“Love Monkey,” is a weekly dramedy that started out with promise on CBS – and then quickly got axed following less-than-stellar audience numbers. As is often the case nowadays, the show was too cerebral for “American Idol” folks and debuted in a difficult time slot. After a flood of emails and calls from fans wondering why the heck the show got pulled, VH1 saw a possible audience draw and picked up the show, airing the previously revealed episodes and then debuting the rest of the produced series. There has been no word yet on VH1 picking up production of a new season, but fans wait with crossed fingers.
“Love Monkey” appeals to anyone a) who loves radio format music and knows its genres and artists and history, b) likes the “several stories going on at once with characters that regularly cross paths” structure of a drama and c) appreciates quick wit, serious dialogue and “taboo” topics all rolled into one show. Set in a backdrop as superficial as the music industry—main character Tom Farrell (Tom Cavanaugh, formerly the lead in “Ed” on NBC) is a record exec booted from a big label because if his non commercial approaches to music—the show’s supporting cast and the “life” surrounding Tom bring a very real scenario to the screen. We all have “work” and “home” lives and dramas that ensue in both. This program does a great job of bringing that out and putting a fine point on how each of us must face decisions of priority and principle that impact both home and work.
“Love Monkey” is hysterical; it is thought provoking and it is entertaining. Men and women will love it, if only for the cameos (and starring roles) given to “real” pop/rock stars. Too bad great writing was dumped by CBS. Good thing VH1 saw the opportunity to appeal to its own audience. Maybe they’ll take it a step further.
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