Christopher Smith "About A Boy" is easily one of the best, and most underrated, sitcoms of the last decade. Having watched most of the series when it originally aired, and having just watched the unaired episodes on Netflix, I can safely say that while it's not a perfect show by any means, it's still tremendously enjoyable throughout both seasons. Some of the usual sitcoms are present: the contrived situations pop up here and there, the characters are occasionally too over-the-top, and everything is very conveniently wrapped up in 22 minutes, but it's very easy to look past those flaws just based on how funny the majority of the episodes are.The basic premise of the show, which is that a 35-year-old man child becomes becomes best friends with his 11-year-old neighbor, could come off as both creepy and incredibly sad with the wrong people behind it. Showrunner Jason Katims managed to make the premise work, not only by making the whole thing more believable than it should be, but most importantly, by casting exactly the right people. David Walton is perfect in the role of Will Freeman, a man who has never quite grown up. Walton doesn't play the character as a goofy Adam Sandler type. He's more of a regular guy who just happens to be a bit immature and carefree. Walton is great with one liners and incredibly charismatic, which makes it easier to forgive his character's dumb mistakes. His chemistry with both Bejamin Stockholm and Minnie Driver (as his neighbors) is what drives the show. Some would argue that the sentimental nature of the relationship between the three of them make the show too overtly sweet, though I never had a problem with it. The sentimentality is part of what the show is, and it's genuinely touching at times. Even though the show was canceled after two seasons, the last episode functions as a good enough series finale that leaves viewers with a strong indication of the direction the show was likely to go in.It's not hard to see why the show didn't last. The ratings were really low, and some fans of the novel and previous film adaptation didn't think the show measured up. I can't really compare "About A Boy" to the novel its based upon, or the 2002 film adaption since I only have vague memories of both. If nothing else, the show makes me want to check out both again. "About A Boy" is well worth watching even for those who don't usually like sitcoms. Recommended. 9/10

bjarias The first half-dozen shows are exceptionally good... with writing, cast selection, and acting that is among the best of most all half-hour sit-coms today. Then, after those six shows or so, it kind of slows down a bit, and although still better than most anything else, it looses some steam as the newness wears off. And I'm sorry.. (and Minnie Driver is an all-time favorite).. but cute kid or not, it's difficult to swallow that anyone (especially a guy like Will) would be turning away from the likes of an awesome Adrianne Palicki.. binged.it/12V5vp3 .. no matter where or how far they had to relocate. We all know where the storyline is ultimately heading, and it's hard to imagine milking it for any more than another season.

Movielover Truth I'm one of those that loved the original movie this TV sitcom is based on.Big differences.If it weren't for Will and Andy's characters, this show would be a total flop.The Marcus character just doesn't work. At all.And, Fiona's character is ridiculous. What made the movie dynamic so great is that Fiona, in the movie, looked the part (and acted it). A single mother, with issues (in the movie she was bipolar/manic depressive with suicidal tendencies) and could not hold down/handle a job very well. They lived poorly, and struggled. It was more realistic.The Fiona in the TV is a joke. A single mother can move to San Francisco without a job, afford a nice home, and VERY expensive clothes and jewelry. It's just a TV show, yes, but come on. Designer clothes from head to toe, and every scene a different set of clothes. Covered in jewelry. One big placement ad campaign.Somehow Fiona and Will live next to each other. Will was/is wealthy from royalties. In the movie he lived in another part of town, in a nicer place. In the TV show, they live side by side. What? You cannot tell that one is supposed to be bad off and the other living off of royalties.Will and Andy's relationship is funny, and really helps make the show. Some of the scenes with Andy's kids (and wife) can be very funny. The show pushes Marcus to be much more adult than he is, which doesn't work. And, all of the lines are delivered the same way.Fiona is not projecting anything. Take away her accent, and she would be one boring actor in this slot (as much as I've liked her in the past, sorry, she doesn't even seem to be trying).What is also funny is the original movie only received a 7.1 here on IMDb, while this TV show, with so many shortcomings, received a 7.6 at this point. Perhaps it will go down over time. As far as I've read, it has been renewed by NBC.

plex I really like this show. Its very fluid and light and modern. The character development is strong and story lines are more credible than most sitcoms, and it doesn't get too soap-ish'. Some of it gets a little predictable but there usually is just enough of a twist that it doesn't bother me, I guess its due the good cast, and the characters are all likable. Already we have seen the relationship amongst the characters evolve and grow, and it all seems to fit. Some of the story- lines are quite touching, especially the bond between the Will and Marcus. I have do one MAJOR issue with this show. As a musician, I am never surprised just how often film-makers get our profession wrong. In this show I will cite 2 glaring examples. (1) It's highly doubtful Will makes enough in royalties from one song to support himself, especially in such a very nice home, in the very expensive San Francisco metropolis. Will's character is young so its not as if he wrote this one hit song 15 years ago. He still get big checks, not possible. Only a handful of people make serious money from royalties anymore. ( 2) So, his band magically gets together, gets an immediate gig in club and voila! They sound like a polished record, with Fiona playing uke and singing like a seasoned pro on a song she learns on the fly. This constant fake portrayal and blatant disregard for the music industry always make me shake me head.