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'''''Cougar Town''''' is an [[United States|American]] television [[sitcom]], which premiered on [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] on September 23, 2009. The series focuses on a recently [[divorce]]d woman who reenters a dating scene filled with younger men while living with her 17-year old son<ref>{{Citation |title=Cougartown on ABC |url=http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/10/cox_lawrence_join_forces_for_a.php |date=2008-10-28 |accessdate=2009-04-11}}</ref> and embarks on a journey to self-discovery while surrounded by fellow divorcees.<ref>{{Citation |last=Adalian |first=Josef |title=Cox, Lawrence Join Forces for ABC's 'Cougar Town' |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/devwatch.aspx?id=cougar_town |date=2009-05-07 |accessdate=2009-05-11}}</ref> The [[pilot episode]] of the show was broadcast after ''[[Modern Family]]'' on September 23, 2009, and currently airs on Wednesday nights at 9:30.<ref>{{Citation |last=Hibberd |first=James |title=ABC announces fall premiere dates |http://www.thrfeed.com/2009/06/abc-announces-fall-premiere-dates.html |date=2009-06-09 |accessdate=2009-06-09}}</ref> On October 8, 2009, ABC officially gave the series a full-season pick-up.<ref>{{cite news | author=Abrams, Natalie |title=ABC Picks Up Cougar Town, Modern Family and The Middle |url=http://www.tvguide.com/News/ABC-Cougar-Modern-1010661.aspx |accessdate=09 October 2009 |date=2009-10-08 |work=TVGuide.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | author=Itzkoff, Dave |title=ABC Orders Up Full Seasons of Three Comedies | url=http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/09/abc-orders-up-full-seasons-of-three-comedies/ |accessdate=09 October 2009 |date=2009-10-08 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref>
'''''Cougar Town''''' is an [[United States|American]] television [[sitcom]], which premiered on [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] on September 23, 2009. The series focuses on a recently [[divorce]]d woman who reenters a dating scene filled with younger men while living with her 17-year old son<ref>{{Citation |title=Cougartown on ABC |url=http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/10/cox_lawrence_join_forces_for_a.php |date=2008-10-28 |accessdate=2009-04-11}}</ref> and embarks on a journey to self-discovery while surrounded by fellow divorcees.<ref>{{Citation |last=Adalian |first=Josef |title=Cox, Lawrence Join Forces for ABC's 'Cougar Town' |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/devwatch.aspx?id=cougar_town |date=2009-05-07 |accessdate=2009-05-11}}</ref> The [[pilot episode]] of the show was broadcast after ''[[Modern Family]]'' on September 23, 2009, and currently airs on Wednesday nights at 9:30.<ref>{{Citation |last=Hibberd |first=James |title=ABC announces fall premiere dates |http://www.thrfeed.com/2009/06/abc-announces-fall-premiere-dates.html |date=2009-06-09 |accessdate=2009-06-09}}</ref> On October 8, 2009, ABC officially gave the series a full-season pick-up.<ref>{{cite news | author=Abrams, Natalie |title=ABC Picks Up Cougar Town, Modern Family and The Middle |url=http://www.tvguide.com/News/ABC-Cougar-Modern-1010661.aspx |accessdate=09 October 2009 |date=2009-10-08 |work=TVGuide.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | author=Itzkoff, Dave |title=ABC Orders Up Full Seasons of Three Comedies | url=http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/09/abc-orders-up-full-seasons-of-three-comedies/ |accessdate=09 October 2009 |date=2009-10-08 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref>


