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The Crazy Ones

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The Crazy Ones
GenreSitcom
Created byDavid E. Kelley
Starring
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes22 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers
Camera setupSingle
Running time22–24 minutes
Production companiesDavid E. Kelley Productions
20th Century Fox Television
Original release
NetworkCBS
ReleaseSeptember 26, 2013 (2013-09-26) –
April 17, 2014 (2014-04-17)

The Crazy Ones is an American sitcom created by David E. Kelley that stars Robin Williams and Sarah Michelle Gellar. The single-camera series aired on CBS from September 26, 2013, to April 17, 2014. It was part of the 2013–14 American television season as a Thursday night 9:00 pm Eastern/8:00 pm Central entry.[1][2][3] Bill D'Elia, Dean Lorey and Jason Winer served as executive producers for 20th Century Fox Television.

On October 18, 2013, CBS gave the show a full season order.[4] On February 27, 2014, the series switched timeslots with Two and a Half Men and started airing at 9:30 pm Eastern/8:30 pm Central.[5]

On May 10, 2014, it was announced that CBS had cancelled The Crazy Ones after one season.[6]

Production

The Crazy Ones is executive produced by David E. Kelley, who had previously created the TV series Picket Fences, Chicago Hope, The Practice, Ally McBeal, Boston Public, Boston Legal and Harry's Law, and by Jason Winer. It stars Robin Williams as Simon Roberts, an executive at the Chicago advertising agency Lewis, Roberts + Roberts, who works with his tightly wound daughter and protégée, Sydney, played by Sarah Michelle Gellar. The series represents Williams' first series regular role since Mork & Mindy 31 years earlier, and the first series for Gellar since Ringer, which was canceled in 2012 after one season. Williams' part was written with him in mind. When Gellar learned that Williams was making a television comedy, she contacted her friend Sarah de Sa Rego, the wife of Williams' best friend, Bobcat Goldthwait, in order to lobby for a co-starring role.[7]

The series is filmed on Soundstages 11 and 14 at the 20th Century Fox's studios in Los Angeles, which had previously housed the production for the medical drama House.[7]

Actual big brand names are referenced in episodes in order to evoke a sense of realism, though the companies who own the brands do not pay for this, nor do they get script approval. In the pilot, singer Kelly Clarkson performs a modified version of the McDonald's slogan "You deserve a break today".[7]

Cast

Main

  • Robin Williams as Simon Roberts, an eccentric Chicago advertising executive. Robin Williams describes Simon as "a guy who can sell anything. He could sell frappuccinos to Starbucks. He could sell clouds to God." Touching upon how his own life was the inspiration for Simon's backstory, Williams said, "Simon's a guy with a lot of nuance. He's lived hard and been on the edge for a long time. Multiple marriages, rehab, even rehab in wine country. Trust me, I've done the research myself."[7] Since Simon was divorced by Sydney's mom, he has been remarried and divorced frequently ever since and does genuinely want to be a part of his daughter's life to make up for his past. He added Sydney to the executive partnership after she improved his business and added her name to the agency before the start of the series. Everyone tends to listen to Simon over Sydney, even though Simon tends to accept risk too willingly in finding a solution to his client's issues.[original research?]
  • Sarah Michelle Gellar as Sydney Roberts, Simon's daughter who is also a business partner and director at the ad agency.[7] Often playing the "straight-woman" to Simon's plans, she was raised by her mother after Simon was divorced, yet she doesn't fault him for being more involved with work than his family. Despite this, Sydney often uses her past growing up as justification for her business decisions. She is best friends with Andrew, for whom she has feelings. However, she chooses not to date him, as she values their friendship more and is concerned with the consequences of a breakup. She is often made fun of for her age despite being thirty-"something" with the implication that she acts like the oldest person on the staff.[citation needed]
  • James Wolk as Zach Cropper, a copy writer.[7] He thinks he and Andrew are friends, but the friendship is mostly one-sided. While warm, outgoing and charismatic, Zach tends to the shallow side, can be a bit of a womanizer at times, and is not very well-read about the particulars of business. He actually does have romantic feelings for Lauren, whom he has an on again/off again physical relationship with. Zach enjoys a natural camaraderie with Simon, often bouncing ideas off of each other and brainstorming together. He does seek validation from others, but not nearly as much as Andrew does.[original research?]
  • Hamish Linklater as Andrew Keanelly, an art director.[7] Andrew is well spoken, smart, and often on Sydney's side as the other voice of reason among the staff of their agency. Andrew does suffer from a lack of confidence, as a part of a larger rural-based family (he refers himself to being "one of seven sisters" in his upbringing). Regardless of his intelligence, he tends to be manipulated easily from his own insecurities and awkwardness.[original research?] He has a crush on Sydney, who reciprocates these feelings but is hesitant to start a relationship with him. He constantly seeks approval and validation from others, especially Simon.
  • Amanda Setton as Lauren Slotsky, an assistant. Lauren is described as "much smarter than she first appears."[7] The information that is given about her (including a secretive demeanor concerning her past), though limited, is very inconsistent if all of it is assumed to be true, with the only validation for any of it being her highly impulsive behavior.[original research?]

