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Oct 02, 2013 By Lily Moayeri Web Exclusive

The first episode of Super Fun Night is like Glee with grown-ups. Calling the central geeky trio of friends—awkward Kimmie (Rebel Wilson, Pitch Perfect, Bridesmaids), terrified Helen-Alice (Liza Lapira), and butch Marika (Lauren Ash)—grown-ups is a stretch, since their behavior is more middle-school than adult. The three have a standing date for Friday night, their “super fun night,” where they stagnate in their sad state. On this particular Friday night, the trio’s destination is a piano bar, where Kimmie is going to tackle her stage fright by taking to the stage. Tagging along is Richard (Kevin Bishop), dashing and British,, who may have a thing for Kimmie. Also inviting herself to the outing is Kendall (Kate Jenkinson), Kimmie’s adversary since college: skinny, gorgeous, multi-talented, and with a false confidence that is challenged by Kimmie’s mere presence. Kendall steals Kimmie’s spotlight, but ends up standing in it alone as her competitive behavior turns everyone off.

Much as Wilson stole Pitch Perfect, she is the only reason to watch Super Fun Night. Serving as writer and co-executive producer on the show, Wilson doesn’t keep all the good lines for herself, instead sprinkling them throughout all the characters. It is she, and on occasion Ash, who are the best at executing them, Wilson in her patented deadpan and Ash in her blustering, testosterone-ridden fashion. Wilson’s unsuccessful attempt at hoisting herself onto the piano during her rendition of Meatloaf’s “I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That)” is received with giggle-tinged terror by the viewer. Later Marika asks her, “In the song when you were saying ‘I would do anything for love, but I won’t do that,’ what’s ‘that?’” Kimmie responds, “Butt stuff.” And when Kendall comments, “Cute shoes, what are they?” Kimmie says, “Orthopedics.” As she waits for Richard at the elevator door, it shuts, gathering her skirt with it; it rips off completely, leaving her there in her hardworking Spanx. Wilson’s American accent switches coasts—and continents—within the same sentence, but it doesn’t take away from her delivery.

Super Fun Night doesn’t have the bite Wilson could easily be producing. More risk-taking with the jokes and stepping up to the comedy from the rest of the cast and the show might eventually become something—and that’s only if they can come up with enough stories for what is essentially a thin, workplace/home life crossover sitcom. (www.abc.go.com/shows/super-fun-night)

Author rating: 5/10