The show was created by [[Bill Lawrence (producer)|Bill Lawrence]] and Kevin Biegel, and is produced by [[Coquette Productions]], in association with [[ABC Studios]]. Filming for the series takes place at [[Culver Studios]] in [[Culver City, California]].<ref name="newtotv">{{cite web |url=http://www.newtotv.com/courtney-cox-takes-a-break-on-cougar-town-set/ |title=Courtney Cox takes a break on Cougar Town set |author=Vernon, Cheril |accessdate=04 October 2009 |date=2009-09-15 |work=New to TV}}</ref> The broadcast of the pilot episode achieved 11.28 million viewers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/cougar-town/297517 |title=Ratings: ABC's Comedy Numbers Are No Laughing Matter |author=Bryant, Adam |accessdate=07 October 2009 |date=2009-09-24 |work=[[TV Guide]]}}</ref> Critical response was mixed, with Alessandra Stanley of ''[[The New York Times]]'' stating that the show's "plot description alone could drive away male viewers"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tv.nytimes.com/2009/09/23/arts/television/23cougar.html?_r=1 |title=Review: 'Cougar Town' |author=Stanley, Alessandra |accessdate=04 October 2009 |date=2009-09-23 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> while the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]''' Mary McNamara opined that it "is fun and exciting for women over 40."<ref name="latimes">{{cite web |url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-cougartown23-2009sep23,0,6844676.story |title=Review: 'Cougar Town' |author=McNamara, Mary |accessdate=02 October 2009 |date=2009-09-23 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref>
The show was created by [[Bill Lawrence (producer)|Bill Lawrence]] and Kevin Biegel, and is produced by [[Coquette Productions]], in association with [[ABC Studios]]. Filming for the series takes place at [[Culver Studios]] in [[Culver City, California]].<ref name="newtotv">{{cite web |url=http://www.newtotv.com/courtney-cox-takes-a-break-on-cougar-town-set/ |title=Courtney Cox takes a break on Cougar Town set |author=Vernon, Cheril |accessdate=04 October 2009 |date=2009-09-15 |work=New to TV}}</ref> The broadcast of the pilot episode achieved 11.28 million viewers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/cougar-town/297517 |title=Ratings: ABC's Comedy Numbers Are No Laughing Matter |author=Bryant, Adam |accessdate=07 October 2009 |date=2009-09-24 |work=[[TV Guide]]}}</ref>


== Cast and characters ==
== Cast and characters ==
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=== Critical reception ===
=== Critical reception ===
[[Metacritic]] gave the series 49 out of 100 based on the pilot episode, from the 21 reviews it collected, and a user score of 4.5 out of 10 based on 46 votes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/tv/shows/cougartown |title=Cougar Town reviews at Metacritic.com |work=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=02 October 2009}}</ref> Ken Tucker of ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' gave the pilot episode a B, commenting that the show mixes "clinical realism (when did you last hear a C-section scar used as a punchline?) with ridiculous slang (a new boob job is referred to as ''gorilla heads''), ''Cougar Town'' is so brashly vulgar, it's endearing."<ref name="EWreview">{{cite web |url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20304587,00.html |title=Cougar Town | TV Review | Entertainment Weekly |author=Tucker, Ken |accessdate=28 September 2009 |date=2009-09-15 |work=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref> Tucker also stated that it "is so single-minded that this obsession itself becomes funny."<ref name="EWreview"/> ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' stated that the show "does feed into the dual sense of insecurity and self-empowerment that women harbor about getting older ... though, the execution here is consistently about as subtle as a kick to the groin."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117941143.html?categoryid=32&cs=1 |title=Cougar Town Review - TV Show Reviews |author=Lowry, Brian |accessdate=02 October 2009 |date=2009-09-20 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> ''Los Angeles Times''' Mary McNamara said that the "maddening thing about ''Cougar Town'' is that it isn't completely unfunny or uncharming."<ref name="latimes"/> Alan Sepinwall of ''[[The Star-Ledger]]'' feels that "''Cougar Town'' is still finding itself, but it’s already much better than the title would suggest [...] the show "has to walk a very careful line between making fun of the cougar concept and embracing it" although based on the two episodes "''Cougar Town'' is self-aware enough to pull that off."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nj.com/entertainment/tv/index.ssf/2009/09/modern_family_cougar_town_revi.html |title='Modern Family' & 'Cougar Town' reviews - Sepinwall on TV |author=Sepinwall, Alan |accessdate=02 October 2009 |date=2009-09-23 |work=[[The Star-Ledger]]}}</ref> ''[[USA Today]]'' was also favourable saying that the show has "the right cast and good writing."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/reviews/2009-09-22-cougar-town-eastwick_N.htm |title='Cougar Town' or 'Eastwick'? Go with the cat |author=Bianco, Robert |accessdate=02 October 2009 |date=2009-09-23 |work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref>
[[Metacritic]] gave the series 49 out of 100 based on the pilot episode, from the 21 reviews it collected, and a user score of 4.5 out of 10 based on 46 votes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/tv/shows/cougartown |title=Cougar Town reviews at Metacritic.com |work=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=02 October 2009}}</ref> Ken Tucker of ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' gave the pilot episode a B, commenting that the show mixes "clinical realism (when did you last hear a C-section scar used as a punchline?) with ridiculous slang (a new boob job is referred to as ''gorilla heads''), ''Cougar Town'' is so brashly vulgar, it's endearing."<ref name="EWreview">{{cite web |url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20304587,00.html |title=Cougar Town | TV Review | Entertainment Weekly |author=Tucker, Ken |accessdate=28 September 2009 |date=2009-09-15 |work=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref> Tucker also stated that it "is so single-minded that this obsession itself becomes funny."<ref name="EWreview"/> ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' stated that the show "does feed into the dual sense of insecurity and self-empowerment that women harbor about getting older ... though, the execution here is consistently about as subtle as a kick to the groin."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117941143.html?categoryid=32&cs=1 |title=Cougar Town Review - TV Show Reviews |author=Lowry, Brian |accessdate=02 October 2009 |date=2009-09-20 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> ''Los Angeles Times''' Mary McNamara said that the "maddening thing about ''Cougar Town'' is that it isn't completely unfunny or uncharming."<ref name="latimes"/> Alan Sepinwall of ''[[The Star-Ledger]]'' feels that "''Cougar Town'' is still finding itself, but it’s already much better than the title would suggest [...] the show "has to walk a very careful line between making fun of the cougar concept and embracing it" although based on the two episodes "''Cougar Town'' is self-aware enough to pull that off."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nj.com/entertainment/tv/index.ssf/2009/09/modern_family_cougar_town_revi.html |title='Modern Family' & 'Cougar Town' reviews - Sepinwall on TV |author=Sepinwall, Alan |accessdate=02 October 2009 |date=2009-09-23 |work=[[The Star-Ledger]]}}</ref> ''[[USA Today]]'' was also favourable saying that the show has "the right cast and good writing."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/reviews/2009-09-22-cougar-town-eastwick_N.htm |title='Cougar Town' or 'Eastwick'? Go with the cat |author=Bianco, Robert |accessdate=02 October 2009 |date=2009-09-23 |work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref>

