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NBC’s EARL Nearing The End Of His List??

Published at:  Apr 02, 2009 7:50:00 PM CDT


I am – Hercules!!


Years of unfunny sitcom karma may have finally caught up to NBC's “My Name Is Earl.”

Deadline Hollywood Daily reports that “Earl” – the creator of “Yes, Dear’s” tedious and low-rated appropriation of the Coen Bros.’ glorious “Raising Arizona” – may finally find itself cancelled after failing to beat even ABC’s meager “In The Motherhood” debut last Thursday.

Key-demo ratings for new episodes aired March 26:

7.4 American Idol
5.5 Grey’s Anatomy
4.7 Hell’s Kitchen
4.3 The Office
3.8 Private Practice
3.5 ER
3.5 NCAA Basketball
3.4 30 Rock
2.1 Samantha Who
2.1 In The Motherhood
2.0 My Name Is Earl
1.5 Smallville
1.2 Supernatural

Find all of Nikki Finke’s story on the matter here.






Herc Says This Prequel
To Abrams’ Movie Rocks!!
SHIPPING NOW!!




Also In April?
The New Prequel About The People
Who Thought Cylons Were A Good Idea!!



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    Readers Talkback

  • Apr 02, 2009 7:31:07 PM CDT

    never liked this show

    by indyabbey jones

    infact it was pretty bad and watching it was knowing what it felt like to be raped

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 02, 2009 7:40:01 PM CDT

    this show sucks anyway

    by walrusholder

  • Apr 02, 2009 7:41:51 PM CDT

    SMALLVILLE IS FANTASTIC TONIGHT.

    by shermdawg

  • Apr 02, 2009 7:43:37 PM CDT

    FOURTH!

    by richierayownsyou

    What? Does that not count?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 02, 2009 7:44:28 PM CDT

    it was something to do before The Office

    by iron-kong

    I liked it ok enough

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 02, 2009 7:46:03 PM CDT

    The first season was actually pretty funny.

    by the pelti

    This is definitely one of those cases where I think the model used by the BBC and other foreign TV outlets work better. Here in the US, everything has to be broad, open ended, and continuous. Theres a big stigma against "mini-series", that I've never been able to explain. Many of the greatest British comedies have only 12 episodes, and some specials, because the get out while its still good. They don't rehash the same bad premise and jokes for 22 episodes a year, for 3 or 4 years.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 02, 2009 7:50:20 PM CDT

    It's not that bad at all...

    by slowgraffiti

    The last two seasons have been pretty rank, but the first two I would liken to a white trash version of Arrested Development. Never as charming or 'hip' as the Office or 30 Rock, Earl is still on our side, albiet not the best or brightest player on the team. It would be a shame for it to get the plugged pulled so quickly, though it certainly needs an end game in sight, as does the sometimes fucking amazing, sometimes horrifying How I Met Your Mother.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 02, 2009 7:59:55 PM CDT

    Season 1 was really good.

    by zod_

    I quite liked the first season of Earl.. when it was establishing its characters and doing good every episode. It kind of lost its way though. It still has its moments, but not as good as the first season.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 02, 2009 8:08:54 PM CDT

    Liked it at the beginning

    by chromedome

    ...but it started to fade for me somewhere in the second season.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 02, 2009 8:13:03 PM CDT

    TV Shows better than My Name is Earl

    by bobsjohnson

    Are numerous to count, and here are but a few:

    http://tinyurl.com/dgub9z

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 02, 2009 8:15:05 PM CDT

    I guess AICN doesn't have any friends writing for Earl

    by supermarch

    Way to show a bias again guys

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 02, 2009 8:18:25 PM CDT

    No way

    by infantfinite8

    Earl beat out Supernatural? Could've sworn it's the better show.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 02, 2009 8:29:16 PM CDT

    Jeff Zucker is a Fucking Crock

    by snowpuff

    He and Silverman are going to have five less primetime hours to schedule next season... and they still are going to trail miserably behind the other networks.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 02, 2009 8:32:43 PM CDT

    Should be rated X

    by i am the most horrible

  • Apr 02, 2009 8:33:03 PM CDT

    THERE IS A GOD!

    by lockesbrokenleg

    Man, thank you NBC. Really, this show sucked.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 02, 2009 9:06:23 PM CDT

