Review: New CMT Show "Working Class"

I was given an opportunity this week to preview CMT‘s first scripted sit-com, Working Class.

It stars Melissa Peterman (from Reba) as Carli, a divorced mom of three who is trying to make a better life for her kids.

Ed Asner (from The Mary Tyler Moore Show if you are old, and the Pixar movie Up if you are young) is her crusty neighbor and work buddy.They work together in the deli area of a Whole Foods-type market.

The show is reminiscent  of Good Times, Rosanne and strongly of Grace Under Fire. The retread feel of the plot is redeemed by how goofy-fun and charming Melissa Peterman is and some clever writing.

The character of Carli seems like the kid of mom you could have a play date with and not go through the list of things you don’t want your kids to mention .

You know what I’m talking about: “Kids, don’t tell them we stay in our pajamas all day. Or that you play Death Monster 2000. Or that we had McDonald’s for breakfast and lunch. And dinner.”

Also, I’m just old enough to remember Ed Asner on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Man, that was good tv. He’s in fine form here playing…wait for it…a grumpy old man. He gets most of the really funny lines and gave me an authentic belly laugh or two. He’s the male Betty White.

Overall, I enjoyed the show. I’m not much of a sit-com watcher (although I adore Community and The Big Bang Theory) nor am I the target audience of CMT, so I think that’s saying something.

I’d hoped the show would be family viewing, considering its early time slot. However, there were just enough off-color remarks to keep me from being comfortable showing it to my elementary-aged kids.  I don’t expect Father Knows Best, but there are also things I don’t want to have to explain yet to little kids.

Also, shame on whoever prepared the menu boards on the deli set. They managed to misspell cappuccino, frappuccino *and* espresso. I couldn’t stop noticing that, and I’m a terrible speller.

Working Class debuts on CMT on Friday, January 28 at 8:00 p.m., ET/PT, followed by a second, all-new episode at 8:30 p.m., ET/PT. I previewed the second episode, and it made me laugh.

I previewed Working Class via One2One Network. My integrity is important to me. This post is my honest opinion and I am not required to write a positive review. Full disclosure policy here.