Many critics have speculated that show will only have a narrow target audience: older women; with Alessandra Stanley of ''[[The New York Times]]'' stating that the show's "plot description alone could drive away male viewers"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tv.nytimes.com/2009/09/23/arts/television/23cougar.html?_r=1 |title=Review: 'Cougar Town' |author=Stanley, Alessandra |accessdate=04 October 2009 |date=2009-09-23 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> while the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]''' Mary McNamara opined that it "is fun and exciting for women over 40."<ref name="latimes">{{cite web |url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-cougartown23-2009sep23,0,6844676.story |title=Review: 'Cougar Town' |author=McNamara, Mary |accessdate=02 October 2009 |date=2009-09-23 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> Despite speculation, the show has done well with young males<ref>http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/10/29/opposite-the-world-series-modern-family-and-cougar-town-are-the-night%E2%80%99s-top-2-series-in-key-adults/32018</ref> and young adults in all key demos.<ref>http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/10/06/up-over-the-same-week-last-year-in-viewers-and-young-adults-abc-finishes-a-strong-no-2-to-an-nfl-overrun-inflated-fox-in-adults-18-49/29683</ref>


In contrast, [[Jezebel (website)|Jezebel]] disapproved stating, "It's clichéd, it's lame, it's undignified. It smacks of predatory desperation."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jezebel.com/5261331/5-reasons-why-courteney-coxs-cougar-town-looks-awful |title=5 Reasons Why Courteney Cox's Cougar Town Looks Awful |author=Dodai |accessdate=03 October 2009 |date=2009-05-19 |work=[[Jezebel (website)|Jezebel]]}}</ref> Ryan Brockington of ''[[New York Post]]'' compared the show to ''[[Samantha Who?]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/popwrap/cougar_town_xeroxes_samantha_who_88Xr7LSeJ1NNKeZv42kQNK |title='Cougar Town' Xeroxes 'Samantha Who?' |author=Brockington, Ryan |accessdate=03 October 2009 |date=2009-09-29 |work=[[New York Post]]}}</ref> The ''[[Daily News (New York)|Daily News]]''' David Hinckley opined that the show is "a waste of Cox's comic talents."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2009/09/23/2009-09-23_courteney_cox_and_cougar_town_just_boytoying_with_us_in_premiere_of_new_abc_come.html |title=Courteney Cox and 'Cougar Town' just boy-toying with us in premiere of new ABC comedy |author=David Hinckley, David |accessdate=04 October 2009 |date=2009-09-23 |work=[[Daily News (New York)|Daily News]]}}</ref>
In contrast, [[Jezebel (website)|Jezebel]] disapproved stating, "It's clichéd, it's lame, it's undignified. It smacks of predatory desperation."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jezebel.com/5261331/5-reasons-why-courteney-coxs-cougar-town-looks-awful |title=5 Reasons Why Courteney Cox's Cougar Town Looks Awful |author=Dodai |accessdate=03 October 2009 |date=2009-05-19 |work=[[Jezebel (website)|Jezebel]]}}</ref> Ryan Brockington of ''[[New York Post]]'' compared the show to ''[[Samantha Who?]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/popwrap/cougar_town_xeroxes_samantha_who_88Xr7LSeJ1NNKeZv42kQNK |title='Cougar Town' Xeroxes 'Samantha Who?' |author=Brockington, Ryan |accessdate=03 October 2009 |date=2009-09-29 |work=[[New York Post]]}}</ref> The ''[[Daily News (New York)|Daily News]]''' David Hinckley opined that the show is "a waste of Cox's comic talents."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2009/09/23/2009-09-23_courteney_cox_and_cougar_town_just_boytoying_with_us_in_premiere_of_new_abc_come.html |title=Courteney Cox and 'Cougar Town' just boy-toying with us in premiere of new ABC comedy |author=David Hinckley, David |accessdate=04 October 2009 |date=2009-09-23 |work=[[Daily News (New York)|Daily News]]}}</ref>