    Yup first season was good...then the usual

    by poiuyt00

    They had no ideas and lost their edge. I swear the networks chicken out so often and kill their own shows. They have an edge for one season and then go vanilla the next three and meander around for a few seasons so they can stretch out and milk a show to death. One day they will have to realize they need balls.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 02, 2009 9:16:54 PM CDT

    Item 355 on the list...

    by wiboomer1

    355. Pissed off NBC by having unfunny last 2 seasons.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 02, 2009 9:19:19 PM CDT

    My name is ???

    by wiboomer1

    Seriously, the first 2 seasons were funny. the whole year in jail plot was crap, and this year's not finding any focus. They should give Earl a chance to finish his list, then burn it, and have karma give him his just reward...cancellation.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 02, 2009 9:46:04 PM CDT

    Earl drives off a clif to his firey death

    by lockesbrokenleg

    hopefully.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 02, 2009 9:49:41 PM CDT

    Earl

    by holy hell

    is funny. Deserves to be on on. You wanna see an ungodly tailspin of yeeeowza unfunny check out scrubs.
    Earl remains a smarter, funnier than most, show.
    I have spoken.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 02, 2009 10:08:13 PM CDT

    Unfair comparison to Raising Arizona

    by neal2zod

    why?? Because it takes place in a trailer park and the lead has a moustache? Earl's definitely lost its way over the last few seasons (the jail season) but there's a few good gems in there. The Danny Glover episode was awesome and I almost shed a tear at last week's ep w/ Joy and Randy. The show can be clumsy sometimes, but it's so good-natured and big-hearted that it's still refreshing to watch in these times when cynicism is hip.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 02, 2009 10:15:12 PM CDT

    Am I the only one

    by david lazarus long

    who really enjoys Earl, Scrubs, the Office AND 30 Rock? Not that I actually watch them all on a regular basis... But I enjoy them all. Earl had a great vibe to it, and was so much better than any of the crappy multi-cam live audience dreck that dominates at 8 and 830. And it's miles above that Kath and Kim atrocity. Jason Lee has amazing comedic timing and Ethan Suplee is hard not to love as the adorable but dumb as nails brother. Add in Crab man (Hey Crab man! Hey, Earl.), who is the rock of sanity, and What'sherface Withthenicerack Spanishmaidchick (jumping around at a strip joint, no less!) and I laugh my ass off. And it's got a good message, too - being a better person is a GOOD THING. I hope they are allowed to wrap it up properly.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 02, 2009 10:24:50 PM CDT

    Earl in Jail killed it for me.

    by zardozap2005

    Honestly, the first season was great. Then they threw him in jail and took away his list, and the funny stuff went with it. It sort of got back on track this season, but I think it's a bit too late for any hope now. Still, I like the cast, it just seems like the writers just gave up on the whole list, and decided bathroom humor was what people liked the most about it. If it goes, I won't miss it. Oh, and haters STFU! Smallvile was GREAT tonight!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 02, 2009 10:25:32 PM CDT

    I didn't mind the Earl in jail episodes

    by spifftacular squirrel girl

    Of course I've only seen a couple of them and it had Ben Foster guest starring which helps a ton.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 02, 2009 10:28:22 PM CDT

    Wow, whats with all of the hate?

    by bob parr

    I enjoy the hell out of this show, shame to see it go. Jaimie Pressley's "Joy" character never fails to make me laugh. Certainly funnier than most sitcoms on the air, can't say I understand the trashing Herc and some of the talkbackers are laying on it.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 02, 2009 10:40:34 PM CDT

    Last season killed it.

    by digitalcos

    This season's been a bit of a return to form, but last season's jail plot was just so awful I can't blame anyone for not giving this season a chance. Last season just plain sucked.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 02, 2009 10:42:34 PM CDT

    Saw the Pilot and Never Watched It Again

    by boynamedsue

  • Apr 02, 2009 10:45:46 PM CDT

    About fucking time

    by chutch

    Should have happened 4 episodes into the first season.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 02, 2009 10:46:00 PM CDT

    I agree Scrubs is shit, too

    by lockesbrokenleg

    And King of the Hill.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 02, 2009 10:56:51 PM CDT

    Jaimie Pressley

    by toonol

    I rarely watched the show, but when I did it was only for Joy. That's a great character and a funny actress. She's the reason I've got a copy of DOA on my rack. Rack. Hm. She's got talents.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 02, 2009 10:59:41 PM CDT

    They should move Chuck to the Thursday Earl/kath slot

    by throwmetheidol

    It would fit right in with The Office and 30 Rock. And it's not like Parks and Rec is going to do anything but bomb.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 02, 2009 11:06:54 PM CDT

    This is why I hate people.

    by carl xvi gustaf

    People don't like good stuff. I am not people. I like good stuff.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 02, 2009 11:18:11 PM CDT

    Can't say I watch often...

    by codymr

    but the few that I have seen were pretty funny... certainly not the worst thing on TV as many of you seem to imply here.

