I decided to watch two episodes of Satisfaction before writing my review and unfortunately it is not a good one. I will say that it is refreshing to finally see a Canadian comedy follow the already established sitcom business model of the U.S. networks. Before those who know nothing about TV but everything about Tim Horton's get all huffy, TV is a business and it has to be run that way. It's not an "us being like them" issue or a Canadian identity issue as the BBC learned to use this format so well, British sitcoms were even adapted for U.S. audiences (Man about the house = Three's Company; The Office). Everyone else seems to get it so what's with us? I really found it hard to relate to any of the characters despite having interest in the same 'activities' as it were. Firstly, single guys that move into apartments with couples is never funny, it's awkward. Secondly, nobody or very few people pick up a keg of beer for a guy's night.
I didn't find the show funny; I was more amused than anything. I really found many of the jokes to be rather sophomoric and typical. Simon getting his ass kicked in two separate games by females in one episode for instance, the fact that there was no mention of this by one of the character suggests the writers didn't think about it either. Also, I'm not even sure why they allowed that DJ gag in the first episode and I don't think I need to explain why. Overall, I found I could not relate to the characters and found them very two dimensional. Jason's character reminded me of a live action Homer Simpson and that is not a compliment or any nod that this show is as clever as the Simpsons were 15 years ago. Same goes for Maggie's character which I can only describe as the Dumb Blond character. Two women who I was watching the show went so far to be offended with her character's weakness and overall stupidity. I did think Ryan Bellville did a good. I've seen his stand-up on more than one occasion and I do think has talent. Unfortunately for Ryan, there was no balance to his strong comic roll. On Seinfeld for instance, Kramer was eccentric and a little out there but he had three others that weren't nearly as wild as he was so the role was balanced out. Hopefully, this will be a stepping stone for him to be cast properly where he can show off his comic chops. This show should have been animated as really the characters are cartoons. It would be nice though if they could hire some writers that are actually good and maybe breathe some life into this show. Fortunately for them, Bell Media has been ordered by the CRTC to spend $200 million on original content as a part of their Astral TV merger. That money has to go somewhere, so as long as no better ideas come along Satisfaction may see a third season, maybe.
I didn't find the show funny; I was more amused than anything. I really found many of the jokes to be rather sophomoric and typical. Simon getting his ass kicked in two separate games by females in one episode for instance, the fact that there was no mention of this by one of the character suggests the writers didn't think about it either. Also, I'm not even sure why they allowed that DJ gag in the first episode and I don't think I need to explain why. Overall, I found I could not relate to the characters and found them very two dimensional. Jason's character reminded me of a live action Homer Simpson and that is not a compliment or any nod that this show is as clever as the Simpsons were 15 years ago. Same goes for Maggie's character which I can only describe as the Dumb Blond character. Two women who I was watching the show went so far to be offended with her character's weakness and overall stupidity. I did think Ryan Bellville did a good. I've seen his stand-up on more than one occasion and I do think has talent. Unfortunately for Ryan, there was no balance to his strong comic roll. On Seinfeld for instance, Kramer was eccentric and a little out there but he had three others that weren't nearly as wild as he was so the role was balanced out. Hopefully, this will be a stepping stone for him to be cast properly where he can show off his comic chops. This show should have been animated as really the characters are cartoons. It would be nice though if they could hire some writers that are actually good and maybe breathe some life into this show. Fortunately for them, Bell Media has been ordered by the CRTC to spend $200 million on original content as a part of their Astral TV merger. That money has to go somewhere, so as long as no better ideas come along Satisfaction may see a third season, maybe.