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I’ve definitely had some moments where I’ve been very confused by E4’s decisions when it comes to advertising their new shows (the comparison between Friends and How I Met Your Mother being one). However, they’ve got it spot on this time round: quite simply, Accidentally on Purpose is Knocked Up: the TV show.
The show is based on real-life film critic Mary Pols' memoir "Accidentally on Purpose: The True Tale of a Happy Single Mother". It has a rather simple storyline. Billie (Jenna Elfman) is a film critic whose boyfriend of three years (Grant Show) won’t commit. After they break up she rebounds with a young chef, Zack (Jon Foster). Pregnancy ensues.
Of course, some complications arise when Billie discovers that she’s pregnant. Her ex decides he wants her back and Zack decides he wants to be involved in raising the baby. To further complicate things, Billie invites Zack to move in with her while she makes up her mind about what to do.
In almost every way, Accidentally on Purpose is a perfectly average sitcom. I think you’d struggle to be disappointed, but you’re also not going to be all that impressed. Sure, there are laughs, but most are so predictable that they’re not all that effective. The show also doesn’t do itself many favours; OK, so the premise is predictable ... but honestly, do all the characters have to be complete clichés? Zack even has stoner roommates to maximise the similarities with Knocked Up!
In almost every way, Accidentally on Purpose is a perfectly average sitcom.
If you’re wondering what the point of watching the show is (especially if you’ve already seen Knocked Up!), I would personally say it’s worth tuning in just for Jenna Elfman. As Billie, Elfman is immediately likeable and has the vast majority of genuinely amusing moments. Unfortunately, the rest of the acting performances in Accidentally on Purpose are decidedly mediocre. Foster is so incredibly bland as Zack, and Billie’s close friends remain extremely dull for the duration of the first two episodes.
Whilst I do think it’s a bit average, it does have a very sweet tone and is kind of cute. It gives me this nice feeling that everything’s going to be just fine (and that there won’t be too much drama along the way). It isn’t something you’ll hear me say often, but I sort of appreciated Accidentally on Purpose’s predictability; it makes it a very relaxing show.
So...if you saw and enjoyed Knocked Up, my guess is that you’ll probably enjoy Accidentally on Purpose too. It’s fun and unsurprising, but you’ll get some laughs as long as you don’t have high expectations. It fits very neatly into E4’s Thursday night comedy line-up with How I Met Your Mother and The Big Bang Theory. I think if you’re watching TV on Thursday night anyway, you might as well give it a go.
Catch Accidentally on Purpose Thursday nights at 10pm on E4
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