn't just the stilted acting (which IS a major problem), it's that they try to take on the affectations of the characters from the original show. They should try to develop characters that suit their personalities, updated to the current era instead of the '70s.

    The only thing new is that they make a lot of gay-bashing jokes in a crude and unsophisticated way.    The problem with the show isn't just the stilted acting (which IS a major problem), it's that they try to take on the affectations of the characters from the original show. They should try to develop characters that suit their personalities, updated to the current era instead of the '70s.

    The only thing new is that they make a lot of gay-bashing jokes in a crude and unsophisticated way. In the old series, I don't remember them ever stooping to that level because it was obvious they were both straight even though there was the definite "wife" role taken by Felix.

    Then there are the sex jokes. Yikes. They're vulgar, and they make you really dislike Oscar.

    Matthew: Loosen up. You don't need to punch every single word. Relax. Speak naturally. Oscar is a man's man, the kind you want to drink a beer with. Oscar's not the kind of guy you just want to punch in the face.
    Thomas: A vest? You're not Tony Randall. Don't try to be.

    The person who rated this a 9 must be Matthew Perry's aunt.    … Expand
  22. Auntbeabea
    Apr 2, 2015
    9
    I love, love, love the new Odd Couple. I don't understand all the negative reviews! Perry has seemed to take on the roll of Oscar well and Thomas Lennon is ha Felix pretty much to a "r" without hating. I know it's a re-make of an old show but these guys seem to really seem to some pretty chemistry They just have one thing working against them --The crazy people at CBS decided to put itI love, love, love the new Odd Couple. I don't understand all the negative reviews! Perry has seemed to take on the roll of Oscar well and Thomas Lennon is ha Felix pretty much to a "r" without hating. I know it's a re-make of an old show but these guys seem to really seem to some pretty chemistry They just have one thing working against them --The crazy people at CBS decided to put it and "Mom" up against "Scandal" and "The Blacklist" -- Come on people -- most DVRs will only record to shows at one time and you can't watch a third while the two shows are recording which totally interrupts my house cleaning schedule. (I clean house in the evening and record the TV I want to watch then I can fast-forwarding through commercials. NBC should really move their comedies to Friday nights or any other day other week but Thursday , Ms. Rhimes has that "locked." Mom the number one comedy on TV last year and The Odd Couple started out strong, but don'y let these these two very goo shows get canceled on your watch!!!

    .    … Expand
  23. thebestoftimes
    Feb 26, 2015
    3
    This is a pooly done and lame tv remake of the 1970-74 television classic, not even the talents of matthew perry of friends fame and thomas lennon could save this mess, they star as oscar and felix one who is messy, the other that is neat and they live in an apartment for more shenigans and stuff and the rest is history, the teleplay is awful, the story is wodden and the plot is missing.This is a pooly done and lame tv remake of the 1970-74 television classic, not even the talents of matthew perry of friends fame and thomas lennon could save this mess, they star as oscar and felix one who is messy, the other that is neat and they live in an apartment for more shenigans and stuff and the rest is history, the teleplay is awful, the story is wodden and the plot is missing.
    this is one of the year's worst tv indeed.

    stick to the original please.    … Expand
  24. Tarja
    Feb 27, 2015
    1
    The first thing that bothers me about what I have seen in these first two episodes is that Oscar Madison is too anal to be a slob. Smoke some weed, man, chill out. Next he is too 1960's in his playboy lifestyle. Get an ear ring. Let your trousers sag and show some underwear. That's how it is done now.

    But I don't know how that sort of guy gets to be a sports writer these days.    The first thing that bothers me about what I have seen in these first two episodes is that Oscar Madison is too anal to be a slob. Smoke some weed, man, chill out. Next he is too 1960's in his playboy lifestyle. Get an ear ring. Let your trousers sag and show some underwear. That's how it is done now.

    But I don't know how that sort of guy gets to be a sports writer these days. Those guys are all Felix's -- super-uptight even when they try to seem casual. Maybe if you write in that his dad owns the place he writes for that might solve that one.

    And maybe the days when you could be a slob and a good guy are gone. Years of hollywood using that as a quick way to say someone is evil may be more than can be overcome.

