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In defense of the sitcom "Great News" by Tracey Wigfield

Oct 6, 2024

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[Disclaimer: This is not an ad, it is a love letter]


Dear JAMMers,


An overbearing, over-the-top parent,

A “will they, won’t they,” 

And a clash of generations.

No, these aren’t descriptions from one of my diary entries; it is the plot summary from Tracey Wigfield’s underrated sitcom “Great News.”


They say sitcoms are formulaic and to an extent that is true.

But sometimes there is a show that crafts a fresh take on a winning formula.


Tina Fey and Robert Carlock advised Tracey Wigfield on the set of NBC’s “30 Rock” and their trademark sensibility shines through in her debut sitcom, “Great News.”  Wigfield also worked with Mindy Kaling, a bonafide comedy writing/creator/producer legend.  


“Great News” aired on NBC from 2017 to 2018. It never got its fair chance.


Think of the state of American news at that time. 


I know it’s painful, but it's important to the story.


People were news-fatigued.   If this show premiered at any other time in the 2010’s, it could have been a smash (and we would have more seasons). The quality of the writing, ensemble or rhythm was not lacking in any way. The twenty three episodes are a workplace comedy turned on its head. 


The story unfolds when the main character, Katie, is introduced as a rising producer in cable news on the east coast.  Her mother, Carol, decides her dream is to work in television and she wiggles her way into an internship at the same network as her daughter.  Enter hilarious cliche mother/daughter moments like learning to ride a bike, preparing for a dance recital, and having a crush on a boy. 


Briga Heelan's brilliant take on a quirky, honest, and work-obsessed 30-something is endearing and strong all at once. The legendary Andrea Martin as Carol is quickly established as the heart and soul of the newsroom and the show overall.  Sidebar - I saw Andrea Martin at the stage door of Tina Fey & Amy Poehler’s show in NYC and was rendered speechless. That was my moment to become her best friend and I squandered it.


Back to the cast - 


The ensemble deliver B and C storylines with wit and charm in unexpected ways.  The creator herself (Tracey) plays the doomsday-ready weather person, Beth.  Following in her mentor’s footsteps - she creates, writes, produces and stars in her show.  The work ethic is unimaginable.


Another sidebar - Horatio Sans’ performance makes me so nostalgic for his era of SNL cast members.  Just so damn consistent and committed.


Nicole Ritchie and John Michael Higgins are the match made in heaven that I never saw coming.  The odd couple of cable news anchors portray the relatable comedy you might see from a Boomer father and Millennial daughter (just at work).  They seem to out-do each other with diva behavior - and I am here for it.


Few shows make me laugh out loud on network television anymore - and this one did. 


And does. 


It is one of my comfort shoes that I watch over and over and over again. 


I estimate that I have watched it from beginning to end at least 8 times. 


Cue soapbox...

It is so incredibly important to support storytelling in all of its forms.  AI scares me for one million reasons, but one main one is protecting the arts. I want Gen Alpha and the following generations to learn how to write a research paper, how to craft a story, how to write a speech - channeling their own emotions and experience. I prefer that to learning the most effective way to create and interpret prompts from a computer.  A girl can dream.


As for "Great News," if you haven’t watched it, I REALLY think you should (clearly).


My favorite episodes are:


  • Season 1, Episode 2: Bear Attack

  • Season 1, Episode 6: Serial Arsonist

  • Season 2, Episode 1: Boardroom Bitch (with my queen, Tina Fey)

  • Season 2, Episode 6: Pool Show

  • Season 2, Episode 8: Sensitivity Training - this episode is often my entry point to convince people to watch.  I show them this episode, they love it and then I say, “Ok, now let’s start at the beginning and watch them all.”


What’s your comfort show?


No worries,

Jaclyn


Oct 6, 2024

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