Thank you, Courtie Jaffe.  A week or so ago in my class Culture and the Sitcom, Courtie mentioned that she’s enjoying Man Up.

I admit, I didn’t keep up with it before Saturday.  There have been so many shows this season about men trying to figure out what defines manhood in contemporary culture, and I haven’t liked them very much!

Man Up (ABC, Tuesdays at 8:30) covers some of the same territory but in a more interesting way with a group of men who have day jobs but still play video games together online in the evenings to let off steam.  I watched all three episodes on Saturday and think this series shows promise.

It’s sort of like Friends in the suburbs ten years after the series ends.  These men are struggling with transitions and relationships and work issues, and the characters are distinct and likeable because of their vulnerabilities and imperfections.

I’m going to give this show a chance.