    Toonol... good point, Pressley does stand out and steals every scene she's in.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 02, 2009 11:28:39 PM CDT

    The finale will feature...

    by sifodyasjr.

    the return of Xenu in his DC-9

    Reply to Talkback

  • When this show debuted, it was so oddball and original that my girlfriend - oh, yeah, I've got one, unlike you pitiful basement-dwelling, WOW-playing virgins - and I thought we would only see all 13 episodes on DVD because it'd be cancelled in 4-6 weeks. We were pleasantly surprised that it's lasted so long and been so consistently funny. The only other sitcom we watch is "30 Rock".Of course, sad sacks like most AICN Talkbackers wouldn't appreciate what "Earl" does because anything more subtle than "Family Guy" flies right over your pointy heads. Go back to jerking off to the cammed footage of Dr. Manhattan's blue dong, ya losers!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 12:27:47 AM CDT

    Earl was just a showcase for Scientology

    by jor-el23

    I can't believe Jason Lee is dumb enough to be a Scientologist. Then he has this show where half the guest stars are his idiot Scientology buddies.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 12:47:19 AM CDT

    Can't believe Supernatural is on the bottom of that list.

    by amy chasing

    It's a consistently cool show to watch this season and deserves better.

    Earl has always been hit & miss,
    but it's funnier than most. To say it's "years of unfunny sitcom karma" is a bit harsh.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 12:51:26 AM CDT

    It's on the CW, it'll always be on the bottom.

    by shermdawg

    Unfortunately.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 12:51:56 AM CDT

    Oh, and Scrubs is back too.

    by amy chasing

    It may not be up to the standard of seasons 1-5, but after seasons 6 & 7 this season has been a pleasant turn-around. Nothing can forgive the horror of the season 6 clip-show though. Probably one of the worst things ever aired on TV.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 2:50:48 AM CDT

    My rant on this show...

    by danielkurland

    When this show premiered, EVERYONE was hailing it as a great, new, smart, edgy comedy. Ohhhh, it has no laugh track. Ohhhh, it has Jason Lee. Ohhhh, it's unconventional. This was a silly, SAFE show from the beginning, and I was never into it. I can respect the show taking stylistic changes, like putting Earl in jail, but that still doesn't save it. What irritated me the most, that in the show's first season, a lot of talented crew were on the show (Arrested Development writers, Sports Night directors, Victor Fresco), and their talents were being absolutely wasted. Also, this show won best writing AND directing for its pilot, whereas a lot of better stuff was nominated. Including Arrested Development.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 2:54:20 AM CDT

    Also, not that it matters, but...

    by danielkurland

    at least now Jaime Pressley won't be able to keep taking Cobie Smulders' Emmy spot.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 3:06:44 AM CDT

    All of you people should be ashamed...

    by sucks2bu

    for watching this unfunny turd of a show and letting a genius comedy like Arrested Development get canceled. Mr.F!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 3:22:58 AM CDT

    As a fan, I say it stopped being funny

    by v'shael

    around the time of this coma. Also, around the time they stopped using Catalina as much. Not that there's any correlation. Nadine is gorgeous and all, but hardly a comedic-must-see.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 3:42:14 AM CDT

    Still funnier than 30 Rock, any version of The Office...

    by derlanghaarige

    ...How I Met Your Mother, Two And A Half Men, Extras, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Entourage or Dollhouse.
    Any news about the ratings for Reaper? Would be a shame if they cancel it after two seasons.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 3:43:31 AM CDT

    Scientology

    by jonjonb

    You guys can't believe some of the famous people who are stupid enough to buy into all that Alien shit? I can't believe YOU are all stupid enough to think they really believe that shit. Whatever the hell's going on in that crazy club, I'm certain they're not worshipping their intergalactic lords or whatever the fuck. Good to see they've got the world fooled though.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 5:27:33 AM CDT

    Who liked this show?

    by geraldbeans

    I mean seriously. It was awful.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 7:45:30 AM CDT

    Way to be un-biased

    by jack burton

    Right, because the Nielsen's ratings are always the best indicator of the relative quality of a show. "My Name is Earl" is a good show that has gone downhill a bit but still delivers solid laughs. It's got a nice message, fun characters, and is different then most other shows on TV.

