Uninspired CBS doubles down on sitcom mediocrity
Here’s a novel idea for a sitcom. Have the wife and mom go back to work and leave the hapless husband largely in charge of the kids and let hilarity ensue. If this sounds familiar, it’s because it’s roughly the plot to the uninspired new Kevin James sitcom “Kevin Can Wait.”
Sadly, the same story applies to “Man With a Plan” (8:30 p.m., CBS, TV-PG). Matt LeBlanc (“Friends”) stars as Adam, a contractor called upon to do more parenting when his fairly generic wife returns to her hospital job. LeBlanc wears his Carhart construction worker outfits well and has fun with the oldschool alpha-male role, but all of the other characters are merely foils for his routine.
A meager script features a recurring joke about his adolescent son playing with himself. That’s about as deep as the characters go here. It almost makes me appreciate the more interesting children on the new ABC comedies “American Housewife” and “Speechless,” unknowns who upstage the stars of those series.
Much like “Kevin Can Wait,” this is all about watching Joey — I mean, Adam — adjusting to his fish-out-of-water role as a macho man among PTA moms and children.
Having set up the situation of Adam as a successful contractor, the pilot seems to abandon the idea. Adam never gets called to report to any other jobs, and his work/parenting conflict is never explored. This also robs us of the chance to see Adam hold his own with other alpha males. Th at may be a bridge too far for LeBlanc, whose various TV roles have never exactly called upon him to act the tough guy.
Not as dreadful as “Joey,” this sitcom should make us appreciate what the writers of the brilliant “Episodes” could do with LeBlanc when they merely allowed him to be himself.
As mediocre as “Plan” is, it will probably be good enough for CBS. The network just announced second-season pickups for “Kevin,” “MacGyver” and “Bull,” three of the weaker new series in a rather uneventful network season.
TONIGHT’S HIGHLIGHTS
Fans of Showtime’s “Homeland” should check out “Prisoners of War” (10 p.m., Link TV), the Israeli drama that inspired the acclaimed series starring Claire Danes. Link TV can be found on both DirecTV and Dish Network systems as well as various cable outlets.
Tim McGraw and Faith Hill appear on “The Voice” (8 p.m., NBC, TV-PG).
The Mad Hatter goes bonkers on “Gotham” (8 p.m., Fox, TV-14).
“Antiques Roadshow” (8 p.m., PBS, repeat, TV-G) explores vintage baby boomer collectibles.
Michael Imperioli (“The Sopranos”) guest-stars on “Lucifer” (9 p.m., Fox, TV-14).
A museum heist proves deadly on “Scorpion” (10 p.m., CBS, TV-14).
The gang lands in the German home front during World War II on “Timeless” (10 p.m., NBC, TV-14).
A protective mother’s love may have crossed a line on “Conviction” (10 p.m., ABC).
Malik Yoba hosts the true crime series “Justice By Any Means” (10 p.m., TV One), returning for a second season.
The eighth season premiere of “Hotel Impossible” (10 p.m., Travel, TV-PG) rumbles into Sturgis, South Dakota.
Social sabotage on “Kevin Can Wait” (8 p.m., CBS, TV-PG).
Couples choose music from different decades on “Dancing With the Stars” (8 p.m., ABC, TV-PG).
Protecting the president on “Supergirl” (8 p.m., CW, TV-14).
Oleg’s mother visits on “2 Broke Girls” (9 p.m., CBS, TV-14).
Preschool prep on “Jane the Virgin” (9 p.m., CW, TV-PG).
Oscar’s watering hole needs saving on “The Odd Couple” (9:30 p.m., CBS, TV-PG).