CBS' The Neighborhood and Happy Together both have strong casts and hacky executions

The Hollywood Reporter

The new CBS Monday comedies "place premise above punchlines, both thwarted by writing that feels far below the skill levels of very fine casts," says Daniel Fienberg. He adds: "CBS sitcoms start broad. For better or worse, that's just what they do. Sometimes they settle in and become more interesting (Mom). Sometimes they figure out how to play to the strengths of their stars and become better that way (The Big Bang Theory). Other times, perhaps more often, they don't. For at least premiere week, this is an hourlong block of shows I don't like featuring stars whom I do."

ALSO:

• The Neighborhood isn't equipped to tackle the race issue, while Happy Together would work without its biggest hook
• Happy Together is weightless, while The Neighborhood is more substantial
• New Girl alums Max Greenfield and Damon Wayans Jr. talk about reuniting on CBS with neighboring sitcoms