We Are Men

We Are Men is a television series that debuted on CBS in 2013. This short-lived sitcom, created by Rob Greenberg for the American public broadcast network CBS, centres around the refreshingly amusing and simultaneously relatable stories of four single men at various stages of love and relationships.

The title encapsulates the show's simple yet effective narrative theme as it journeys into the stoic yet heartfelt world of four men exhibiting varying degrees of competence in negotiating the intricate labyrinth of love and relationships. From an unsophisticated 24-year-old freshly ditched at the altar, to middle-aged men suffering from bruised egos and torn hearts, this series aligns its undertones to the beat of love's myriad manifestations.

Set within the vibrant and sunny atmosphere of a short-term apartment complex in Los Angeles, We Are Men throws its audience into an engaging and comic rigmarole of friendships, rebounds, do-overs, and male bonding. It explores how these men come together, giving each other advice on love, life, and recovering from heartbreak. As the season progresses, the viewers observe the four main characters struggling, failing, learning, and growing together, creating an experience that transcends the typical sitcom narrative into a thoughtful reflection on contemporary masculinity.

The lead protagonist, Carter Thomas, played by Chris Smith, is a lovable and naive young man brutally dumped by his fiancée just literally before taking his vows. Stumbling upon three divorcees residing in the same apartment complex, Carter's journey diverges from the stereotypical post-breakup sob story into a delightful and heart-warming exploration of unexpected friendships and a newfound perspective on love and life.

The other leads who form Carter’s newfound brotherhood include Frank Russo, Gil Bartis, and Stuart Weber, portrayed by Tony Shalhoub, Kal Penn, and Jerry O’Connell, respectively. These eclectic characters collectively represent a spectrum of age, experiences, and dispositions that position the series into the realm of multifaceted narratives.

Frank, a twice-divorced, middle-aged, and sneakily charming man, is intent on living life on his own terms, not afraid to flaunt convention whenever it suits him. His character alternates between his reputation as a reliable playboy and a wise, if somewhat eccentric, mentor figure, effortlessly inducing both humour and warmth within the viewers.

On the other hand, Stuart, a two-time divorcee, is a successful cosmetic surgeon, forever in pursuit of exuberant fun, occasionally to escape the haunting memories of his past marriages. His relationships with his money-hungry ex-wives form the comedic backbone of the series.

Gil, fairly fresh from a disastrous conclusion of his marriage due to an indiscretion at his workplace, brings a more somber note to the mix. Constantly battling regret and insecurities about his past mistakes, Gil's character provides the emotional depth necessary for balancing the otherwise light-hearted narrative.

We Are Men moves through the conscientious storytelling of these men, exploring their dynamics with each other while pursuing their individual journey of self-discovery, punctuated by a meandering exploration of the fascinatingly complex world of relationships. Throughout its run, the series continues to balance elements of easy humor with layered narratives of personal growth and shared camaraderie. The context of each of these individuals' backgrounds and distinctive foibles offer engaging perspectives, making this series a relatable and often hilarious exploration of male bonding and friendship.

Although primarily lighthearted and humorous, the show also doesn’t shy away from touching upon thought-provoking themes. This mélange of sentiments, humour and characters is what sets 'We Are Men' apart in the vast ocean of sitcoms that continue to grace the television screens.

In summary, We Are Men is a feel-good comedy series that intertwines the lives of four complex yet engaging men who navigate through the challenging course of relationships, love, rejection and rebound. Each episode uniquely combines humor, growth, and friendship, drawing the audience into the characters' lives while leaving them eagerly awaiting their next story.