Now? More opinions, on both “Whoopi” and its new companion show, “Happy Family”:

Whoopi

Will it survive to 1.4? It’s from the folks who bring you “3rd Rock From the Sun,” “That ‘70s Show,” “That ‘80s Show” and “Normal, Ohio”!

The Hollywood Reporter says:

”frustratingly unfunny … How can a show with 16 executive producers, co-executive producers, producers and supervising producers fall so flat? … Part of the problem is the frequent limp gags and the scenes that are either too shrill or too predictable. Part of the problem is an overreliance on the running gag in which Nasim continues to take offense because he is a Persian, not Arab. And part of the problem is an inability to precisely define the characters.

Variety says:

“… a winner straight out of the gate, loaded with humor that should have the PC police getting their handcuffs ready. … “

Entertainment Weekly says:

“Is it possible for a series to jump the shark in its very first episode? … With her grumpy insouciance, Whoopi seems to be channeling Redd Foxx, but the sitcom is less like Sandford and Son than a low-rent Fawlty Towers.”

Coax contributor “Missy” had this to say July 8:

“… the WORST show that will be on television this decade … This is the type of show that people of all colors, creeds, and classes can hate together … By the end of the half hour I was already tired of these people. I can’t imagine watching them and their adventures week after week. … If it lasts more than 3 episodes I’ll be shocked and pretty depressed.

8 p.m. Tuesday. NBC.

Happy Family

The second leads from the sitcoms “Night Court” and “Cybill” get their own show, from some latter-day “Just Shoot Me” writer-producers.

The Hollywood Reporter says:

”… it's hard not to like and root for ‘Happy Family.’ … there is a nice balance to the oddball situations, resulting in a comedy that is fluid and funny. … To some extent, the above-average writing and solid comic delivery mask what may be the show's greatest weakness, a seeming lack of strong chemistry between the co-stars.

Variety says:

“Pilot stumbles early and often, but there's some redemption in the second episode as the Brennan family - likable people who do stupid things - gains focus. … While not a laugh riot out of the box, series will either sink or swim by bringing greater definition to the parental roles. There's deviousness lurking, and should it manifest in later scripts, "Family" may be onto something.”

Entertainment Weekly says:

“The two talented stars know how to make something funny, but they’re stuck in a show that de-emphasizes them in favor of their less appearling costars.”

8:30 p.m. Tuesday. NBC.

I am – Hercules!!