Revision as of 18:06, 28 November 2009

Cougar Town
File:Cougar Town.JPG
Cougar Town network logo
Created byBill Lawrence
Kevin Biegel
StarringCourteney Cox
Christa Miller
Busy Philipps
Brian Van Holt
Dan Byrd
Ian Gomez
Josh Hopkins
Country of originUSA
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes8 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producersBill Lawrence
Courteney Cox
Camera setupFilm, Single camera
Running timeapprox. 22 minutes
Production companiesCoquette Productions
ABC Studios
Original release
NetworkABC
ReleaseSeptember 23, 2009 –
present

Cougar Town is an American television sitcom, which premiered on ABC on September 23, 2009. The series focuses on a recently divorced woman who reenters a dating scene filled with younger men while living with her 17-year old son[1] and embarks on a journey to self-discovery while surrounded by fellow divorcees.[2] The pilot episode of the show was broadcast after Modern Family on September 23, 2009, and currently airs on Wednesday nights at 9:30.[3] On October 8, 2009, ABC officially gave the series a full-season pick-up.[4][5]

The show was created by Bill Lawrence and Kevin Biegel, and is produced by Coquette Productions, in association with ABC Studios. Filming for the series takes place at Culver Studios in Culver City, California.[6] The broadcast of the pilot episode achieved 11.28 million viewers.[7]

Cast and characters

Main article: Characters of Cougar Town

The series featured seven main cast members, with other characters recurring.

  • Courteney Cox portrays Jules Cobb, a recently divorced single mother exploring the truths about dating and aging. Jules spent her 20s raising a child and married to Bobby. She tries to relive her 20s and make up for lost time by dating younger men. She resides in a small town in Florida and is a real estate agent who is successful in business. Even though she has been out of the dating world for a while, Jules decides to find love again while living with her teenage son.[8]
  • Christa Miller portrays Ellie Torres, Jules' next door neighbor and best friend. Ellie is married to Andy Torres, and the two have a son Stan. She is the sarcastic, unapologetic confidante who is often jealous of Jules' young assistant and friend, Laurie. She also loves to gossip but feels that Jules' new lifestyle is coming between their friendship.[9]
  • Busy Philipps portrays Laurie Keller, Jules' young feisty employee who is known for her fun-loving personality. Laurie works with Jules in the same real estate office, as her assistant. She encourages Jules to get out and have some fun and tries to reacquaint her to the world of dating. She considers herself Jules' best friend, although Jules' best friend is Ellie who is often jealous of their friendship. She also enjoys spending quality time with her recently on-and-off boyfriend.[10]
  • Brian Van Holt portrays Bobby Cobb, Jules' unemployed ex-husband who currently lives in his boat. Bobby is a classic under-achiever who’ll test Jules' patience as they attempt to raise their teenage son, Travis. He spent most of their marriage touring with his unsuccessful band and now spends his time cutting the grass at his son's high school. He always refers to Jules as "J-Bird".[11]
  • Dan Byrd portrays Travis Cobb, is Jules' 17-year old son. He loves both of his parents although is constantly embarrassed by both of them. At school, he constantly deals with humiliation from his friends and classmates. He is generally supportive of his mother, but feels that her dating exploits cause him embarrassment. After dealing with his mom's real estate ads around town and his dad's new job as his school's grass cutter, his father helps him realize not to worry about what other people think.[12]
  • Ian Gomez portrays Andy Torres, Ellie's husband who is also Jules' next door neighbor. Andy is a devoted husband to Ellie and also a loving father to their son Stan. He loves his coffee and often spends time with Jules' ex-husband, Bobby.[13]
  • Josh Hopkins portrays Grayson Ellis, a bartender and Jules' other neighbor. Grayson enjoys dating younger women and rubbing it in Jules' face. Grayson, like Jules, is also newly divorced, but unlike Jules, he embraces his bachelor and single lifestyle. However, he revealed that he wanted to have kids but his wife didn't want to have children with him.[14]

