What It's About: Ted (Jay Harrington) is the head of research and development at a massive corporation called Veridian Dynamics. Veridian specializes in, well, just about everything, from weaponized pumpkins to freezing their employees ... you know, just to see if it's possible. All in all, it's a great place (for comedic reasons) to work, and an even better backdrop for a quirky, off-beat office comedy.Who's In It: Harrington, who just wrapped a stint on 'Private Practice,' is joined by 'Arrested Development' favorite Portia de Rossi, who plays boss Veronica with the same clueless determination she perfected as Lindsay Bluth Fünke; 'Joey' alum Andrea Anders, who is adorable as Linda, one of Ted's only sane co-workers (she steals coffee creamer to rebel); and funny guys Malcolm Barrett and Jonathan Slavin as the company's favorite guinea pigs.
Our Take: We love any sitcom that doesn't feel like a sitcom -- and there's not a laugh track, zany neighbor or a same-old, same-old husband and wife dynamic in sight here. Unfortunately, shows labelled as "quirky" are usually stamped with a cancelled label rather quickly. Hopefully, there's enough heart here -- and enough of a desire for original, genuinely funny new shows on TV -- that people will give it a chance.
When You Can See It: 'Better Off Ted' premieres Wed., March 18 at 8:30PM ET on ABC
Better Off Ted' Cast Photos
Actress Portia de Rossi of the television show 'Better Off Ted' attends the Disney/ABC Television Group portion of the 2009 Winter Television Critics Association Press Tour at the Universal Hilton Hotel on January 16, 2009 in Los Angeles, California..Disney's 2009 Winter Press Tour Panel.Hilton Universal.Los Angeles, California United States.January 16, 2009.Photo by Jean Baptiste Lacroix/WireImage.com..To license this image (56501590), contact WireImage.com
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LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 16: Actress Portia de Rossi of the television show "Better FF Ted" attends the Disney/ABC Television Group portion of the 2009 Winter Television Critics Association Press Tour at the Universal Hilton Hotel on January 16, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 16: Actress Portia de Rossi of the television show "Better FF Ted" attends the Disney/ABC Television Group portion of the 2009 Winter Television Critics Association Press Tour at the Universal Hilton Hotel on January 16, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 16: Actress Andrea Anders (L) and actor Jay Harrington of the television show "Better FF Ted" attend the Disney/ABC Television Group portion of the 2009 Winter Television Critics Association Press Tour at the Universal Hilton Hotel on January 16, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 16: Executive producer Victor Fresco (L) and actress Portia de Rossi of the television show "Better FF Ted" attend the Disney/ABC Television Group portion of the 2009 Winter Television Critics Association Press Tour at the Universal Hilton Hotel on January 16, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
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TV Personality Ellen DeGeneres and Actress Portia de Rossi poses in the press room at the 35th Annual People's Choice Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on January 7, 2009 in Los Angeles, California..35th Annual People's Choice Awards - Press Room.The Shrine Auditorium.Los Angeles, California United States.January 7, 2009.Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage.com..To license this image (56440205), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
TV Personality Ellen DeGeneres and Actress Portia de Rossi poses in the press room at the 35th Annual People's Choice Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on January 7, 2009 in Los Angeles, California..35th Annual People's Choice Awards - Press Room.The Shrine Auditorium.Los Angeles, California United States.January 7, 2009.Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage.com..To license this image (56440200), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
TV Personality Ellen DeGeneres and Actress Portia de Rossi poses in the press room at the 35th Annual People's Choice Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on January 7, 2009 in Los Angeles, California..35th Annual People's Choice Awards - Press Room.The Shrine Auditorium.Los Angeles, California United States.January 7, 2009.Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage.com..To license this image (56440172), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
TV Personality Ellen DeGeneres and Actress Portia de Rossi poses in the press room at the 35th Annual People's Choice Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on January 7, 2009 in Los Angeles, California..35th Annual People's Choice Awards - Press Room.The Shrine Auditorium.Los Angeles, California United States.January 7, 2009.Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage.com..To license this image (56440168), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
TV Personality Ellen DeGeneres and Actress Portia de Rossi poses in the press room at the 35th Annual People's Choice Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on January 7, 2009 in Los Angeles, California..35th Annual People's Choice Awards - Press Room.The Shrine Auditorium.Los Angeles, California United States.January 7, 2009.Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage.com..To license this image (56440166), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Reader Comments (3)
linnie at 7:33PM on Mar 24th 2009
Better Off Ted's a keeper. Funny, smart, cute leading man -- what else do you want? I'll
definitely be watching tomorrow. Too bad it's
up against American Idol. At least now my kids are finally getting
tired of reality shows.
John Leyto at 12:27AM on Apr 6th 2009
so ABC, you replaced Pushing Daisies with this crap?! This is a stupid show... really. yes, i'm sure its cheaper to make than Pushing Daisies because there is no style, and I'm sure its easier for the actors and actresses to get their lines correct.
Geez... i can't believe you got rid of Pushing Daisies for this mess.
Liz at 7:08PM on Apr 16th 2009
This has got to be the funniest show on TV.