From the moment we first heard about Fran Drescher’s new TVLand sitcom, Happily Divorced, we were excited. First of all, we still stop to watch Nanny reruns on Lifetime, even though we’ve seen every episode 12 times. Secondly, TVLand’s Hot In Cleveland has managed to capture what’s best about the situation comedy without feeling tired or old-fashioned. And lastly, the premise—a middle-age woman gets dumped by her husband after he comes out, but they remain frieds—had potential.
We weren’t thrilled with the debut episode, but like a foot fungus you pick up at the bathhouse, the show has grown on us. We’re definitely going to tune in to this week’s episode (the season finale), when Drescher’s old sparring partner Charles Shaunnesey (a.k.a. Mr. Sheffield) pops up as a potential love interest. But for Fran or her light-in-the loafers hubby?
It was kind of a given Shaunnesey was going to make an appearance: He’s dropped into her previous sitcom, Living With Fran, and her ill-fated chat fest, The Fran Drescher Show.
We’ll totally plotz if Renee Taylor pops up in the Season Two premiere.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Catch the Happily Divorced season finale Wednesday, August 17, at 10:30pm.
Countervail
Renee Taylor was already in an episode a few weeks ago.
Bob
Renee Taylor was already on an episode.
Greg
Renee Taylor was already on the show this season as Fran’s mom’s best friend in the episodes a “A Kiss is Just a Kiss”.
Mike
I’m surprised I like this show, if only because the gay jokes are tired and come out of Fran’s mouth every damn minute. But the cast tends to prop up the show in spite of it. I never get tired of watching Tichina Arnold sing.
memikeyounot
I love the Nanny and while it’s always fun to watch Fran, the new show took a while to grow on me. Can’t go wrong with Rita Moreno in anything!!
joec
Yeah but c’mon you know who we’re all REALLY waiting for … C.C. Babcock!
Abel
Like you, I’ve seen each of The Nanny episodes a dozen times at least, but whenever they’re on, I watch them. I like the new show, but it took a while to grow on me. I just hope it lasts. A show practically has to be the second coming of Jesus to get renewed, it seems.
Bron
I like Fran Drescher, but that show was the most overrated piece of junk ever.
randy
Bron, I agree. I love Fran Drescher, love The Nanny, and I have watched a few episodes of this new show – but the writing is awful, it’s over-acted, and I find her ex-husband frustrating. I hope it gets better.
Tony
It think is cute. Is it great? No. But, I like it. Fran’s real life ex was on last week’s show. Playing the love interest of his on screen counterpart.
Mike
Oh, and the actor who plays Mr. Sheffield is Charles “Shaughnessy.” He also played Shane on Days of our Lives back in the ’80s, my mother loved him in that show!