Season synopses

Main article: List of Cougar Town episodes

The first season premiere episode shows Jules while she examines her naked body in the mirror for signs of aging. Jules, now divorced from her husband Bobby, tries to re-enter the dating world and relate to her young assistant Laurie. Jules' best friend and neighbor Ellie, tries to prevent her from going out while her son is constantly being embarrassed by both of his parents. Jules begins dating Josh (Nick Zano).

Production

Conception

Cougar Town was created by Bill Lawrence and Kevin Biegel. Following the cancellation of Dirt, Courteney Cox wanted to return to television and do another comedy.[15] Lawrence, who is best known as the creator of Scrubs, was approached by Cox about "wanting to do something."[15] While developing the concept of the show, Lawrence thought he would do a tryout with Cox on Scrubs,[16] by guest-starring in the first three episodes of the eighth season.[17] He wanted to see what it was like to work together—who thought that she was an easy and fun person to work with—and decided to go from there.[16] Lawrence and Biegel, who worked together writing episode on Scrubs, came up with the concept of the show with Cox as a 40-year-old, newly single woman because he thought that it was a real "zeitgeist-y topic."[17] He drew inspiration from his real-life wife, actress Christa Miller who also stars in the show as Ellie;[17][18] Miller had previously worked with Cox as part of the story-arc of the three part Scrubs try-out. Lawrence told Cox that the show could be "high-risk, high-reward," although Cox decided to go for it.[16] He added, "I rarely have this much trepidation because usually the only person I could let down is myself. I want to make it work for her."[16] In addition, Lawrence was also a staff writer on Friends during the show's first season.[17]

Before pitching the idea to ABC, other titles for the show included 40 and Single and The Courteney Cox Show,[19] which was eventually named Cougar Town because Lawrence thought that "the title is noisy and that people will be aware of this show."[16] Although he felt that the risk of the title was that the audience wouldn't watch it because people would say "...the title bums me," commenting: "it’s a risky roll of the dice ... We don’t call women “cougars” in it. We certainly don’t use the word beyond the unbelievably big cheat that the high school mascot is a cougar."[16] Lawrence believed that with the subsequent scripts they'd be doing and the re-shoots in the pilot, the show would be "creatively satisfying."[16] After pitching the idea to ABC, they asked him to have a pilot ready to shoot by the end of January 2009.[17] Lawrence and Biegel together wrote the script with Lawrence, who has written and directed many episodes on Scrubs, directing the episode.[20] In casting beyond Cox, Lawrence created the character of Ellie for his wife, Christa Miller, to portray on the show. Miller felt that her character started off "gleefully" and that her husband would write down little things that she would say, in which she believes is the reason her character "came out of that."[16]

Filming

The series takes place in the fictional town of Gulf Haven in Sarasota County, Florida,[21] although it is filmed at Culver Studios in Culver City, California.[6] The pilot episode was directed and written by Scrubs creator Bill Lawrence, who is married to Scrubs and Cougar Town star Christa Miller. Lawrence serves as executive producer/writer/director, Kevin Biegel as writer/co-executive producer, and Courteney Cox and David Arquette are executive producers. It is produced by Doozer Productions and Coquette Productions (headed by Cox and her husband David Arquette) and is from ABC Studios. The sitcom is filmed in the single-camera format.

Crew

In addition to having created the series, Bill Lawrence is the show runner, head writer, and the executive producer.[22] Courteney Cox, who also stars on the show, serves as executive producer alongside Lawrence.[22] Lawrence, the executive producer, show runner, head writer and creator of Scrubs, co-wrote and directed the pilot and wrote the second episode. He has written for other shows that include, Friends, The Nanny, and Boy Meets World as well as co-created Spin City. Kevin Biegel, co-creator, has also written episode for Scrubs. He wrote 7 episodes on Scrubs and wrote the pilot script with Lawrence.

