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: Truth Be Told, NBC in the U.S. and Global TV in Canada, Fridays at 8:30/7:30c
The Pedigree: The show was created and written by DJ Nash (Growing Up Fischer), who executive produces with Will Packer (Ride Along) and Pamela Fryman (How I Met Your Mother). Fryman directed the pilot.
The Cast & How You Know Them: Truth Be Told stars Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Franklin & Bash), Tone Bell (Bad Judge), Bresha Webb (Grey’s Anatomy), and Vanessa Lachey (Dads).
The Premise: Two couples who are neighbors and BFFs will talk about anything! (By the end of the pilot I wished they’d just stop.)
A Taste:
What Works: It’s always good to see people of color on network (or … any) TV. The cast has decent chemistry, and there were several lines that made me laugh. And I liked the casual inclusion of the characters saying grace before a meal, as religion is a normal part of many people’s lives that isn’t often seen on TV without it being a Thing.
What Doesn’t: This is one of those shows that’s trying so hard to be edgy that it mostly winds up feeling tired. A lot of the supposedly “brave” things the characters say — part of the concept of the show is that they speak truths others don’t — just come across as racist, anti-Semitic, sexist, etc., rather than as criticizing those beliefs (as I think/hope is intended). The characters didn’t really do anything in the pilot to make me care about them at all. And there are gender stereotypes and misogyny galore.
Our Favorite Line: “You know, you’re exhausting.” “I really am.”
You Might Like This if you like couple friendship comedies that called themselves things like “unabashed” and “wildly outspoken.”
If You’re Interested: Catch the pilot on demand, on Hulu, or on the NBC or Global TV sites. Then set your DVR for Friday at 8:30/7:30c.
(Photo courtesy of NBC.)