Kevin Can Wait - Pilot - Advance Preview

CBS’ newest sitcom follows Kevin Gable (Kevin James), a recently retired cop who is adjusting to life at home with his wife and kids. James is most known for another CBS family sitcom: King of Queens, as well as a few other comedy movies like Paul Blart: Mall Cop and Grown Ups. This is James’ first series regular role since King of Queens ended almost 10 years ago, so let’s jump into the preview!

The pilot covers a lot of ground considering it’s a standard 22 minute episode. It introduces the new family dynamic of having Kevin home now that he is retired as well as his daughter’s announcement that she is dropping out of law school and moving home. Additionally, they throw Kevin a retirement party and interview tenants to live in the garage. All in all, not bad in terms of storyline development for a pilot.

As expected, Kevin is the funniest character. I think a lot of actors in multi-camera sitcoms fall into the trap of going over the top to try and get the studio audience to laugh, but James finds a nice balance between ridiculous and genuine. I’ve never been the biggest Kevin James fan, but this pilot is definitely the most I’ve ever liked him. His oldest daughter, played by Taylor Spreitler, also has some funny moments. I always enjoyed her in Melissa & Joey and she is a nice addition to this show.

Though definitely not the funniest pilot I’ve ever seen, the family chemistry is pretty strong. I think the show will be most successful if it continues to develop the family relationships and becomes a strong family comedy. We meet Kevin’s three children, but only one is really developed. The other two have maybe four lines max. Kevin’s scenes with his friends, however, are where the pilot falls a little flat and it feels like a straight to DVD sequel to Wild Hogs. I do think, however, that the potential is there for this show to develop into an enjoyable comedy once it hammers out Kevin’s relationship with his wife and each of his kids.

Overall Grade: B-

Favorite Quotes:

Jack: Hey Dad, I probably shouldn’t go to school today. I think I got a concussion from football.
Kevin: Jack, you play Madden football.
Jack: Yeah, but yesterday I got excited and I hit myself in the face with the controller.

Goody: His wife just gave him the boot and he needs a place to stay. How about you Duff, you’re single?
Duff: Ah, I can’t, I have my parents staying with me.
Kevin: You mean at their house?

You can catch Kevin Can Wait this Monday at 8:30pm after The Big Bang Theory. Let me know in the comments if you’re planning on watching!

About the Author - Doug Greer

Doug Greer is a TV obsessed Leo from the Bay Area. His TV origin story begins in 7th grade, when his friend lent him her Buffy the Vampire Slayer DVDs and 144 episodes (and 9 days) later, he was hooked for life. All time favorites include (but most certaintly not limited to) everything Joss Whedon, Charmed, The 100, Nikita, Battlestar, and anything with a laugh track. More recently, Doug produced and help write a webseries for The CW called CW FanTalk and also produced webseries for actors such as AnnaLynne McCord and John Lehr. For the 2016-2017 season, Doug will be reviewing 2 Broke Girls, Mom, and The Good Place.

Recent Reviews (All Reviews)