Sitcoms Become Real Edit
Debra Messing in ‘Starter Wife’

This evening, ‘The Starter Wife’ debuted, showcasing Debra Messing.  Debra Messing, formerly the co-star of Will and Grace, plays divorcee Molly Kagen.  Molly is a single mom struggling to adapt with her all-too-real situation.

Perhaps the most interesting thing about ‘The Starter Wife’ is that it represents a new era in sitcom comedy.  Sitcoms used to portray either idealistic situations or far fetched lifestyles.  For example, ‘Friends’ portrayed people with bad jobs who lived in gigantic New York City apartments, playfully enjoying their lives.  Will and Grace showcased a gay man and straight women who were best friends and room mates.

These situations do exist, but they hardly represent normal American life.  In contrast, the concept of Debra Messing as a single divorcee mom, is a concept that relates to more Americans.  Does that make ‘Starter Wife’ more entertaining?

Perhaps after the last decade of reality-dominated airwaves, we will see more scenarios that are reflective of ordinary life.