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Cougar Town – Why don’t Modern Family viewers stick around?

I have more quotes I want to share and more genuine laughter before the credits of 'Cougar Town' than I do in some two hour theatrical comedies. Where do all the viewers go after 'Modern Family?'

- Season 2, Episode 3 - "Makin' Some Noise"

I don’t understand why Cougar Town doesn’t have higher ratings. I realize I’m a ratings odd ball and have a tendency to cling to shows that many others don’t appreciate, but following one of the biggest comedies on ABC should be delivering Cougar Town the same audience.

Cougar Town is just as much about modern families of 2010 as is Modern Family. One broken nuclear family, a new boyfriend, a best friend and her husband and their baby and a coworker who just crept in and never left. That’s the definition of a modern family! I know many people were put off by the name of the show. Well, get over it. For eons we women have had to watch old farts dating young girls and here have very few episodes where Jules was actually attracted to younger men … and the viewers fled? Sorry, just don’t buy it. Top it off with one of the cherished Friends leading the ensemble cast and we should have ratings nirvana!

So what is it? Where is everyone? Why don’t the viewers stick around? The show is about a loving group of quirky friends and family who make you laugh with their inane stories about every day life. Hello Seinfeld! So many of the lines delivered (with perfect comedic timing, I might add) are things I wish I could think of to say during my own daily life.  Are they somehow offensive or boring to viewers other than me?

I would love to live in a cul de sac like theirs; far more than that on Desperate Housewives or Knots Landing or a myriad of other shows with cul de sacs (I like saying that). When Jules was frightened living alone after Travis moved to college (please tell me I am not alone in feeling like she did; every sound seemingly a ghost or serial killer), and to take some of the pressure off of being her new pet project, Grayson delivered up Neighborhood Watch. But this is Cougar Town! Neighborhood Watch turned into Wine and Spy, the entire gang stumbling, wine glasses and glow sticks in hand to glare right into the neighbors windows. Who out there has not wanted to see what’s happening in the neighbors house when they don’t know you’re looking? If you say you never have, well, frankly, I don’t believe you.

There was so much to love about this episode, just like all of the others. If you haven’t watched, I command you to get over to ABC and watch online. If you don’t think it’s funny, then come back and tell me why. I’m open to your opinion. I want to understand!

In the end of “Makin’ Some Noise”, the whole gang is jamming in Travis’ abandoned bedroom — old style — to “Slow Ride” by Foghat. Seriously folks, it just doesn’t get much better than this. No agenda, no politics, just wacky (sometimes crass — yay!) good times.

Awesome moments meant to be shared:

“I put bells on the front door. That way I know when someone’s coming in to kill me.” – Jules

“Man, that stinks. I used to rock in jean shorts and a half shirt. Then the girls went and stole the whole look.” – Bobby
“Remember how studly Burt Reynolds looked in that get-up?” – Andy

“When Stan goes to sleep, just shake a little cereal in his crib. That way, in the morning, he won’t wake us up when he’s hungry. He’ll just eat the ones stuck to his tiny arms.” – Ellie

“Cuban. Muscle. Crisis.” – Andy

“Sorry I came here and stole your thunder. Every man needs to create his own thunder. Man, it would be cool if I could fart right now.” – Bobby

Photo Credit: ABC Television

17 Responses to “Cougar Town – Why don’t Modern Family viewers stick around?”

October 7, 2010 at 12:32 AM

I hear you that people should get over the name of the show Carissa. But. I really think the name sunk it for people. It was starting to be an overused phrase back then. And IMO viewers think the show is about cougars getting it on with younger guys. Not about a family at all. Didn’t I read somewhere that they were toying with a name change last year because of this?
It’s too bad. Maybe CT will end up like Cheers. They were almost canceled after the first season, and look what happened by word of mouth.

