Notes From the Underbelly

[Rosebud]

I've heard a lot of good things about this show (http://abc.go.com/primetime/notesfromtheunderbelly/)and think I'm going to tune it when it premieres tonight. Anyone else interested?

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k284/rosebud03_2006/gossip/show.jpg

Comedy about pregnancy wasn't babied

LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- "Notes from the Underbelly" is the very picture of the modern broadcast comedy. Eschews laugh track? Check. Shot with a single camera instead of the classic three-camera "I Love Lucy" approach? Check. Offers narration to enhance the storytelling? Check. Willing to forgo a barrage of one-liners for slyer humor? Yep.

"Notes from the Underbelly" will debut Thursday with back-to-back episodes at 10 p.m. EDT, but moves to 8:30 p.m. EDT Wednesday on April 18 to follow "According to Jim."

"Underbelly" creator and executive producer Stacy Traub is just relieved the sitcom about a young couple pondering and then embarking on parenthood is finally getting its shot. Traub, mother of 2-year-old Hazel and with a second child on the way, finds an easy metaphor.

Based on Risa Green's novel of the same name, the show offers sharp writing and what Traub sees as a fresh take on its subject. "The female lead is allowed to complain about the fact that pregnancy isn't that glamorous and you don't feel glowing every day and you're not happy when your pants don't fit and your husband looks at you a little funny when you get out of the shower," she said in a knowing rush of words.

source: CNN
full article: HERE (http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/TV/04/12/apontv.notes.underbelly.ap/index.html)

[Toonces]

My DVR is already set. :)

[lawyerlee]

I'm so jazzed about this. I really hope it's as good as it seems like it will be. I've adored Jennifer Westfeldt since I saw her in Kissing Jessica Stein. She's so cute and funny. :)

[mpc863]

DVR is set.

[PookiePrincess]

I'll be watching. I hope it's good. :)

[loving624]

My DVR is set as well. It's on from 10-11 here, and this prego cant stay up that late to watch it, but I'll be watching tomorrow. I cant wait

[sparkle&shine]

Thanks for posting. I would have forgotten that this was going to be on. The previews looked cute!

[Clubqueen]

I'll be tuning in.
Since DH and I are gonna be TTC this year, I might as well get a sneak peek at all the "joys" I have to look forward to! :p

[c'est la vie]

I'll be tuning in as well. It looks like it will be funny.

[lml41981]

I'm going to watch tonight...a preview had a disparaging comment about breastfeeding, so I want to know if I need to write a letter to ABC.

[melones]

I have seen the previews and am pregnant so i will be setting the recorder. I must admit i wish it wasn't on from 10-11....whoever was in charge of the time slot must not be pregnant....oh well i can watch it tomorrow night.

[Rosebud]

I have seen the previews and am pregnant so i will be setting the recorder. I must admit i wish it wasn't on from 10-11....whoever was in charge of the time slot must not be pregnant....oh well i can watch it tomorrow night.

Starting next week, it'll be on at 8:30 on Wednesdays. I think they're just trying to build off the Grey's Anatomy audience for the first episode.

[laura]

I'm going to watch tonight...a preview had a disparaging comment about breastfeeding, so I want to know if I need to write a letter to ABC.

You seem like a laugh a minute. ;)

[wendalah]

I'm going to watch tonight...a preview had a disparaging comment about breastfeeding, so I want to know if I need to write a letter to ABC.

Oh boy! Is the protagonist going to bow out of her career to become a SAHM? I better get my pen handy too ;).

[lml41981]

You seem like a laugh a minute. ;)

I have a great sense of humor most of the time. :confused:

[melones]

Starting next week, it'll be on at 8:30 on Wednesdays. I think they're just trying to build off the Grey's Anatomy audience for the first episode.

Awesome. Thank you.

[thedoorchick]

I'm curious enough to watch and see what happens, but based on the previews, I expect it to be full of bonehead comments and popular myths about pregnancy.

[mobox]

Loved the book, hope I love the show. So far the commercials have been funny-especially the one about pump and dump. :P

[mobox]

PS: THIS IS A COMEDY SHOW. Expect there to be disparaging remarks about all aspects of motherhood, parenthood, singlehood, dorky guys, paranoid girls, girls who resent that their friends are "growing up" and having babies, girls who are a little freaked out with pregnancy, etc. If you read the book, you'll get that it's basically about real life.