Music

The original theme and music for Cougar Town is composed by singer-songwriter WAZ and the production team Golden-Sgro.[23] Bill Lawrence stated; "As a show composer WAZ brings something incredibly special. He has the ability to make score music sound current, like it was just lifted off the radio, and yet, it still services the show perfectly ... As a group we’re confident that WAZ will be the next singer/songwriter that we try to claim credit for. He’s that good."[23] Songs such as, Phoenix's "Lisztomania," Foghat's "Slow Ride," and La Roux's "Bulletproof (Remix)" were all used in the pilot episode.[23] In the second episode, Beyoncé Knowles's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" and Keren DeBerg's "Today" as well as "Tell Me" were used on the show.[23]

Opening sequence

Cougar Town's opening sequence features a map of Florida showing Sarasota County, Florida.[24] The title sequence zooms in from the outline of Florida to show Sarasota with a "Welcome to Cougar Town" sign.[24] The producers wanted something different for the setting of the show and decided to include a map of the show's setting in the sequence, commenting: "Everyone’s in New York or Los Angeles. I think there’s a lot of fun to be had in that area and with those characters."[21] Jeanne Corcoran, the director of the Sarasota County Film commission, spoke to the show's production assistants to be able to use the locality as the setting as well as including it on the opening sequence.[24]

Episode format

All of the episodes have been named after songs by Tom Petty.

Reception

Seasonal ratings

Season Timeslot (EST) Season Premiere Season Finale TV Season Rank Viewers
(in millions)
1 Wednesday 9:30 P.M. (September 23, 2009 - TBA) September 23, 2009 TBA 2009–2010 TBA 8.30 (to date)

Ratings

Order Episode Rating Share Rating/share
(18-49) 		Viewers
(millions) 		Rank
(Timeslot) 		Rank
(Night) 		Rank
(Week)
1 "Pilot" 7.1[25] 11[25] 4.4/11[25] 11.28[25] 1 1 12
2 "Into the Great Wide Open" 5.7[26] 9[26] 3.8/10[26] 9.14[26] 1 1 21
3 "Don't Do Me Like That" 5.0[27] 8[27] 3.2/8[27] 7.84[27] 3 4 TBA
4 "I Won't Back Down" 5.1[28] 8[28] 3.3/8[28] 7.91[28] 3 5 TBA
5 "You Wreck Me" 4.7 7 3.0/8[29] 7.36[29] TBA TBA TBA
6 "A Woman in Love (It's Not Me)" 4.7 7 2.8/7[30] 7.51[31] TBA TBA TBA
7 "Don't Come Around Here No More" 4.5 7 2.8/7 6.78 TBA TBA TBA
8 "Two Gunslingers" 4.9 8 3.2/8 7.90 TBA TBA TBA
9 "Here Comes My Girl" 3.3 6 1.9/6 5.52 TBA TBA TBA
  • Episode 9 aired on Thanksgiving Eve in which most of the original shows hit series lows.

Broadcast

Cougar Town premiered on September 23, 2009 on the coveted Wednesday 9:30 pm timeslot. The pilot episode aired between the other two pilots, Modern Family and Eastwick. The series premiered with 11.4 million viewers, coming first in its timeslot.[32][33] The second episode scored 9.14 million viewers, although it dropped 2.14 viewers from the pilot, as well as other shows that night such as Modern Family and Eastwick.[34] The series also qualified as Wednesday night's number one television series for the second week in a row among Adults 18-49.[35]

Awards

  • People's Choice Awards (2009) - Favorite New Comedy Series - nominated

Critical reception

Metacritic gave the series 49 out of 100 based on the pilot episode, from the 21 reviews it collected, and a user score of 4.5 out of 10 based on 46 votes.[36] Ken Tucker of Entertainment Weekly gave the pilot episode a B, commenting that the show mixes "clinical realism (when did you last hear a C-section scar used as a punchline?) with ridiculous slang (a new boob job is referred to as gorilla heads), Cougar Town is so brashly vulgar, it's endearing."[37] Tucker also stated that it "is so single-minded that this obsession itself becomes funny."[37] Variety stated that the show "does feed into the dual sense of insecurity and self-empowerment that women harbor about getting older ... though, the execution here is consistently about as subtle as a kick to the groin."[38] Los Angeles Times' Mary McNamara said that the "maddening thing about Cougar Town is that it isn't completely unfunny or uncharming."[39] Alan Sepinwall of The Star-Ledger feels that "Cougar Town is still finding itself, but it’s already much better than the title would suggest [...] the show "has to walk a very careful line between making fun of the cougar concept and embracing it" although based on the two episodes "Cougar Town is self-aware enough to pull that off."[40] USA Today was also favourable saying that the show has "the right cast and good writing."[41]

Many critics have speculated that show will only have a narrow target audience: older women; with Alessandra Stanley of The New York Times stating that the show's "plot description alone could drive away male viewers"[42] while the Los Angeles Times' Mary McNamara opined that it "is fun and exciting for women over 40."[39] Despite speculation, the show has done well with young males[43] and young adults in all key demos.[44]

