What I Like About You

Light, breezy and easy to enjoy. [20 Sept 2002]

It's all fairly paint-by-numbers with a fair amount of physical comedy, yet I couldn't help laughing out loud at times - watching Bynes give a terrier the Heimlich maneuver, for example. [20 Sept 2002, p.E1]

Bynes shows promise, but neither she nor her co-star -- Beverly Hills, 90210's Jennie Garth -- has the skill to pull off physical comedy. They look as if they're being clumsy on purpose -- which defeats the comic purpose. [19 Sept 2002]

Bynes, whose career on Nickelodeon, culminating with The Amanda Show, gives her instant recognition with the desired audience, is about as established a comedian as any 16-year-old can be. [20 Sept 2002, p.D13]

Harmless fluff that won't impress its intended pre-teen audience, but they'll watch anyway. [20 Sept 2002, p.40]

Could prove to be a hit without being very good. [20 Sept 2002, p.1]

It's rare for someone of Bynes' age to play like Chevy Chase, stumbling over suitcases, getting pounded by closing elevator doors, and tumbling off beds. She does the stunts effortlessly. But Garth looks distressed while crashing into tables and falling over couches. Slapstick works when played to the comic hilt, not coming off like you're actually killing yourself. [20 Sept 2002, p.C5]

Both actresses are charming, and the first episode has some smart dialogue, but it's sabotaged by a glut of physical comedy, most of which doesn't work. [19 Sept 2002]

Insipid. [20 Sept 2002, p.C1]

Ms. Garth is even less appealing, forced to carry the weight of the show's many pop-culture references. It calls for a referendum ending all Wang Chung punch lines. [20 Sept 2002, p.6C]

The poor girl [Bynes] flops around so badly in the pilot, trying to mine laughs from physical comedy and sheer crazed movement, that you want to give her a vacation from the next three episodes.

Any smart girl would also wish for humor at a higher level than slapstick broccoli on the eyeball or a 12-year- old boy drooling, "You're kinda easy on the peepers." [20 Sept 2002]

You have to be a huge fan to sit through this slog. The vapid dialogue, stupid situations and inept performances make it highly unlikable.[20 Sept 2002, p.E1]