[kris97]

I have the book, and was intrigued by hte premise, but the Times's TV critic savaged it. She may have used the word dreadful. Hope it's better than that, for all of you watching!

[southerner]

Eh. It was okay. Had some funny parts. I was nodding my head a lot b/c it's a lot of the stuff I read about here on CC, just haven't experienced myself.

Building on what mobox said. If people are going to get upset about any BFing comments that are made, there's a lot of other stereotypes and generalizations being poked at as well. It is a comedy show.

[lml41981]

PS: THIS IS A COMEDY SHOW. Expect there to be disparaging remarks about all aspects of motherhood, parenthood, singlehood, dorky guys, paranoid girls, girls who resent that their friends are "growing up" and having babies, girls who are a little freaked out with pregnancy, etc. If you read the book, you'll get that it's basically about real life.
Yeah...I get that it is supposed to be a comedy show.

Sadly, I found it to be lacking in the comedy aspect. :cool:

I'm not sure it is even worth my time to write a letter...not sure this show will stick around that long.

[klanae]

I thought it was cute. I will be tuning in next week!

[lawyerlee]

Eh. It was okay. Had some funny parts.
Agreed. It was rocky, but had some funny stuff. I could do without the other pregnant couple. They add nothing as far as I'm concerned and kinda annoy me.

[Rosebud]

I was amused. I'll watch it again. There were a couple of parts that made me laugh out loud... the swaddling and the tequila shot come to mind.

I like the main couple a lot, but agree that the other couple is annoying and not very realistic. The concept is cute, though-- I can certainly relate to freaking out about the idea of having a baby and it was interesting to see that emotion used for comedy.

[akacharlotte]

I liked it. Some parts were a little slow but overall I liked it. My FH and I had a conversation very similar to the one the main couple had at the beginning of the show except instead of white water rafting it was Europe.

Love Cooper!

[snowzilla]

Eh, I knew nothing about it, but watched it after seeing this thread pop up. I laughed my ass off. I have three kids, so I've been there, done that, and while I don't think the show was overall funny enough to have longevity, I was certainly not offended by any of the script.

I totally had that freak out with our last child, probably moreso because I knew exactly what I was missing out on for the next nine months. ;)

[thedoorchick]

I didn't see but a few minutes of it (ER was new, so I was watching that instead, but changed the channel during commercials). But I was amused by the scene with the couples baby shower where they are all asked to decorate onesies. I've been to plenty of couples baby showers, and they NEVER involve the silly shower games. Can you imagine guys actually doing that?

[karlatta]

I tried to watch it, but only made it through about 10 minutes before I turned it off. Maybe it was because it was too late, or I'd just finished watching The Office (which was hilarious last night), but I didn't find it funny or entertaining at all.

And then the guy who plays Andrew (Peter Cambor) is just creepy looking to me, so any time there was a scene with him in it, I had to look away. Kind of ruined the show, you know?

[kam]

Damn - I missed it. It looked like a great cast.

Maybe they'll show what life is like after breastfeeding. Is there such a thing? :p Seriously, being offended by a snippet on a commercial without knowing the context, I wouldn't be so quick to pick up a pen.

[c'est la vie]

It was alright. I watched the first half hour and then went to bed. I'll finish watching it today.
I'll probably watch it next week again but I was expecting it to be funnier, though.

[ambula704]

My DH and I watched it, he thought it was hiliarious. I thought it was pretty funny. The first episode was better than the second, IMO. I will probably watch it because I dont have any other favorite shows on Wednesday nights.

[jesseybell]

I enjoyed it. I could relate to some of it. Some of it was obviously far-fetched, but entertaining. Anyone whose been pregnant, is pregant or is thinking of becoming pregnant can relate to parts of it. I know it was panned in the reviews. I hope they are not too quick to cancel it like they have other shows, but 8:30 on Wednesday it could get lost. Thank god for DVRs because my Wednesdays are already full.

