Unhitched

Unhitched, a comedy series from 2008, is another testament to Fox's tradition of serving up quirky and unusual fare. Starring the charismatic Craig Bierko, Unhitched captures the quirks and charm of mid-life crisis, and navigating the rocky shores of modern dating in a manner that’s as hilarious as it is deeply relatable.

The series was created by Mike Bernier and Chris Pappas, and is executive produced by the famous Farrelly brothers, Bobby and Peter, who are well-known for their comedic blockbusters like "There's Something About Mary" and "Dumb and Dumber". If you're a fan of their style, Unhitched should be right up your alley as it delivers a similar brand of absurdist humor.

Craig Bierko, known for his roles in hit series like "Boston Legal" and "Sex and the City", steps into the shoes of Jack Goyke, a handsome, friendly, and charming owner of a successful dental practice who, after 15 years of marriage, finds himself back on the singles scene. Combining the air of an experienced veteran with a confused newcomer, Bierko depicts Jack's journey through the uncertainties and absurdities of post-divorce dating life.

He is joined by an ensemble cast, including Rashida Jones before her "Parks and Recreation" days, Shaun Majumder, and Johnny Sneed. Each character is an essential piece of the sitcom's tapestry: Kate (Jones) is a lawyer still smarting over her divorce from a two-timing surgeon, Freddy (Majumder) is a preppy guy with a streak of bad luck, and Tommy (Sneed) is a womanizer who believes in enjoying life to the fullest. Together, they jump back into the chaotic and funny world of 21st-century dating.

Boston serves as a geographical character in Unhitched's comedic tableau, not as a picturesque postcard, but as a lived-in city where the characters navigate the minefield of online dating, speed dating, blind dates, and more. The show excels at taking real situations - the kind that anyone who's tried to put themselves out there can empathize with - and pushing them to laugh out loud extremes.

The six-episode series relies heavily on the comedic chemistry between its leads and their shared journey through the ensuing ridiculous situations. Each episode features another misadventure in their dating life, whether it involves a circus performer or a woman who might just be a lot more into a beloved pet than is considered normal.

The humor in Unhitched tends to be bold, pushing boundaries in ways that mimic the awkwardness and unpredictability of modern dating. It depicts divorced mid-lifers trying to navigate the changed landscape of dating in their 30s and 40s, often floundering as they readjust. The show's main charm is in its light-hearted portrayal of these struggles, delivering plenty of laughs but also an odd type of solidarity.

Unhitched is punctuated with various moments of absurdity, deriving humor from the unbelievability of the predicaments the characters find themselves in. Yet, through the laughs, there is a sense of relatability. Whether it's dating someone who has peculiar hobbies or dealing with the emotional baggage that comes with divorce, the show takes these familiar themes and cranks up the craziness to deliver unexpected comedic moments.

Unlike other sitcoms that retread familiar ground, Unhitched isn't afraid to venture into topics and scenarios that are somewhat less often explored by comedic TV series. This gives it a fresh appeal, and a magnetic quality that makes it easy to keep coming back episode after episode.

Despite its short run, Unhitched provides an amusing look at the comedic side of the post-divorce dating scene. It remains a standout showcase for Craig Bierko and presents a fun take on the world of dating that is sure to resonate with viewers who've had to traverse this terrain themselves. It's a riotous and zany comedic ride that doesn't shy away from the sometimes-messy reality of the dating world.