    So stop being a fucking hater.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 7:55:46 AM CDT

    Should I worry that Supernatural is so low?

    by franklin t marmoset

    I'm a recent convert and really don't want to see it cancelled just as I'm getting into it.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 7:58:26 AM CDT

    Franklin T Marmoset: No (and ratings)

    by chrth

    Supernatural has already been picked up for next season and the creators(?) have already indicated they're not planning past five seasons (next year is the fifth).
    Also, as low as those numbers look, they're pretty much par for the course for the CW.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 7:58:32 AM CDT

    Also, I agree about Earl

    by franklin t marmoset

    It was actually pretty funny at the start - despite ripping off the opening of Raising Arizona - but it went downhill pretty fast. I only watch it occasionally these days, and the only parts I like are when Catalina jumps.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 8:00:16 AM CDT

    DerLanghaarige: Reaper ratings

    by chrth

    Not looking good, unfortunately. Unless ABC brings it over to ABC Family (longshot, but possible), I reckon that it's toast.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 8:01:14 AM CDT

    Thanks, chrth

    by franklin t marmoset

    Five seasons only? That makes me wish I hadn't come to the show so late, but that's probably a good idea. After the fifth year is when most shows seem to lose their way.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 8:08:45 AM CDT

    Well, it might go more than 5 seasons

    by chrth

    Right now Smallville and Supernatural are both coming back next season, and I can't imagine for a second Smallville lasting past next season. So if Supernatural ends, that's an entire night of CW down the drain. In which case, CW might want a 6th season of Supernatural anyway (to help launch a new show or two that could anchor the following season). Or CW might shut down entirely, it's hard to say.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 8:44:55 AM CDT

    The Y2K Episode is classic

    by thelastcleric

    Like others have said, the first season of this show was actually pretty damn good but for whatever reason the writers ditched the list concept (which would have made each episode funny and self-contained) and kept going for gimmicks, like Earl in Jail and Earl in a comma. Regardless, Season One and Two have some incredibly funny episodes so writing this show off entirely is a mistake. Also, that comparison to Raising Arizona is fucking pointless. There is nothing about the show that even remotely resembles Raising Arizona.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 8:58:41 AM CDT

    I liked the Karma v. Christianity debate in season 1.

    by leafar the lost

    I know most people failed to notice it, but in season 1 Earl wanted to make ammends with some guy that he set up to go to jail. Earl admitted what he had done, and the guy forgave him, because he had converted to Christianity while in prison. There was a very brief discussion about Earl's beliefs on Karma, which means that he had to do more good things than bad in order for his life to turn around. The other mans beliefs were that a person just had to accept that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, and all of that person's sins were automatically forgiven. Of course, you also have to forgive others of their sins, so Earl could erase that man's name from his list. I think that Earl's Karma beliefs make much more sense, because a person could be super evil right up until their death, and then they could just accept Jesus as the Son of God, and they would automatically be forgiven and admitted into Heaven. It makes more sense to me that a person would have to attone for their bad deeds before being able to have salvation. Anyway, I am glad that "Earl" is getting cancelled, because his time in prison killed the series for me.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 9:04:42 AM CDT

    Sorry, Herc...

    by bizarrojerry

    People saying Earl is a rip off of "Raising Arizona" are like people who still compare the British and US Office. Earl certainly celebrates the white trash world, but it's never about wanting a baby and it is not centered on a redneck love affair. Plus Earl is far more intelligent than Nick Cage's character.Anyway, I really like this show. It's slipped lately and the jail/coma storyline really did some damage to the series. But I can't help but like the goofy characters, and Pressly's Joy is an attraction all her own. I think mostly I like it because it's different. And why is it that any show that involves a positive and/or happy moral at the end is called "safe"? The show gets away with a lot of crude humor that others don't.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 9:07:26 AM CDT

    It had its moments...

    by kessler

    If there was a new episode of THe office on, then I'd watch Earl, if not, then I completely forgot about it. Kath and Kim should be killed first though...that show really suxs.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 9:12:18 AM CDT