[singerwife]

I really enjoyed it, and I was cracking up at the scene when they are in the bedroom with the nude belly photo and the kneeling husband.

"I...uh, was just admiring your...uh...art."

Or something like that. And when they wanted an Indian baby and were sent Pocahantas. I was giggling about that bit, too.

[MrsBeckyLP]

I thought it looked really dumb from the previews, but I thought it was OK. I also LOLed at the tequila shot scene.

I think I mostly found it amusing because we're two months away from TTC, and EVERYTHING we see (not necessarily on TV, just in general) lately has something to do with babies. I think it makes DH a little nervous!

[ginastorm]

I thought it was cute. I'll probably watch it again just to see how everything progresses. I liked the minivan storyline, some friends of ours were the first ones to get a minivan and we teased them about it! Disclaimer: the teasing about the minivan was all in good fun.

I loved Cooper too, she's hilarious!

[diam124]

I also thought the first episode was funnier than the second. I also liked Cooper's deadpan humor. I find that actress amusing. I would probably watch it again if there was nothing else on. Personally, I found it hilarious when they were in the bedroom of the other pregnant couple and Cooper looked at the photo on the wall of the pregnant friend and her shirtless DH and said "What the hell is that?".

[kdotp]

DH and I watched it after Grey's last night and really liked it. I'd read the other book by the same gal (Tales From the Crib) so I knew a lot of the humor would be tongue-in-cheek and kind of outlandish. I like a little mindless comedy. It's on the same time as Bones, though, so we'll have to watch one and TiVo the other.

[cocoa_femme]

...I've adored Jennifer Westfeldt since I saw her in Kissing Jessica Stein. She's so cute and funny. :)

OMG! That's what she was in. I couldn't - for the life of me - figure out where I'd seen her before.

[akacharlotte]

OMG! That's what she was in. I couldn't - for the life of me - figure out where I'd seen her before.


OMG that was her? I knew her voice was familar but I could not place her.

[granada]

It was ok for me. I did find some parts funny, like the "art" on the wall. :) But I thought they were kind of off in portraying what pregnancy is like. Now, I know all pregnancies are different and this is only a show, BUT don't we find humor in things that ring most true to us? (If that makes any sense.) I mean, they never did anything on the first trimester yuckies, and so much funny stuff could be had from that. And what was with the character getting excruciatingly hungry already in the 11th week? I was still nauseous and sleeping constantly at this point. If this means I have no sense of humor, so be it. :cool:

[Amuse Bouche]

I only watched the very beginning (on too late for this preggo!) but I thought it was cute, and definitely reminded me of some aspects of the whole process. I think it especially rang true for me because I live in Los Angeles I was laughing from the very first scene of, "Did you move the car?" "Did you write me a reminder note?" because that's happened many a time in our household. (There's alternate side of the street parking in L.A. two days a week, and it usually starts at 8 am.)

[stevesbabygirl]

I thought it was pretty funny, and I love Rachel Harris (Cooper)!

I'm sure this isn't the right place to ask, but what is the difference between the single camera vs the three camera in terms of how the show looks?

[honeygirl]

Now, I know all pregnancies are different and this is only a show, BUT don't we find humor in things that ring most true to us? (If that makes any sense.) I mean, they never did anything on the first trimester yuckies, and so much funny stuff could be had from that. And what was with the character getting excruciatingly hungry already in the 11th week? I was still nauseous and sleeping constantly at this point. If this means I have no sense of humor, so be it. :cool:

ITA. I'm in my 10th week and was wondering about her hunger pangs. Just thinking about the food she was eating made me feel sick. Why wasn't she throwing up or feeling gross? And how was she still wearing cute tight clothing? Sheesh, I can't even button my pants? But, I know that it's just a show and tv isn't real. ;)

I laughed a few times and will probably dvr it. Bones gets priority.

[Julss05]

I liked it, plan to watch next week. The lawyer friend was so funny! I also thought the married friends were downright annoying, god help me if I ever act like that:rolleyes:. Even though we aren't TTC yet I found myself relating to the main characters. DH and I are about the same age as them and my license is expiring soon so I got a kick out of that.

