Mikey Likes TV

Looking at the list of scheduled recordings on my DVR, I can’t help but think of how the pilgrims must have felt setting out on their long, treacherous journey across the Atlantic, with so little to nourish and entertain them. The summer may be dotted with potential for greatness, and there’s more than enough new reality fare to keep us busy, but the fact of the matter is that abundant and awesome television is officially gone for the next three to four months. A greater man might take this opportunity to go outside or even crack a book, but I am left to search for pleasures elsewhere – undiscovered shows on DVD and increasingly common web exclusive series.

The newest online series to catch my attention is Michael “George Michael” Cera’s CBS-sponsored endeavor with friend and fellow actor/writer/teen, Clark Duke. I’m not sure what CBS’s exact motivations are with this show, as the website and first episode are almost completely lacking ads, but the tone and humor is an impressive departure from 99.9% percent of the eye network’s programming.

Clark and Michael chronicles the mishaps of two young screenwriters, mocumentary style, as they try to sell their first series. Imploring much of the style of Arrested Development, but on one millionth of the budget, Clark and Michael dopily meander around Los Angeles trying to find a network to buy their script. Along the way they speak to each other like old men, occasionally break into juvenile hysterics and make excellent use of font.

The only significant shortcoming of watching Clark and Michael is the gut wrenching frustration that accompanies seeing any two people well-below the drinking age write, direct, produce and star in something more creative than you’re likely to be a part of anytime soon.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 29th, 2007 at 2:26 pm and is filed under cbs, clark and michael, online. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.