Welcome to Pilot Perception, our feature in which we break down the first episode of each new show in order to help you decide whether it’s worth your time.
The Show: Enlisted, Fox in the U.S. and CityTV in Canada, Fridays at 9:30/8:30c
The Pedigree: Enlisted is written and executive produced by Kevin Biegel (Cougar Town, Scrubs) and Mike Royce (Everybody Love Raymond, Men of a Certain Age).
The Cast & How You Know Them: The show stars Geoff Stults (The Finder, Ben & Kate), Chris Lowell (Private Practice, Veronica Mars), and Parker Young (Suburgatory), as well as Angelique Cabral (Friends with Benefits) and Keith David (The Bible, The Cape).
The Premise: Enlisted is about three brothers – and the various misfit soldiers they work with – on an Army base in Florida. The oldest is sent back to a Rear Detachment unit after he makes a big mistake while deployed, and he ends up as his younger brothers’ platoon sergeant. Hijinks and brotherly conflicts and bonding ensue.
A Taste:
What Doesn’t: The depictions of the various soldiers were a bit too close to cliches or standard “types” at times, but that’s pretty common in a pilot – there hasn’t been time to flesh out the characters yet.
Our Favorite Line: “I’m gonna go watch The Hurt Locker to cheer myself up.”
You Might Like This if you like unconventional workplace comedies, like Brooklyn 9-9, or snarky but still warm comedies about families, like Cougar Town. Or if you like comedies that will make you laugh and cry at the same time. Or if you like good things. Seriously. Try it. Please.
If You’re Interested: Catch the pilot on Fox.com, Hulu, or on demand, then tune in Friday at 9:30/8:30c for episode two.
(Photo courtesy of Fox.)