[la_bride_2004]

I thought it was funny! My three favorite scenes were the tequila shots, the creepy clown cradle and trying to figure out the ring sling.

[shania0474]

I thought it was cute and will probably watch it again if I find myself in front of the TV on a wed night at the right time.

I agree with the PP that said it is a TV comedy so not to be taken too seriously. I think the annoying couple were meant to be annoying. They and the divorce lawyer are supposed to be the opposite extremes of our (somewhere in the middle) main couple so I think the writers were successful with that.

As for her eating habits, I can relate. I was much hungrier during my first trimester than my last two for both my kids and I never had morning sickness (don't hate me :p ) so it wasn't outrageous for me.

I did find the lawyer friend very funny though -- for me, she is a cross between Cristina on GA and Karen (Megan Mullally) on Will & Grace.

[JBB]

I have to say I thought this was hysterical. And an added bonus is that it made DH crack up. I think for us since we're ttc we can really relate.

[LeslieR]

It was just okay for me. I could see it having potential. I was going to give it another chance, but it conflicts with other shows we watch, so I'm going to pass.

[isign]

It was ok for me too. I'll watch it a few more times just to give it a chance. I did almost throw something at the TV when they got pg on the first try, but I thought the legs in the air was kind of funny. This was on from 9-10 (bedtime) so it might just be that I was cranky, but I really didn't like the crazy pg woman stereotype they are playing out.

[JBB]

The one part I found absolutely ridiculous was the annoying couple getting up in the middle of the night to train their bodies to get up with the baby. I don;t have a baby yet, but don't you want to take advanatage of as much sleep as you can get before the baby comes. Can anything really prepare you for being woken up an a regular 1-2 hour basis?

[1_mommy]

i just got done watching it, and thought it was pretty funny.
there were some very exagerated parts, but i still thought it was funny

[sea74]

I liked it but don't like the new time slot.

The one part I found absolutely ridiculous was the annoying couple getting up in the middle of the night to train their bodies to get up with the baby. I don;t have a baby yet, but don't you want to take advanatage of as much sleep as you can get before the baby comes. Yeah, that part really irritated me. Who does that?

[la_bride_2004]

Can anything really prepare you for being woken up an a regular 1-2 hour basis?


Uh, no! I thought puppy housebreaking would. It's not even remotely close.

[mobox]

The one part I found absolutely ridiculous was the annoying couple getting up in the middle of the night to train their bodies to get up with the baby. I don;t have a baby yet, but don't you want to take advanatage of as much sleep as you can get before the baby comes.

Yes, yes, and Triple YES! I think the other couple are there to make the main couple look pretty normal. At least that was my take in the book---that the friends were pretty much the extremes to place the protagonists smack dab in the middle of normalcy.

I LOVED the tequila scene and the wrap scene where they were trying to figure it out, because that's basically me.

Having just come out of pregnancy, I can really relate to the main character (thanks for reminded me she was in Jessica Stein, I loved that movie!) and her relationship with her husband.

And I have a mini-van---so that really cracked me up.

[Dotsie]

I really like the show. I will be tuning in again this week.

[loving624]

I do plan to be watching tonight. I didnt love it, but I didnt hate it. Am anxious to see what they do with the rest of the season....

[Rosebud]

You know what's funny? My DH loves this show. I had no idea he'd be remotely interested in something like this, but he watched it with me last week and totally loved it. So yes, we'll be watching tonight.

[loving624]

Darn it I missed it. Can someone recap?

[akacharlotte]

Was the show on this week? I thought it was on Wed. night at 8:30CST but Extra was shown here. Last night I never even turned the TV on.

[c'est la vie]

It was on Wednesday on ABC at 8:30pm. Extra is on WB/CW, isn't it?

They still don't have this week's episode recap up on their site, but basically they were discussing about money and if she should quit her job and be a SAHM or not.

[akacharlotte]

c'est la vie-Thanks. We were watching ABC because Lost came on right after Extra. I just screwed up the time in my head. It would have aired at 7:30 here.

[jesseybell]

I still like this show, but not to fuel a SAHM/WOHM debate, I thought that was an interesting topic for the show's third episode, especially since they don't have money growing on trees. I think it would be a topic better suited when she is further along in her pregnancy.

