by Michael Pitre

Created on: August 06, 2011

TV Land’s “Happily Divorced,” which could otherwise be known as “Fran Drescher Being Herself,” is a feel good, modern economy-sensitive comedy sprinkled with bittersweet moments—and Fran Drescher’s endearingly hoarse voice. Drescher plays Fran Lovett, whose beloved husband of 18 years, Peter, comes to the realization that he is gay. While Fran is forced to join her best friend Judi in the plight of the love-starved, single middle-aged woman, the show explores how the lasting bond of love and friendship between amicably separated partners can make divorce an “institution” of its own.

Yes, 18 years is a long time not to know, and the first few episodes relentlessly pursue the abundance of overlooked “evidence of gayness” that one might expect. It may be a toss up as to whether viewers will accept the portrayed stereotypes of gay men as comedy, but the show does this bit so casually—and Peter is so joyously candid and oblivious to his spectators—that the presentation itself can be entertaining. Fran and Judi don’t skip a beat between their lines, and their delivery is amusing as well. However, these initial episodes can spark a sense of uneasiness as many will wonder, “Is this what the entire season will be like? A bunch of ‘how didn’t you know’ jokes?”

Thankfully, there’s some room left in the show for variety; Fran and Peter’s house has plummeted in value due to economic woes, so neither finds it plausible to move out following the divorce. Awkward attempts to start dating again inevitably collide with their unique living situation, but the sense of comfort Peter and Fran have around each other only makes it more amusing. That, and the fact that Peter can now join Fran in swooning over her date.

Then there’s Cesar, an employee of the flower shop that Fran runs out of their garage. Cesar’s undaunted positivity and eagerness to help, combined with his tendency to engage in unintentional (and intentional) voyeurism, add to the show’s appeal.

Fran’s parents, Glenn and Dori, bring another dimension to the show, in which the antics of this elderly couple, whose passion remains burning, overshadows Fran’s lack of fortune in finding romance. Fran often turns to her parents for comfort and advice, where the latter is often whimsical and not so helpful. Glenn and Dori, however, are the classic, charming, inseparable couple, providing contrast and a sense of hope amidst Fran’s troubles.

Will you enjoy watching “Happily Divorced?” If you enjoy watching Fran Drescher, you’ll probably enjoy watching the show. It does invoke curiosity as to how the show will continue being funny, since each episode moves along a timeline—it isn’t one of those shows that remains stuck around one point in time, resetting at the beginning of each new episode. However, wondering what’s going to happen next is part of the appeal, and “Happily Divorced” packs enough of it to be a worthy distraction.

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