In contrast, Jezebel disapproved stating, "It's clichéd, it's lame, it's undignified. It smacks of predatory desperation."[45] Ryan Brockington of New York Post compared the show to Samantha Who?.[46] The Daily News' David Hinckley opined that the show is "a waste of Cox's comic talents."[47]

The Parents Television Council, a watchdog group founded by L. Brent Bozell III of the Media Research Center, has also given negative reviews of the series, and twice named episodes their "Worst TV Show of the Week."[48][49] In its review of the series' fourth episode, "You Wreck Me," the PTC wrote that the show earned the distinction for "its treatment of marital intimacy totally devoid of love, compassion, common decency, or common sense ... ."[49]

International distribution

Country / Region Network(s) Aired Notes
 Australia Seven Network[50] TBC
 Canada Citytv Wednesday 9:30pm ET/PT, 8:30pm CT, 10:30pm MT Aired in simulcast with ABC
 United Kingdom Living TBC
 Ireland RTE Two TBC

References

  1. ^ Cougartown on ABC, 2008-10-28, retrieved 2009-04-11
  2. ^ Adalian, Josef (2009-05-07), Cox, Lawrence Join Forces for ABC's 'Cougar Town', retrieved 2009-05-11
  3. ^ Hibberd, James (2009-06-09), ABC announces fall premiere dates {{citation}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Text "http://www.thrfeed.com/2009/06/abc-announces-fall-premiere-dates.html" ignored (help)
  4. ^ Abrams, Natalie (2009-10-08). "ABC Picks Up Cougar Town, Modern Family and The Middle". TVGuide.com. Retrieved 09 October 2009. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  5. ^ Itzkoff, Dave (2009-10-08). "ABC Orders Up Full Seasons of Three Comedies". The New York Times. Retrieved 09 October 2009. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  6. ^ a b Vernon, Cheril (2009-09-15). "Courtney Cox takes a break on Cougar Town set". New to TV. Retrieved 04 October 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  7. ^ Bryant, Adam (2009-09-24). "Ratings: ABC's Comedy Numbers Are No Laughing Matter". TV Guide. Retrieved 07 October 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  8. ^ "ABC.com - Cougar Town - Bios: Jules Cobb". American Broadcasting Company. Retrieved 04 October 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  9. ^ "ABC.com - Cougar Town - Bios: Ellie Torres". American Broadcasting Company. Retrieved 04 October 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  10. ^ "ABC.com - Cougar Town - Bios: Laurie Keller". American Broadcasting Company. Retrieved 04 October 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  11. ^ "ABC.com - Cougar Town - Bios: Bobby Cobb". American Broadcasting Company. Retrieved 04 October 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  12. ^ "ABC.com - Cougar Town - Bios: Travis Cobb". American Broadcasting Company. Retrieved 04 October 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  13. ^ "ABC.com - Cougar Town - Bios: Andy Torres". American Broadcasting Company. Retrieved 04 October 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  14. ^ "ABC.com - Cougar Town - Bios: Grayson Ellis". American Broadcasting Company. Retrieved 04 October 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  15. ^ a b "5 for Fall: Courteney Cox of 'Cougar Town'". MSN.com. Retrieved 06 October 2008. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  16. ^ a b c d e f g h Itier, Emmanuel. "'Cougar Town' Interviews". Buzzine. Retrieved 05 October 2008. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  17. ^ a b c d e Adalian, Josef. "Cox, Lawrence Join Forces for ABC's 'Cougar Town'". TV Week. Retrieved 28 September 2008.
  18. ^ Ausiello, Michael (2009-08-18). "Press Tour Diary: ABC's 'Cougar Town'". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 28 September 2008.
  19. ^ Keller, Joel (2009-09-23). "Bill Lawrence talks Cougar Town". TV Squad. Retrieved 28 September 2008.
  20. ^ Dawn, Randee (2009-09-22). "Cougar Town -- TV Review". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 06 October 2008. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  21. ^ a b Handelman, Jay (2009-09-22). "Sarasota's new reputation courtesy of ABC show: 'Cougar Town'?". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Retrieved 05 October 2008. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  22. ^ a b "Cougar Town Television show - Cougar Town TV Show - Yahoo! TV". Yahoo! TV. Retrieved 07 October 2008. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  23. ^ a b c d "ABC Music Lounge". American Broadcasting Company. Retrieved 06 October 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Text "ABC Music Lounge" ignored (help)