Recurring

  • Brad Garrett as Gordon Lewis, Simon's business partner. Gordon works on a different floor with Accounts. Gordon is Simon's opposite: professional, restrained and critical of Simon's decisions. He is also gay, although Gordon's current personal life is not generally a part of the plot.
  • Josh Groban as Danny Chase, Sydney's former co-worker. He grew an obsession over her and wrote a hit single about his unsung love for her. Upon learning it was about her, Sydney freaked out and quit the job. He ended up working for a competing agency, which won an accolade that Simon Roberts was campaigning for.
  • Fred Melamed as himself, a voice-over artist who is frequently at odds over the direction of his career.

Episodes

No. Title Directed by Written by Original air date Production
code 		U.S. viewers
(million)
1"Pilot"Jason WinerDavid E. KelleySeptember 26, 2013 (2013-09-26)1AXB0015.52[8]
Simon tries to persuade Kelly Clarkson to sing a jingle for their client, McDonald's, which backfires.
2"The Spectacular"Jason WinerJoe Port & Joe WisemanOctober 3, 2013 (2013-10-03)1AXB0211.71[9]
Andrew is jealous of Zach's relationship with Simon, as he believes Zach is favored in the company. After he makes his feelings known, Andrew receives an assignment from Simon that Zach is at first happy to give up, but later makes him jealous. During Sydney's pitch to Windy City Coffee, Simon suggests a "Spectacular" – a particular marketing technique – meaning Sydney has to conjure up a new, bigger pitch, which backfires.
3"Bad Dad"Jason WinerCorey NickersonOctober 10, 2013 (2013-10-10)1AXB019.69[10]
A focus group for an Allstate commercial dredges up old memories of when Simon taught Sydney to drive. Lauren comes to realize that Zach's and Andrew's relationship is like that between a shark and a remora.
4"Breakfast Burrito Club"Michael P. JannRob SudduthOctober 17, 2013 (2013-10-17)1AXB049.37[11]
The group tries to do a campaign for breakfast food, but ends up getting distracted with their personal lives.
5"She's So European"Jason WinerDean LoreyOctober 24, 2013 (2013-10-24)1AXB058.69[12]
A Cosmo client excites both Andrew and Zach both get competitive to impress her. But things go south when they realize the models know more things than they do.
6"Hugging the Now"Fred SavageRyan RaddatzOctober 31, 2013 (2013-10-31)1AXB038.06[13]
Simon is up against Sydney's high school crush, Josh (Michael Landes), for Advertiser of the Year.
7"Sydney, Australia"Bill D'EliaTracy Poust & Jon KinnallyNovember 7, 2013 (2013-11-07)1AXB068.00[14]
Sydney's ex-coworker writes a song about her, but it has a stalkers feel to it. Meanwhile, Simon has difficulty coming up with a pitch for Australian tourism.
8"The Stan Wood Account"Jason WinerLaura KrafftNovember 14, 2013 (2013-11-14)1AXB078.59[15]
Simon must cut ties with an important client, which displeases Gordon, Simon and Sydney's partner.
9"Sixteen-Inch Softball"Alex HardcastleAmy HubbsNovember 21, 2013 (2013-11-21)1AXB088.60[16]
The agency's annual softball game is held, which brings back memories for Simon.
10"Models Love Magic"Fred SavageDean LoreyDecember 5, 2013 (2013-12-05)1AXB107.58[17]
Simon and Gordon clash over ignorance pursuing a highly client. Meanwhile, Lauren tries on the Million-Dollar Victoria's Secret bra and is unable to get it off.
11"The Intern"Fred GossJoe Port & Joe WisemanDecember 12, 2013 (2013-12-12)1AXB097.87[18]
Sydney is worried over a clients obnoxious daughter Kelsi Lasker (Ashley Tisdale), becoming an intern.
12"The Face of a Winner"Jason WinerMason SteinbergJanuary 2, 2014 (2014-01-02)1AXB128.20[19]
Sydney becomes a video game addict when Simon puts Lauren to the task.
13"Outbreak"Bill D'EliaRob SudduthJanuary 9, 2014 (2014-01-09)1AXB139.52[20]
Lauren finally gets her big break when all the coworkers come down with the flu.
14"Simon Roberts Was Here"Steven TsuchidaRyan RaddatzJanuary 30, 2014 (2014-01-30)1AXB148.25[21]
Simon loses a creativity contest to a research analyst, so Zach and Andrew try to help him refocus and get his confidence back. Elsewhere, Sydney bonds with a cat, causing her to worry if this will stifle her future relationships.
15"Dead and Improved"Bill D'EliaDavid E. KelleyFebruary 6, 2014 (2014-02-06)1AXB117.48[22]
Simon must deliver a eulogy to a fellow client whom many people have disliked.
16"Zach Mitzvah"Jason WinerTracy Poust & Jon KinnallyFebruary 27, 2014 (2014-02-27)1AXB157.41[23]
Simon throw's a Bar Mitzvah for a client's son, but the celebration goes south because of Zach, because of a past love interest.
17"Heavy Meddling"Alex HardcastleBill KunstlerMarch 6, 2014 (2014-03-06)1AXB166.96[24]
Simon interferes with Sydney's new relationship because he wants to become a grandfather. Elsewhere Zach and Andrew pair up with other coworkers.
18"March Madness"Linda MendozaLaura KrafftMarch 13, 2014 (2014-03-13)1AXB176.71[25]
Andrew's sisters arrive to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, which displeases Simon because he disapproves the holiday.
19"Danny Chase Hates Brad Paisley"David KatzenbergAmy HubbsApril 3, 2014 (2014-04-03)1AXB196.53[26]
In trying to land an account to represent the makers of Simon's favorite barbecue sauce, Zach over-promises and tells the company reps he can get Brad Paisley to sing a jingle for them. While he and Simon ultimately do land the country star, they then have to convince jingle writer Danny Chase (Josh Groban) to work with Paisley, whom he hates. Meanwhile, Sydney fears she will lose her "perfect" new assistant after Andrew dates the woman once, then dumps her.
20"Love Sucks"Bill D'EliaMason SteinbergApril 10, 2014 (2014-04-10)1AXB186.87[27]
Simon has a new budding romance, but then it turns south when Gordon returns and complains about his problems. Simon's romantic partner was played by Williams' Mork & Mindy costar Pam Dawber.
21"The Monster"Matt SohnTracy Poust & Jon KinnallyApril 17, 2014 (2014-04-17)1AXB216.19[28]
Simon's team comes up with a crazy way to save the town's library, and Gordon serves as the poster boy. Meanwhile, Lauren and Andrew are troubled when Zach hangs out with Sydney's boyfriend, both unaware the man is gay.
22"The Lighthouse"Matt SohnTracy Poust & Jon KinnallyApril 17, 2014 (2014-04-17)1AXB205.23[28]
Paige Roberts (Marilu Henner), Simon's ex-wife and Sydney's mother, comes to town and is the deciding vote to save the agency from a sale that Gordon supports and Simon opposes.