    Its Not That Bad

    by the alienist

    I wasn't aware of all this "Earl hate". It was very funny at times, created its own farcial world, wore its heart proudly on its sleeve and had some wonderfully bizarre performances. It is sentimental in a way sitcoms aren't in the post-Office TV landscape, but the sentiment was surrounded by a bunch of satire. I can't say I'll miss it a whole lot, but it made me smile and at times laugh out loud. Oh SNAP!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 9:13:09 AM CDT

    Shows going downhill the fastest...

    by statelywaynemanor

    Earl...LA.Law...Heroes...Gilmore Girls...E.R.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 9:27:05 AM CDT

    Maybe Jason Lee can get some good roles

    by francis begbie

    now, he has fallen so far from Chasing Amy and Dogma.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 9:27:07 AM CDT

    Ratings on NBC

    by lingerdog

    frankly I think it is time for NBC to realize, that this is where their ratings are. Too many years of terrible/misleading promo's, then disappointment at the actually delivered product. Hanging onto shows well past their prime because of what they used to be. Lack of original programming, I mean, who really needed four Law and orders. Why don't they get in touch with some of the creative teams at the USA side of the network. NBC should realize that they are now basically the CW.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 9:33:58 AM CDT

    Smart show about dumb people...

    by 3dspiderbat

    ...a fine line to walk, which runs the risk of sometimes just turning out dumb. Overall though, I'd say the show stayed on the smart, funny side of the line most of the time, and created some moments and characters not usually seen on TV these days. Sort of like "Andy Griffith" back in the day, poking fun at the yokels of America, but with respect for them at the same time. I'll miss watching it if it goes.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 9:37:27 AM CDT

    Voice of reason

    by drebin

    1) Season 1 was funny. 2) "Jail" season not as funny. 3) "Coma" season was when people started tuning out (including me). 4) Somewhat of a comeback this season, but as stated earlier, really has no focus. 5) Cancel it, move on. 6) TV would be better with one or two-season formula instead of beating a dead horse for 5 or 6 seasons. 7) Hoping The Office can right the sinking ship.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 9:39:14 AM CDT

    Jaime Pressly should write a work-out book

    by toby_fn_wong

    If more women were in the shape she is in, the world would be a better place.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 9:55:54 AM CDT

    The maid is muy caliente, tambien...

    by statelywaynemanor

    Jaime getting preggers didn't help...I wonder if it bugs her that almost nobody spells her name right.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 9:59:49 AM CDT

    Hell's Kitchen & American Idol

    by drebin

    That tells you all you need to know about American's vision of entertainment.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 10:01:20 AM CDT

    Earl started off really good, but

    by rob0729

    slowly (at least at first) declined over the years. Last year was abismal. I think Herc is being a little hard on the show though.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 10:23:10 AM CDT

    I like Earl

    by supertoyslast

    It could go on for longer, but as long as a show I like gets 3 or more seasons and has a proper ending, I'm happy. I'm from the UK and there aren't many US sitcoms I like at the moment (or many British ones either). Pretty much just Earl, Everybody Hates Chris and Scrubs (which I'm glad is ending this season). Better Off Ted looks interesting from the reviews which Herc posted. Mainly because of the comparisons to Arrested Development which is my favourite ever sitcom. The sitcom format seems to have been treading water since AD ended.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 11:12:05 AM CDT

    For the two or three of you still watching...

    by statelywaynemanor

    Zap2it says Fox may pick it up if NBC drops it...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 11:35:18 AM CDT

    Will Carson Daly appear in the finale?

    by mrfan

  • Apr 03, 2009 11:39:30 AM CDT

    Carson Daly...

    by statelywaynemanor

    The circle would be completed, then. That would also make 2 shows in one night where Carson wouldn't be funny.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 11:40:11 AM CDT

    I hate to say it, but SUPERNATURAL may jump the shark...

    by shermdawg

    ...with the next episode if the advertised new stepbrother becomes a recurring character. Now if it was Bobby and a long lost son of his that's trying to keep his distance, that'd be alright.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 11:49:34 AM CDT

    Scrubs is back on form

    by donkey_lasher

    .. for it's last season. Earl had some great subtle humour, but Scrubs pissed all over it, fuck you all.

