(Left) Couples from ABC's "Sons & Daughters: Alison Quinn, Jerry Lambert; Gillian Vigman, Fred Goss (Right) Comedy Central's unscripted, brilliantly funny "Reno 911" -- the feature film based on the series will also be ad-libbed by the cast. We love that "Lt. Dangle" (Thomas Lennon) and "Officer Weigel" (Kerri Kenny) have been friends since they met in summer camp when they were both 16. We also love Niecy Nash, who's on another one of our favorite shows, Style Net's "Clean House."They Do It Scriptless
In a rather ironic twist, "reality" programs have been revealed to be largely scripted -- or at least have very contrived situations. Simon Cowell probably isn't as nasty as he is on screen, or certainly as petulant. This season's his barbs are sharper and he's already walked off and actually flown home after a particular audition sequence displeased him. But it's perfectly good drama and what the audience wants. The only difference is that the majority of the viewing audience probably don't realize that situations are staged, exaggerated or downright written word-for-word.
That's what we love about the breed of series that are ad-libbed, unscripted and rely on the quick-witted talent.
ABC's midseason replacement, Sons & Daughters, from Lorne Michaels, is one such show. Others that rely on a couple/few page treatment (and hours of tape to be edited for the finest moments) include some of our favorite shows:
Reno 911 Campus Ladies Curb Your Enthusiasm
Another new show, Fox's "Free Ride," is also unscripted.
That means that not only do the actors have to think quickly, they have to be willing to improvise and work with each other -- kind of the ultimate team play. We love it! And we're darn impressed.