Reception

The show has received mixed reviews from critics. The first season received a score of 58 out of 100 on Metacritic, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[29]

Morgan Jeffery of Digital Spy wrote that "Williams can't resist falling back on his old bag of tricks on occasion – cartoon voices, gurning, rambling wordplay – but there's a decent amount of pathos to his performance as part-buffoon, part-genius Simon Roberts too and the comedy veteran shares a warm, genuine chemistry with his on-screen offspring Gellar."[30] Rob Owen of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote, "Whether The Crazy Ones can come together as a series over time remains an open question, but the pilot offers enough charm and humor to warrant future consideration."[31]

The Boston Globe gave the show a more negative review saying that "Williams seems exhausted."[32] The Washington Post wrote that the pilot "leaves you wanting more", and gave the pilot a grade of B-.[33] According to Ross Bonaime of PASTE, "I don’t know how it does it, but The Crazy Ones continues to be one of the most boring comedies with one of the most amazing casts on the air today." He continues to say "The entire show is just treading on 'meh.' It also feels like this show just exists in a vacuum, with nothing in any prior episode really having an effect on anything that comes after it. There are no continuing story arcs, nor any real characters to really bond with."[34]

Ratings

The premiere episode garnered 15.52 million viewers, making the show the highest viewed premiere this fall. Its 18-49 rating (3.9/11) is also the highest rated new comedy premiere rating of the season.[35] With the Live + 3 days DVR numbers, the Pilot added +22% viewers gathering 18.98 million viewers and a 6.8 adults 25–54 rating with 5.1 in adults 18–49.[36]

Awards and nominations

Awards
Award Category Recipients and nominees Result
People's Choice Award Favorite New TV Comedy Nominated
Favorite Actor in a New TV Series Robin Williams Nominated
Favorite Actress in a New TV Series Sarah Michelle Gellar Won

