Out Of Practice

Orlando SentinelHal Boedeker

Proves that a conventionally made sitcom can still produce laughter.

LA WeeklyRobert Abele

In Keenan and Lloyd’s world of dizzy, barb-tossing sophisticates, this group is confident and well-armed: Channing’s patented ladies-who-lunch tartness, Winkler’s nervous defensiveness, Burrell’s blasé arrogance, Marshall’s droll delivery and Gorham’s frustrated sensitivity all mix like a well-shaken cocktail, even if it’s the kind that gets tossed in somebody’s face.

USA TodayRobert Bianco

Practice is the kind of show that will probably appeal to those who like their comedy theatrical.

New York Daily NewsDavid Hinckley

Its supporting players steal the spotlight from the central character.

Detroit Free PressMike Duffy

"Out of Practice" is that increasingly rare old-fashioned sitcom that delivers decent laughs.

Hollywood ReporterBarry Garron

With its superb cast, impeccable direction and mostly sharp writing, "Out of Practice" demonstrates simultaneously how polished and professional a sitcom can be and why TV comedy, with a few notable exceptions, is in such a funk.

Philadelphia InquirerJonathan Storm

Tonight's episode employs the same he's-talking-about-one-thing, she's-talking-about-another, and neither-one-knows-it farcical convention that was frequently featured in Frasier, and goes back at least to Moliere. These pros bring it off with panache.

Chicago TribuneMaureen Ryan

"Practice" has the kind of easy flow that comes from veteran sitcom experts.

The New York TimesAlessandra Stanley

Pleasant to watch.

VarietyPhil Gallo

[It] already feels like it's been on air for three seasons... in a good way.

Entertainment WeeklyWhitney Pastorek

At least Henry Winkler didn't ditch Arrested Development for a show that totally blows. [7 Oct 2005, p.64]

Washington PostTom Shales

Boasts the strongest cast of any new sitcom.

Boston GlobeMatthew Gilbert

If someone turns down the volume, ''Out of Practice" has the potential to become a likable, if conventional, sitcom.

Los Angeles TimesRobert Lloyd

Although there is nothing compelling... ["Out Of Practice" is a] professional job and not hard to watch.

Seattle Post-IntelligencerMelanie McFarland

It isn't as funny as it should be.

New York PostLinda Stasi

These pros deserve better than bad jokes and swinging doors.

PopMattersMichael Abernethy

Had Keenan and Lloyd devoted more time to providing their characters with depth and less to flinging insults, viewers might have developed empathy for them and better understood why they feel such aggression toward one another.

Village VoiceJoy Press

Has a few funny lines.

People WeeklyTom Gliatto

In the first few episodes, nothing's happening. No pulse. Doctor, what's wrong? [24 Oct 2005, p.41]

Pittsburgh Post-GazetteRob Owen

"Out of Practice" relies on trite misunderstandings and crude dialogue, both go-to gags for uninspired sitcom scribes.

Chicago Sun-TimesDoug Elfman

"Out of Practice" lives in a comedy vacuum: All its laughs are trapped inside and can't get out.

Miami HeraldGlenn Garvin

A purported sitcom, it draws no laughs... but does manage the impressive achievement of making Stockard Channing and Henry Winkler, playing Gorham's parents, thoroughly unlikable.

Kansas City StarAaron Barnhart

Shockingly unfunny.

NewsdayVerne Gay

If you expect the worst, your expectations will probably be met.