NBC's Monkey Business

For the second time during the Olympics, NBC used the platform to introduce one of its new, broad-appeal comedies. This time it was "Animal Practice," better known to audiences as the one with the monkey.

Previously I commented on my thoughts on the flaw in this roll out plan. Sure, it's great to see a new pilot early and to use a mass-appeal event like the Olympics as the launching pad. But why are you waiting a month — or more in the case of "Animal Practice" — to get the series going. You have to strike while the iron is hot. Alas, that's not NBC these days...

Still, "Animal Practice" was a show I didn't think I'd find appealing. It was described as "House" with animals, which just sounds strange. Especially when it comes in the form of a 30-minute sitcom. And, though the description is somewhat accurate, the show manages to rise above that format a bit. That is probably thanks in large part to the monkey — Crystal — who, at this point, is NBC's best candidate for best supporting actor in a comedy.

But there were a couple surprising things about the show, and a couple not so surprising. First, this show is actually mildly amusing. Justin Kirk is pretty good in the lead role, the supporting characters (with one exception) are decent and the monkey is nothing short of charming. I expected to hate this show. I didn't. The second is that this was the better of the two comedies NBC showcased, and that was a BIG surprise. Matthew Perry's "Go On" was mildly boring. This show was mildly entertaining. And the monkey (again I'm probably hitting this too hard but this is the bottom of the barrel NBC has found) was better than anything in "Go On."

But, as I've said, this is like grading on a curve. If I had to guess, I'd wager "Animal Practice" might be better rated, but neither of these shows looks like a hit for NBC. So, for the Peacock, it might be another year of searching for answers but finding only more questions.