References

  1. ^ "CBS Announces 2013–2014 Primetime Schedule". The Futon Critic. May 15, 2013. Retrieved May 18, 2013.
  2. ^ Rose, Lacey; Goldberg, Lesley (May 10, 2013). "CBS Orders Chuck Lorre's 'Mom,' Robin Williams' 'Crazy Ones,' Will Arnett Comedy, More". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved May 11, 2013.
  3. ^ Ausiello, Michael (May 10, 2013). "Fall TV Scoop: CBS Picks Up Six Series, Including Sarah Michelle Gellar's Crazy Comedy, Josh Holloway's Intelligence and Chuck Lorre's Mom". TVLine. Retrieved May 11, 2013.
  4. ^ "'The Crazy Ones,' 'The Millers,' 'Mom' Get Full-Season Orders From CBS". The Wrap. October 8, 2013. Retrieved October 18, 2013.
  5. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (February 14, 2014). "'The Crazy Ones' and 'Two and a Half Men' Switch Timeslots + CBS Announces 'Bad Teacher' & 'Unforgettable' Premieres". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 14, 2014.
  6. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (May 10, 2014). "'The Crazy Ones,' 'Friends With Better Lives,' 'Intelligence,' 'Bad Teacher' & 'Hostages' Canceled By CBS". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 10, 2014.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h Hochman, David (September 9, 2013). "Still Crazy: Years after Mork and Buffy, Robin Williams and Sarah Michelle Gellar hope to rope us in with a new sitcom". TV Guide. pp. 16–19.
  8. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (September 27, 2013). "Thursday Final Ratings: The Big Bang Theory, The Michael J Fox Show & The X Factor Adjusted Up; The Crazy Ones Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved September 28, 2013.
  9. ^ Bibel, Sara (October 4, 2013). "Thursday Final Ratings: Big Bang Theory, Grey's Anatomy & The Originals Adjusted Up; Parks And Recreation, Welcome to the Family, Sean Saves the World, Michael J. Fox Show, & Parenthood Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved October 4, 2013.
  10. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (October 11, 2013). "Thursday Final Ratings: The Big Bang Theory, The X Factor & Glee Adjusted Up; The Vampire Diaries & The Millers Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved October 11, 2013.
  11. ^ Bibel, Sara (October 18, 2013). "Thursday Final Ratings: The Big Bang Theory & Grey's Anatomy Adjusted Up; The Crazy Ones & Elementary Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved October 18, 2013.
  12. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (October 25, 2013). "Thursday Final Ratings: The Big Bang Theory & The Vampire Diaries Adjusted Up; The Millers and Scandal Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved October 26, 2013.
  13. ^ Bibel, Sara (November 1, 2013). "Thursday Final Ratings: The Vampire Diaries, The Millers & Elementary Adjusted Up; Sean Saves the World & Parenthood Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved November 1, 2013.
  14. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (November 8, 2013). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'Elementary', 'Scandal', 'The Vampire Diaries', & 'The Big Bang Theory' Adjusted Up; 'The Voice', 'The Millers', 'Sean Saves the World', 'Parenthood', & 'The Michael J Fox Show' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
  15. ^ Bibel, Sara (November 15, 2013). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Big Bang Theory' Adjusted Up; 'The X Factor', 'Parks and Recreation', 'The Millers', 'Sean Saves the World', 'Glee', 'The Michael J. Fox Show' & 'Parenthood' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved November 15, 2013.
  16. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (November 22, 2013). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory' & 'Grey's Anatomy Adjusted Up; 'The X Factor', 'Reign' & 'Glee' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved November 22, 2013.
  17. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (December 6, 2013). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Big Bang Theory' & 'The X Factor' Adjusted Up; 'Once Upon a Time', 'The Millers', 'Grey's Anatomy' & Scandal' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved December 6, 2013.
