Starring: Billy Gardell, Melissa McCarthy, Reno Wilson, Katy Mixon, Swoosie Kurtz, Nyambi Nyambi, Louis Mustillo, Rondi Reed, Cleo King, David Anthony Higgins
Genre: Sitcom
Created by: Mark Roberts
Seasons: 6
Episodes per season: 22-24
Running time: 30 minutes
The show revolves around its two lead characters Mike and Molly. Mike Biggs is an overweight Chicago police officer in his attempt to lose weight, Mike goes to Overeaters Anonymous and there he meets Molly. Molly Flynn is a fourth-grade teacher who is also overweight and is attempting to lose weight. The two have an instant connection although they have quite different personalities. Mike is a jolly fellow, doesn’t care much about eating well or working out. Mike is also a mama’s boy; his short-tempered mother seems to have him on a tight leash.
Molly on the other hand is sweet, smart and caring. But Molly has her moments where when she loses her cool she becomes fearsome. Molly lives at home with her mother and sister. Her sister Victoria is a total airhead, has an obnoxious nasally voice, and she loves to party. Victoria works as a beautician at a funeral home. Maybe it’s because of her work, or for whatever reason Victoria is almost always high on weed. But Victoria (mostly) has a good relationship with Molly. Molly’s mother Joyce is an older lady with a youthful spirit. It’s as if Joyce is trying to make up for lost time. She dates a lot, drinks even more and loves to have fun. Joyce is not the biggest fan of Mike and she doesn’t have a problem letting her feelings known.
Gardell and McCarthy both try to live up to the task of being the eponymous characters but sometimes it just doesn’t seem to work out. Both actors are talented and after seeing McCarthy shine bright worldwide with lead roles in films like Spy and The Heat, we all know she’s not living up to her full talent and capabilities in this role. She’s still funny but in a more subdued way.
If you are familiar with Katy Mixon, it’s not hard to believe she would portray an unintelligent, fun girl. Mixon also has that obnoxiously unique voice much like The Nanny’s Fran Drescher, which is an added advantage. But Swoozie Kurtz performance more often than not outshines the rest. She is spunky, funny and thoroughly entertaining. Overall the show is witty and charming, but most of the plot seems to be lost in translation. Season 6 premiered earlier this year. It has been announced that season 6 will be the last season of Mike and Molly.