    The reason Supernatural has such low figures, I'd guess it is because it started out as a VERY mediocre show.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 11:51:02 AM CDT

    Hardly Karma...

    by eurhetemec

    With the sole exceptions of 30 Rock and The Office, every single show on that list ranges from "kinda crap" to "utter crap", and their ratings bear no relationship to exactly how crap they are. Earl is more at the "kinda crap" end, too, as it had two good seasons before starting to get increasingly dull, weird and crazy.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 11:58:20 AM CDT

    Earl is the only sitcom I watch

    by oisin5199

    Though I'm a big fan of Scrubs, I only watch it on dvd. Also watched Arrested Development on dvd. But I agree with the 'smart show about dumb people' assessment. The first season was definitely the best, and it's floundered a bit since then, but every now and then, it comes up with some really heartfelt goofiness. And Joy is one of the best sitcom characters. Ever. And Darnell is made of awesome. I actually find the 'Raising Arizona' reference pretty offensive. It shows that not only did Herc not watch this show and is unfairly disparaging it, but Earl has NO similarity to Raising Arizona besides the moustache and the white-trashness. So, everything produced about poor white people is exactly the same? At the same time, I can easily see how this show needs to have an endgame, because the list is getting old.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 12:18:42 PM CDT

    Fuck you DirkBelig...

    by drbrianoblivion

    im not usually one to get pissed off but you come off ass such an obvious tool...Your probably a bigger loser than 90% of the people who talk on these boards and its evident in your need to let everyone know that you have a girlfriend...that its probably your first and you look for any opportunity you can to tell people...all be it to a bunch of people on the internet as you insult them...Im sure shes an ugly fat tool just like you....and earl is a stupid unfunny show so get over it. It should be cancelled along with your life.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 12:30:55 PM CDT

    sad to see it go

    by shakes

    Yeah, by no means is it as funny as 30 Rock or the Office etc, and it's rarely the first thing I watch off of my dvr, but when I do get around to watching it, It's always enjoyable, has some genuine heart even if that episodes story is dumb, and usually has some pretty funny moments along the way. And as far as the whole jail season, I thought it was a great fresh direction. I mean what other show would have the guts to suddenly have their main character spend half a season in prison?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 12:56:31 PM CDT

    Catalina

    by don lockwood

    Okay, I watch the show. I enjoy it enough. It's not the greatest show, but it's entertaining enough. I won't be overly sad if it's cancelled, but I certainly watch it while it's on. That being said, any idea why they've completely marginalized the Catalina character? She used to have a pretty good presence on the show, but now it seems like all she's around for is showing up in her stripper costume and jumping a few times and leaving.

    For those of you hoping that Reaper will go to ABC Family, good luck with that. They just cancelled Kyle XY and The Middleman. They're not looking for quirky anymore.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 1:35:31 PM CDT

    Shermdawg, re: Supernatural

    by qwonk

    The next episode is actually called "Jump the Shark." I have no idea where they're going with this, but at least they're aware of the dangers?

    I haven't watched Earl in years, but yikes, didn't realize there was so much hate for it. I enjoyed it, thought it was fun and good-hearted, enough silliness without being lame. I don't know, Joy always makes me laugh, no matter what she says.

    Also, it sucks for Reaper. The CW already renewed and is creating too many shows, leaving no room for Reaper, yet Reaper scored higher ratings this week than the already-renewed 90210.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 1:46:20 PM CDT

    Grim for Reaper...get it?

    by statelywaynemanor

    Reaper was going against a House re-run, wasn't it? Probably explaining the better ratings.
    The guy playing Sock is already lined up for a Fox sit-com. Its over.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 1:58:53 PM CDT

    My Name is Earl is a good show.

    by hst666

    It has slumped a couple times - most notably during the coma phase, but the show is pretty smart sometimes. It is certainly no Office, but better than a lot of sitcoms.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 2:02:23 PM CDT

    I would also compare it to HIMYM

    by hst666

    Someone above mentioned the sometimes amazing, sometimes horrifying How I Met Your Mother. I don't watch that show for long stretches because it is so trite, but then I casually watch an episode where they do some great stuff.
    Earl can be like that too. Some episodes are cringe-inducing, but others are brilliant.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 2:02:56 PM CDT

    tighty whity mighty fighty...

    by bewareofaholywhore

    a shiv made out of underwear...from the much-maligned earl in jail episodes...
    pretty funny to me...michael rappaport and craig t. nelson were also good in those episodes...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 2:04:59 PM CDT