    I'd like to see this show work. And maybe they will still figure it out. But thus far it is a case study on what not to do.    … Expand
  25. stewartwilson
    Mar 23, 2015
    1
    The show is too predictable, too wooden, and Perry seems like he is barely trying anymore, despite his apparent passion for the show. The laugh track is distracting and is used on jokes that aren't funny. I'm saddened that this has proven to be a tremendous waste of a semi-decent cast, with only Perry and Lennon sharing any noticeable chemistry, but even that is nowhere near funny enough
  26. moonlightlilies
    Aug 26, 2015
    10
    Absolutely love this show! Matthew Perry and Thomas Lennon are wonderful and hilarious. Can't wait for the new series! A lot of people are being extremely negative, in these reviews, they're not even giving the programme a chance! Very funny.
  27. martinex
    Apr 10, 2015
    5
    The problem with shows like this is that it's always going to be compared to the original and it's always going to be found wanting. Sorry Matt. It looks like you're fate is to forever be known as Chandler Bing.
  28. Amigian
    May 28, 2015
    5
    Perry fans take caution beyond this point

    The chief problema of this show can be summed up quite easily - The straight man is too strait and the obnoxious guy is not obnoxious enough and there are too many extra characters bolted on. Perry, looking like he was hard broiled in a tanning booth, dispenses a very bing-up job with his portrayal of Oscar Madison. He appears pretty neat &    Perry fans take caution beyond this point

    The chief problema of this show can be summed up quite easily - The straight man is too strait and the obnoxious guy is not obnoxious enough and there are too many extra characters bolted on.

    Perry, looking like he was hard broiled in a tanning booth, dispenses a very bing-up job with his portrayal of Oscar Madison. He appears pretty neat & tidy for a supposed slob, he doesn't smoke or drink, swear or get aggressive, actually he is pretty straight if truth be told...though some of those things absent are just a sign of the times. Lennon's Felix is quite interesting in my opinion, falling somewhere between David Hyde Pierce's performance as Cecile in The Simpons and Jeffrey Comb's take on Herbert West in Re-Animator. Since the original Odd Couple had been and gone, the basic idea has become a well-worn theme, a recent example is 'The Exes' which by the way, I thought the first few episodes were fantastic, but then it started running out of steam like everything else. But what I was getting at was the show (The Exes) carries the trademark theme, complete with the straight man, but the performance of the actor and writing of this character has enough subtleties to make it funny and believable on its own terms, where as 2015 Felix Unger feels like an android to me, and hence isn't particularly funny.

    The best thing about this Odd Couple I think is Dave Foley, I really liked him in News Radio and now he is a bit rough & overweight he is even more funny! Overall the show is pretty average stuff, so it rates somewhere in the middle of the road.    … Expand
  29. naggia
    May 10, 2015
    7
    my husband and i really enjoy all the people and the rmake. sadly Perry is annoying. Why is he stretching his eyes and not in the moment. Such bad acting. I usually am a fan but he is ruining the sitcom. This could be great.
  30. llagnt
    May 14, 2015
    1
    If the cast is good, they should be able to do something original, not rely on something that has already been done, They are not doing it as well as original.
  31. Claire0
    Jun 11, 2015
    10
    I LOVE this show and I hope it has a long run. Matthew Perry is his usual hilarious self, and the jokes are great... I keep hearing such great NEW ideas in comedy, and I even rewind to watch parts again. All the characters are great but i HOPE MATTHEW PERRY makes a great go with this because he NEEDS to be on t.v. he's so funny.

Awards & Rankings

48
#48 Most Discussed TV Season of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
42

Mixed or average reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 31
  3. Negative: 10 out of 31
  1. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: Margaret Lyons
    Feb 20, 2015
    10
    The oddest thing about The Odd Couple is that it took Perry, Lennon, Bibb, Lindsay Sloane, Dave Foley, Yvette Nicole Brown, and Wendell Pierce and wasted every molecule of their combined talents.
    Read full review
  2. Newark Star-Ledger
    Reviewed by: Vicki Hyman
    Feb 20, 2015
    30
    This show does nothing interesting with the premise, relying almost entirely, it seems, on the brand to break out.
    Read full review
  3. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    Feb 20, 2015
    30
    There's not a lot to love in this strained, often deafening update of the Neil Simon perennial. [16 Feb-1 Mar 2015, p.15]
See all critic reviews »