How to Be a Gentleman

How to Be a Gentleman is a sitcom that first graced the American television network CBS for a brief stint from 2011 to 2012. It is created and produced by David Hornsby, best known for his work as an executive producer and recurring character on the FX series It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia which also stars Kevin Dillon and Dave Foley. The show is loosely based on the book of the same name written by Thomas Nelson. At the core of the show lies the unlikely bonds that emerge between two vastly different men – Andrew Carlson (David Hornsby), and his high-school friend and former bully, Bert Lansing (Kevin Dillon). The paths of these polar opposites cross when they find themselves needing each other to adapt and survive in the modern world’s constantly evolving definition of a gentleman. In the hilarious tangles of their lives, we find protagonist Andrew Carlson, an etiquette columnist who is all about perfect manners and an undeniable sense of propriety. Andrew, a quintessential gentleman, wrote a column for a major magazine aimed at advising readers on good manners. However, in an unexpected turn of events, his column gets cancelled and he is reassigned to a more men-interest-focused magazine called "The Savage Man," turning his world upside down. On the other side, we have Bert Lansing, Andrew's old school acquaintance and a personal trainer with a decidedly 'roguish' charm. Bert is a counterpoint to Andrew's refined tastes and polished demeanor, exuding a raw and intense machismo. His interactions and influence start to push Andrew out of his comfort zone, challenging his preconceived notions and pushing him to reinvent his ideas of what it means to be a 'gentleman' in today's world. The core dynamic and comedy of the series arises from this conflict and contrast - the push and pull between the modern brute force of Bert's world and the controlled, old-world charm and sophistication that Andrew is trying to preserve. It's a story about navigating the shifting societal expectations of manhood and the nature of friendship, testing the bonds that form in the face of such adversities. The series explores how these characters reluctantly mold each other, creating nuanced portrayals that make for great humor and pathos. Complementing the lead characters is a supporting cast that adds flair to the plot. The talented comedic actor Dave Foley, who plays Jerry Dunham, Andrew's boss at the new magazine. Jerry encapsulates a middle ground between Andrew and Bert, offering his own unique takes on masculinity and creating yet another perspective within this humorous examination of manliness. Mary Lynn Rajskub's portrayal of Andrew's overbearing and controlling sister Janet and Rhys Darby's nuanced role as Mike, Janet’s husband, adds yet another layer of complexity and hilarity to the plot. The interplay between the main and supporting characters helps enrich the comedy discouse about gentlemanliness being explored. How to Be a Gentleman is shot in more traditional multi-camera sitcom format with a live audience, giving it a sense of genuine comedic timing and a 'reaction' quality. It provides a dynamic representation of conflicting masculine ideals, using a comedy-sitcom lens to explore the shifts in societal expectations, creating a fusion of old-school gentlemanly manners and modern-day machismo. Alas, despite promising premises and a talented cast, the show was short-lived and was cancelled after just nine episodes due to low ratings. Regardless, its themes of friendship, duality, and masculinity remain a fascinating point of exploration. In essence, the show is a quirky exploration of two very disparate definitions of what it means to be a man in the modern world by leveraging the traditionally funny formula of pairing mismatched friends. It dares to question and redefine the societal expectations of being a 'gentleman' offering plenty of laughs along the way. Regardless of its brief run, How to Be a Gentleman serves up a hearty slice of comedy filled with wit, charm, and introspection.

How to Be a Gentleman is a series categorized as a canceled. Spanning 1 seasons with a total of 9 episodes, the show debuted on 2011. The series has earned a mostly poor reviews from both critics and viewers. The IMDb score stands at 4.7.