    And I agree that last season sucked generally.

    by hst666

    This season has been good and people should give it a chance.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 2:35:06 PM CDT

    NBC in 4th place

    by bizarrojerry

    I find NBC's ratings weird. Because I watch a lot of thier shows: Chuck, Heroes, The Office, Earl, 30 Rock. I'm surprised Chuck doesn't get more geek love around here. By the way, I believe the jail and coma storylines from Earl were actually part of the same season.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 2:35:43 PM CDT

    My Name is Earl is more watchable than..

    by lemming

    Dollhouse and Smallville.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 2:36:36 PM CDT

    Last season was terrible

    by luis1210

    And this season has been hit & miss mostly

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 3:19:00 PM CDT

    Love this show.

    by knowthyself

    Dammit. Why do the good ones always die so young?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 3:19:38 PM CDT

    Suck, suck not...

    by branniganslaw

    Saying that Earl couldn't beat out a new show debut isn't exactly fair, is it? I normally watch Earl, but decided to check out the Motherhood debut. After having done so, I'm sticking with Earl... for however long it has left.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 3:21:26 PM CDT

    i don't understand my country...

    by officerjunior

    I'm an unapologetic fan of Earl, it's a show in decline right now, not beyond saving. But what does it say for my fellow Americans when a talent show is ranked number one? It just boggels my mind. Aren't we as a nation, better than watching an hour of karoke?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 3:25:20 PM CDT

    Oh, and in the motherhood

    by officerjunior

    is just shit. I love me some Horatio Sanz, but fuck that show. It's terrible.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 3:28:09 PM CDT

    OfficerJunior: less than 10% of America

    by chrth

    tunes into American Idol every ep. So that means 90% of America chooses not to watch American Idol.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 3:33:03 PM CDT

    OfficerJunior, mind boggling

    by branniganslaw

    If people are only interested in hearing good music, the last place they'd go is to a talent show. There are only 2 things that draw people to Idol: 1. the addiction to the new "It" girl/guy. 2. the addiction to seeing people crash and burn. I guess that's entertainment, but still... it somehow doesn't seem as worthwhile. Idol doesn't really promote meaningful discussion or insights the way a good sitcom/drama can. And Earl really *is* a good sitcom.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 3:50:11 PM CDT

    How reliable are the Neilsons?

    by officerjunior

    do they account for dvr veiwing, are they coastal? Is there anyway to really know what people are watching? Besides working in the bush adminstration.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 3:51:36 PM CDT

    "Stop hiding behind your fake...

    by officerjunior

    ...numbers, Burgandy, those ratings are flawed and you know it." Wes Mantooth

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 4:16:34 PM CDT

    Herc's a hater.

    by removed_user

    It's a funny show. What do you think is funny? Family Guy? Suck it.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 4:36:55 PM CDT

    I Like Earl ...

    by nyuk_nyuker

    and will miss it if it gets cancelled. 'Nuff said.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 5:01:43 PM CDT

    it's funny

    by punto

    except for the black guy and Earl's brother, who only make nonsense comments constantly.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 6:04:43 PM CDT

    What?! Earl is old-school Simpsons quality!

    by bah

    Seriously, Earl has everything I liked about the golden era of The Simpsons. Raunchiness with heart, an outstanding and sprawling supporting cast of background characters, stellar guest appearances, and it's damn funny. Y'all are messed up.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 6:14:41 PM CDT

    How it's like Raising Arizona

    by bah

    1. white trash 2. funny 3. moustache 4. voice-over. You're right, the similarities are mindboggling.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 03, 2009 7:13:08 PM CDT

    "I thought Alf was a monkey?"

    by bah

    "He eats cats! Monkeys don't eat cats!" "Your monkey ate MY cat!" "That was different"

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 04, 2009 12:37:58 AM CDT

    Earl got better

    by series7

    Its a lot funnier then it gets credit for. I mean its silly, but the brother and Crab Man I think is what makes it funny.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 04, 2009 2:03:29 AM CDT

    Earl

    by etrigan_

  • Apr 04, 2009 2:37:28 AM CDT

    Kath & Kim

    by toonol

    The only thing funny is that anybody thought it would be funny. Kind of a Meta-meta-humor there, maybe not enough to base a whole series on.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 04, 2009 7:05:46 AM CDT

