‘Leanne’ may be a conventional sitcom, but it’s good company

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The tradition of creating sitcoms based on stand-up comedians is deeply rooted in television history, stretching from Jack Benny and Danny Thomas to Bob Newhart, Roseanne Barr, Jerry Seinfeld, Ellen DeGeneres, George Lopez, Martin Lawrence, and many more. These shows are often named after the comedian and are based on the assumption that their popularity translates to a built-in audience. The idea is that a good storyteller on stage might also excel in the multi-camera TV setting. However, not every comedian has found success in this format; even highly comedic figures like John Mulaney have struggled to fit comfortably within it.

Starting this Thursday on Netflix, the show titled ‘Leanne‘ features Leanne Morgan, a comedian from Knoxville, Tennessee who unexpectedly gained fame at the age of 59. Known for creating shows like ‘Cybill’, ‘Dharma & Greg’, ‘Two and a Half Men’, and ‘The Big Bang Theory’, Chuck Lorre is also co-creating this series with Morgan and Susan McMartin. Interestingly, Lorre previously built ‘Grace Under Fire’ around another Southern comedian, Brett Butler. Similar to that show, ‘Leanne’ revolves around a newly single mature woman in a sitcom setting.

Morgan’s character in the show isn’t exactly like her real self, who leads a busy life with a husband, travels often, and has a book out. She’s acting, but there’s a genuine feel to it because she’s new to this. Her performance makes even cheesy jokes sound less cheesy, perhaps due to her natural delivery. Plus, her unique accent, which sounds pleasant to non-Californians, adds charm.

Initially, Leanne, the central character, is mainly characterized by those around her, serving as the blank canvas against which other characters stand out. There’s her husband, Bill (Ryan Stiles), who has recently left her for a younger woman; this shocking news is only known by her sister, Carol (Kristen Johnston). Carol, single and twice-divorced, considers herself sophisticated because of her time spent in Chicago. Their daughter, Josie (Hannah Pilkes), is slightly rebellious but generally not causing much trouble. No one seems to pay much attention to her. Tyler (Graham Rogers), the son who Leanne adores, works for his father, who owns several RV dealerships, providing them with a comfortable home as the main set of the series. He’s married to Nora (Annie Gonzalez) and has a pregnant wife who is mostly off-screen. Tyler feels oppressed, though he may just be tired. Leanne’s parents, John (Blake Clark) and Margaret (Celia Weston), are always there for their share of grumbling and comic relief. Living across the street is Mary (Jayma Mays), embodying the epitome of nosy propriety in a town that can’t keep secrets.

Leanne reminisces about her past self in the ’80s, when she was considered attractive due to hormones, hair spray, and a VW bug with a cassette player. Nowadays, she’s more reserved and struggles even to chastely kiss the kind FBI agent, Andrew (Tim Daly), who enters the series as a potential love interest. Morgan revealed on the “Today” show that Daly was actually the first man she kissed apart from her husband in 33 years. Art and life indeed seem intertwined. One can only hope he’s not a murderer, but given the mystery genre, it would be likely if this were a different storyline. However, I suspect we’re safe in this case.

For younger audiences who might stumble upon this content, they might find humor related to menopause symptoms, pelvic exercises, and elderly sexual jokes off-putting. It’s understandable if you find it awkward, young viewers. Some older folks might laugh at such jokes, but others may not find them amusing.

Here is Leanne, flirting with Andrew in their first encounter.

As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I found myself needing something, and now I must remember to take these pills every four hours. If I don’t, well, let’s just say I might need another visit to the pharmacy, or worse, the cinema!

Leanne (sweetly): “I got things. My purse is a little Walgreens with a cute strap.”

Every fourth or fifth joke in this show seems heavily worked on, as if they were crafted on an anvil, and some might have been more effectively kept within the forge. However, I enjoy this program not just because of Morgan, but also because of moments like when she thanks a bartender with “spaseba,” which means ‘thank you’ in Russian, or hums a tune from The Human League’s “Don’t You Want Me” to herself.

The business behind the cast members of “Third Rock From the Sun,” “The Drew Carey Show,” and “Wings” is generally a pleasant one to be around, and I’m delighted that the series “Leanne” has been given a 18-episode season in a broadcast format. Time often proves crucial for an American sitcom, so I recommend giving it a few episodes before making up your mind.

As a movie enthusiast, I found the show remarkably ordinary, even for a celebrity-led production. The protagonist beginning a fresh chapter in life is a trope as old as time, seen in almost every third sitcom out there. Yet, given that most of us have faced or yearned for such new beginnings, it’s relatable and fitting.

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2025-08-01 16:37