  18. ^ Bibel, Sara (December 13, 2013). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Vampire Diaries' Adjusted Up; 'The Big Bang Theory', 'The Sing-Off', 'Once Upon a Time in Wonderland', 'The Millers', 'The Crazy Ones', 'Two and a Half Men' & 'Elementary' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
  19. ^ Bibel, Sara (January 6, 2014). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Big Bang Theory', 'Two and a Half Men' & 'The Taste' Adjusted Up; 'The Millers' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved January 6, 2014.
  20. ^ Bibel, Sara (January 10, 2014). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Big Bang Theory' & 'Parks and Recreation' Adjusted Up". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved January 10, 2014.
  21. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (January 31, 2014). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory', 'American Idol', 'The Taste', 'Vampire Diaries', 'Parks & Recreation', 'Two and a Half Men' Adjusted Up; 'The Millers', 'Elementary', & Reign' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved January 31, 2014.
  22. ^ Bibel, Sara (February 7, 2014). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Big Bang Theory', 'American Idol', 'Two and a Half Men' & the Olympics Adjusted Up; 'The Millers' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 7, 2014.
  23. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (February 28, 2014). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Big Bang Theory', 'Scandal', 'Grey's Anatomy', 'American Idol' & 'Parks & Recreation' Adjusted Up; 'The Millers' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 28, 2014.
  24. ^ Bibel, Sara (March 7, 2014). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Big Bang Theory', 'Once Upon A Time in Wonderland', 'Parks and Recreation' & 'Elementary' Adjusted Up; 'The Millers' & 'Two and a Half Men' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  25. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (March 14, 2014). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'Hell's Kitchen', 'Parks and Recreation' & 'Scandal' Adjusted Up; 'Reign', 'The Crazy Ones', 'Two and a Half Men' and 'The Millers' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 14, 2014.
  26. ^ Bibel, Sara (April 4, 2014). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Big Bang Theory', 'Grey's Anatomy', 'Scandal' & 'Hell's Kitchen' Adjusted Up; 'American Idol', 'The Millers', 'The Crazy Ones' & 'Elementary' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 4, 2014.
  27. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (April 11, 2014). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'Community', 'Grey's Anatomy', 'Shark Tank', 'The Big Bang Theory' & 'American Idol' Adjusted Up; 'The Millers' & 'Elementary ' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 11, 2014.
  28. ^ a b Bibel, Sara (April 18, 2014). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'Grey's Anatomy' Adjusted Up". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 18, 2014.
  29. ^ "The Crazy Ones reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved September 29, 2013.
  30. ^ Morgan Jeffery of Digital Spy, the-crazy-ones-hit-or-flop (Retrieved September 27, 2013)
  31. ^ Owen, Rob (May 21, 2012). "TV veterans return to prime time". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved September 28, 2013.
  32. ^ Perigard, Mark. "Michael J. Fox, Robin Williams stumble in new sitcoms". Boston Herald. Retrieved September 28, 2013.
  33. ^ Hank Stuever. "Robin Williams stars in The Crazy Ones". The Washington Post. Retrieved September 28, 2013.
  34. ^ "The Crazy Ones Review: The Intern (Episode 1.11)". Paste Magazine. Retrieved March 1, 2014.
  35. ^ "The Crazy Ones Premieres as the Season's #1 New Show – Ratings | TVbytheNumbers". Tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com. Retrieved September 28, 2013.
  36. ^ "'CBS Thursday Premieres Soar Even Higher With Live+3 Day DVR Playback". Tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com. Retrieved October 1, 2013.
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