    Chuck would do better in the Thur. 8PM slot

    by razorback

    It fits the night better than the current 8PM half-hours and is more critically acclaimed. Sure, it doesn't get great ratings on Mondays, but then NBC is getting drowned by the competition on ABC and FOX.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 04, 2009 9:33:02 AM CDT

    It amused me for a half hour

    by comicsniper

    What more do you want? What I don't understand is:

    1)Why all the Scientology hate? I don't recall seeing any Dianetics commercials during the show so who gives a rat's ass if someone has a dopey religion?
    2)I also enjoyed Arrested Development but anyone who states its brilliance has obviously blocked out any of the Charlize Theron episodes.
    3) How can you not like Randy? I think the dude's a good character actor.
    4) Why anyone would complain about watching a show with that stripper chick in it??? Go ahead, name someone who's hotter...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 04, 2009 9:09:44 PM CDT

    Kath and Kim gave me seizures.

    by lockesbrokenleg

  • Apr 04, 2009 9:53:58 PM CDT

    The last name on Earl's list will be the toughest.

    by leafar the lost

    It turns out that a few years ago, under the influence of coke and meth, Earl murdered a man's entire family. Now he must find a way to make ammends to this man, or he will never achieve the Karmic balance the Carson Daly talked about...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 05, 2009 12:10:06 AM CDT

    Jail season = Shark jump

    by voldemortwearsprada

    The minute you stray from the original concept of a high-concept show, your shark is jumped. You're into `little alien that only Fred Flinstone can see' territory. The end.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 05, 2009 1:44:32 AM CDT

    Yup

    by doc_hudson

    1st season great,...hit and miss there on out.

    This season has been odd because of the writers strike I believe.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 05, 2009 10:50:50 AM CDT

    I'm sure Herc thinks...

    by removed_user

    that My Name Is Earl would be better if Joss Whedon wrote it.

    Go watch Dollhouse, you dork.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 05, 2009 10:52:35 AM CDT

    Smallvile vs. My Name Is Earl

    by nick michalak

    After Smallville moved to Thursday nights, I barely ever watched "Earl" again. Even DVRing it in another room, I soon fell off from the show. Not sure why, but it's what happened. At the end of it, a pre-Superman Clark Kent is a lot more interesting than Earl Hickey.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 05, 2009 2:42:38 PM CDT

    Wow I didn't know so many hated it.

    by damien chowder

    Earl is a good show for relaxing to.
    Also Smallville is now a super shit time waster. For every episode of the actual arc you get 48 episodes of irrelevant dog chowder, thats not mentioning that everything is now back at stage one with a female Lex.
    If people don't stop watching then Tom Welling is still going to be Superboy when he is 65.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 05, 2009 4:48:58 PM CDT

    I like it

    by jedibobster

    I like My Name is Earl - always have. It has an easy-going doing its-own-thing charm to it. The characters are great - its like The Simpsons how it has built up such a supporting cast. If Earl is to go, then I'll miss the great moustached one for sure. But, will it mean that Jason Lee can finally play Fletch?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 05, 2009 4:54:41 PM CDT

    It was good till they ditched "The List"

    by larry of arabia

    As a driving force it was a great hook. I mean you can't do the same thing forever but it was a good and unique plot to string things on. Then, sometime midway through season 2, they decided that they didn't need the list and tried for wacky stunts instead like "Earl's on COPS!" I will never understand why some shows do that.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 05, 2009 5:09:02 PM CDT

    Who watches Smallville on TV?

    by lockesbrokenleg

    I can wait for the DVD sets. There's like a billion of them out there.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 05, 2009 5:11:07 PM CDT

    Yeah but Larry...

    by jedibobster

    That's what I like about My Name is Earl. You never know what you're going to get. I think they knew they couldn't carry on doing one list item every episode and as such mix things up from time to time. I like the fact that it's characters have become so strong that they can abandon the show's initial premise in order to stick him in prison for a bit. Besides Craig T Nelson as the Governor was great.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 05, 2009 6:29:56 PM CDT

    Okay, I'm not a big fan of Earl, but Jason Lee

    by creasybear

    will forever be awesome and majestic to anyone who grew up skateboarding in the late 80's / early 90's. Jason Lee was a skating legend and will always deserve respect for that.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Apr 05, 2009 7:27:56 PM CDT

    Smallville = Superboy 90210

    by removed_user

    It's a piece of shit.

    Reply to Talkback

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