October 7, 2010 at 4:15 PM

I hate that the name did it in. More ridiculous double standard crap for men and women. Between age and weight issues, I could argue all day. But I won’t. :-)

October 7, 2010 at 1:32 AM

The name is horrible, but I have watched it a few times and just feel nothing for the show. It’s not as bad as the name, but I just don’t feel anything for it.

I’m curious to what people change to at 9:30 because most shows on then would have started at 9. I usually only watch The Middle and randomly the others.

October 7, 2010 at 10:55 AM

Great review and I 100% agree. I love this show. Keith and I were saying last night how it’s so true that when you’re 40 you move onto wine being the answer … tequila shots are a thing of the past!

October 7, 2010 at 4:16 PM

I can’t even imagine doing a tequila shot now. OMG. An occasional cocktail and wine. Wine wine wine.

October 7, 2010 at 12:54 PM

More and more people wacth shows on their DVR, therefore, they are not tuning out of CougarTown. The show seems disjointed to me. The one liners are funny but I want more depth. Plus, people may be tired of Courtney playing herself. But TV shows are like art, everyone should have their own opinion and if you like it, go for it!

October 7, 2010 at 12:54 PM

Carissa, you write one heck of a great review. Love it! Can’t say I “love” Cougar Town, but it’s mildly amusing. I think I might like it better if they were to dial down Jules’ overactive neuroses.

October 7, 2010 at 1:03 PM

I AGREE 100% WITH YOU!! Cougar Town rocks and is so much better than Modern Family,is my opnion and I hope more people watch!

October 7, 2010 at 4:19 PM

I hope they do, too! Seems we got our wish last night, as it took an 11% leap over last week’s numbers. Woo hoo!

October 7, 2010 at 1:26 PM

I agree with the idea that it’s very curious how the audience just disappears when Modern Family ends, but I will take issue with your idea that having one of the Friends should bring any kind of ratings success.

The TV graveyard is stuffed full of shows that were built around actors from hugely successful shows and just never took off. Off the top of my head… Joey, Bob Patterson, Watching Ellie, Canterbury’s Law, The Michael Richards Show, The George Wendt Show, Pearl, ‘Til Death, Dirt, Joanie Loves Chachi… I’m sure there are tons more. The point being that the Frasier‘s are few and far between.

October 7, 2010 at 1:40 PM

She didn’t say Courteney Cox’s presence ALONE should be reason to tune in. Said “to top it off” it features one of the beloved characters from Friends. It’s the cherry on top, not the whole banana split.

Those examples you mention feattured beloved stars in poorly constructed shows. At least of the ones I saw, they were just bad, not because of the star, but because of the material. Had there been good material, the fact that it was built around a beloved star would have only benefited the show. Cougar Town, while not necessarily my favorite, is far better than most comedies, especially the ones in your list.

Go Carissa! You’re spot on!

October 7, 2010 at 4:22 PM

It is not MY view that a Friend should bring ratings success, but the world talks about them as if it should be true. OMG – Jennifer Aniston is gonna be on….whatever. Dat’s what I mean mister.

October 7, 2010 at 1:33 PM

I totally agree with every sentence you said!!
This weeks’ ratings rose a little compared to last week, I really hope that’s a sign that people are starting to notice how good Cougar Town is!
Great review :)

October 7, 2010 at 4:25 PM

According to the ABC spin, it was a strong number one in the time slot with women 18-34, so they seem to be happy about that!

October 14, 2010 at 12:19 PM

Hey, Carissa! Your review worked!! https://bit.ly/de1qjG

October 14, 2010 at 12:27 PM

Woo! Dude, it’s not perfect, but I’ll take what I can get for the show to stick around. It’s my top comedy!

November 19, 2010 at 10:27 AM

I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU ALL THE WAY !!
COUGAR TOWN IS AMAZING, WAY BETTER THAN MODERN FAMILY.
COUGAR TOWN IS HILARIOUSSSS !
BEST COMEDY MADE AFTER FRIENDS.

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