[jessesgirl]

And how was she still wearing cute tight clothing? Sheesh, I can't even button my pants? But, I know that it's just a show and tv isn't real. ;)

I think it's possible. I'm just now looking for maternity pants and tops and I'm 24 weeks along. I didn't have to buy a Bella Band or unbutton my pre-pg pants at all.

[mobox]

The SAHM thing is interesting because they live in LA and I personally know how hard it is to be A SAHM if you do/want to own a house in LA. Can you say next to impossible....

[JBB]

DH and I thought it was hilarious. However, who would be able to get away with blowing up at that kid, walking out and then just go back to her job like nothing happened.

I know it's a comedy and I am being way too over analytical.

[Txfish]

I personally was hooked after the first few minutes of ep. 1 when during their pro-con list, she said "CON: We'd have to get a hideous minivan." And his response was, "That was going to be my next PRO."

Because DH and I? We *had* that conversation. Verbatim.

And, Cooper rocks. We all need a cynical non-kid friend to keep us centered on real life outside of parenting.

[Eric's Wife]

For those of you who missed it, abc.com has both episodes online. HTH.

[shania0474]

Thanks for the reminder Jennifer. I watched the last two episodes online and I must say I like the show more and more with each episode. It is really funny!

[lbs27]

I really liked this week's episode--though I could have used more Cooper! I love her!

[melones]

I thought this week's episode was the best one so far....so maybe it will get better and better.

[jesseybell]

This week's episode was so much better.

Next week the friend gives birth - that should be funny.

[kimthebride]

I heard this was so funny, but when I went to DVR it I foundout I *just missed* the whole series!

Does anyone know it/when they repeat the show?

Or when the new episodes will air?

I couldn't find anything on the abc website....TIA!

[Rose]

I couldn't find anything on the abc website....TIA!

It's listed under the shows section, and you can also watch it online at ABC.

[klanae]

Is the show coming back for another season?

[lbs27]

It's listed as being renewed, but right now isn't listed in a time slot for the fall season. I'm guessing it may be a mid-season replacement, but I'm not sure.

[klanae]

Thanks lbs27, I am glad to hear it will be back!

[mobox]

ABC has renewed two midseason series for sophmore seasons. Another year of the very popular October Road drama has been ordered for another season, as has the sitcom Notes from the Underbelly. The network has ordered 13 episodes of each but these may be expanded later to full season orders of 22.

It's a mid-season show (after the first Dancing with the Stars run) and will be on MOnday nights. See shedule here: http://abc.go.com/media/fallpreview/images/PTSchedule2007.pdf

[stevesbabygirl]

Yay, I love both of those shows, I'm happy to hear they'll both be back!

[Regina Phalange]

They've taken the episdoes off abc.com. I wanted to go rewatch an episode because I love the humor, and it's gone. Made me a little nervous but I'm glad to hear it's coming back next fall.

[JBB]

So glad it's coming back!

[lbs27]

Bumping this up, because I just saw a commercial that the new season starts November 26th. So excited, I love this show--mindless and funny!

[Rosebud]

Oh good! I'm glad it'll be back on soon. I miss Cooper! :)

[lbs27]

Me too! I'm actually watching License to Wed on On Demand and was pleasantly surprised to see her in it (albeit briefly!).

[kimthebride]

Any idea if they will be doing a marathon of Seaon 1? I missed them ALL and was so upset that they didn't run any over the summer....

[cynder]

Woot! I like this show last season.

[KK812]

Yay! I will finally have something good to watch on Mondays. Can't wait. :)

[Rosebud]

Yay! I will finally have something good to watch on Mondays. Can't wait. :)

What-- The Bachelor isn't doing it for you? ;)

[Dotsie]

LOOOVE this show. I cannot wait to start watching it again!

[KK812]

What-- The Bachelor isn't doing it for you? ;)

LOL Of course! It's my favorite!

[cynder]

A commercial on ABC said it was streaming the first season on their site. I only see 4 episodes but thought I would mention it.

[artist]

Okay, all this hype and advertising for the supposed season premiere, and they're just playing a show they ALREADY had on the ABC website?