  24. ^ a b c Hijek, Barbara (2009-09-22). "Sarasota is "Cougar Town?" Oh, really?". South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Retrieved 07 October 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  25. ^ a b c d Gorman, Bill (2009-09-24). "TV Ratings Wednesday: Modern Family, Cougar Town Start Strong; ABC Challenges CBS". TV By The Numbers. Retrieved 08 October 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  26. ^ a b c d Seidman, Robert (2009-10-08). "TV Ratings: Sunday Night Football, Grey's win week with adults 18-49; NCIS leads with total viewers". TV By The Numbers. Retrieved 08 October 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  27. ^ a b c d Seidman, Robert (2009-10-08). "TV Ratings: FOX, CBS tie; Glee steady; Hank, Mercy, Eastwick, Modern Family, Cougar Town slip". TV By The Numbers. Retrieved 08 October 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  28. ^ a b c d Seidman, Robert (2009-10-15). "TV Ratings: Most Shows up vs. last week, Modern Family, SYTYCD noticeably; The Middle, Eastwick down". TV By The Numbers. Retrieved 15 October 2009.
  29. ^ a b Seidman, Robert (2009-10-22). "TV Ratings: Modern Family down, SVU hits highs, Eastwick beats The Jay Leno Show". TV By The Numbers. Retrieved 22 October 2009.
  30. ^ http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/11/05/broadcast-finals-modern-family-criminal-minds-up-eastwick-down/32766
  31. ^ http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/11/05/broadcast-finals-modern-family-criminal-minds-up-eastwick-down/32766
  32. ^ Slezak, Michael (2009-09-24). "'Cougar Town' and 'Modern Family': Hallelujah! People watched 'em!". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 28 September 2009.
  33. ^ Ausiello, Michael (2009-09-24). "Ratings snapshot: 'Modern Family,' 'Cougar Town' open big!". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 08 October 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  34. ^ Seidman, Robert (2009-10-01). "Overnight Ratings for Wednesday September 30, 2009". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved 02 October 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  35. ^ Seidman, Robert (2009-10-01). "ABC's Cougar Town increases to a 3.8 A18-49 rating in finals, tops all shows". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved 02 October 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  36. ^ "Cougar Town reviews at Metacritic.com". Metacritic. Retrieved 02 October 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  37. ^ a b Tucker, Ken (2009-09-15). "Cougar Town". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 28 September 2009. {{cite web}}: Text "Entertainment Weekly" ignored (help); Text "TV Review" ignored (help)
  38. ^ Lowry, Brian (2009-09-20). "Cougar Town Review - TV Show Reviews". Variety. Retrieved 02 October 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  39. ^ a b McNamara, Mary (2009-09-23). "Review: 'Cougar Town'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 02 October 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  40. ^ Sepinwall, Alan (2009-09-23). "'Modern Family' & 'Cougar Town' reviews - Sepinwall on TV". The Star-Ledger. Retrieved 02 October 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  41. ^ Bianco, Robert (2009-09-23). "'Cougar Town' or 'Eastwick'? Go with the cat". USA Today. Retrieved 02 October 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  42. ^ Stanley, Alessandra (2009-09-23). "Review: 'Cougar Town'". The New York Times. Retrieved 04 October 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  43. ^ http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/10/29/opposite-the-world-series-modern-family-and-cougar-town-are-the-night%E2%80%99s-top-2-series-in-key-adults/32018
  44. ^ http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/10/06/up-over-the-same-week-last-year-in-viewers-and-young-adults-abc-finishes-a-strong-no-2-to-an-nfl-overrun-inflated-fox-in-adults-18-49/29683
  45. ^ Dodai (2009-05-19). "5 Reasons Why Courteney Cox's Cougar Town Looks Awful". Jezebel. Retrieved 03 October 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  46. ^ Brockington, Ryan (2009-09-29). "'Cougar Town' Xeroxes 'Samantha Who?'". New York Post. Retrieved 03 October 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  47. ^ David Hinckley, David (2009-09-23). "Courteney Cox and 'Cougar Town' just boy-toying with us in premiere of new ABC comedy". Daily News. Retrieved 04 October 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  48. ^ ""Cougar Town" on ABC". Worst TV Show of the Week. 2009-09-25. Retrieved 2009-10-23.
  49. ^ a b ""Cougar Town" on ABC". Worst TV Show of the Week. 2009-10-23. Retrieved 2009-10-23.
  50. ^ Knox, David (2009-06-01). "Nine picks up V remake :TV Tonight". TV Tonight. Retrieved 06 October 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
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