I’m a huge fan of comedy, so when I got the opportunity to come to a live taping of “Undateable”, I jumped at the offer. It was a Friday night in Los Angeles. The highways were saturated with cars, making the freeway look quite festive with red and white lights. Yet not even rush hour traffic would keep me from making the 8 pm live show. Audience members made their way to their seats and I settled down backstage. Social media was alive, with instagram, live tweeting, and periscope. Then it was lights, camera, action! From one punch line to another, the laughs were non-stop, punctuated by dancing to the tunes of the guest singer between scenes. You know it’s a great show when the 30 minutes fly by!
As the audience slowly filtered out after the show, it appeared the party didn’t end. Food and open bar was available backstage for cast and crew. Live tweets continued. As I partook of the merriment, it was quite clear that the friendship of the cast from the Black Eyes Bar extended beyond the camera. It’s this off-camera friendship which is what makes the chemistry on the show ring so true–because it’s not acting. Just like the characters were sharing beers on “Undateable”, the actors were chatting at the same bar over drinks after the show. Television imitates life, and vice versa.
“Undateable” is indeed unique from other current sitcoms by entering into live television. In an effort to be live, the show opts to do two shows per night. One at 5pm and another at 8pm, so West coast fans are treated to an actual show instead of the usual taped version. Indeed, no two shows will be the same and expect anything to happen when it’s live.
“Undateable” is hilarious with witty banter and great physical comedy. Plus, it’s one thing to perform in front of a live audience but when you add live television, the filters come off. There is no “Take two”. Kudos to the actors for keeping the comedy alive twice a night! And where else do you get treated to guest singers like Meghan Trainor and Ed Sheeran and the long list of guest stars, including several former “Scrubs” actors, one of my all time fave sitcoms?
“Undateable” is simply about life from a comedic slant. And how it’s so much sweeter when you have your friends to catch you when you fall and laugh with you along the way. As “Undateable”‘s Justin Kearney points out, “A house is a house but a family makes a home.”
Although December 11 is the last live show for 2015, no worries! “Undateable” will be back in January 8, 15, and 29 for you to live tweet! And if you missed an episode, you can catch full episodes in the official web site below.
https://youtu.be/wST0D4MuZZM
Official web site: http://www.nbc.com/undateable
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NBCUndateable
Twitter: @Undateable / #Undateablelive
Tweet out to the cast & creators!
Adam Sztykiel (creator) – @sztyks
Bill Lawrence (creator) – @VDOOZER
Chris Delia – @chrisdelia
Brent Morin – @brentmorin
Bianca Kajlich – @MisKajlich
Ron Funches – @RonFunches
Rick Glassman – @RickGlassman
David Fynn – @davidfynn
Bridgit Mendler – @bridgitmendler
Courtesy of NBC