I mentioned this briefly but it is worthy of more attention, because Michael: Tuesdays & Thursdays is an excellent show. Residing on CBC it faces many challenges, from the CANCON hate of some people in this country to the lack of star power that the major US network shows bring. But this is a witty, clever show that is funny, earnest and endearing.
The show revolves around a neurotic man, Michael Dyer (Matt Watts), and his therapist, Dr David Storper (Bob Martin). Michael has challenges to face in the form of his many fears, some that are pretty odd (fear of elevators, bridges, buses) to others that many can relate to (heights, speaking with strangers, public spaces). Storper helps Michael conquer these fears by exposing his patient to them and showing him that they are not as scary as they appear. And as it becomes evident quite quickly Michael helps his therapist as well as they have forged this co-dependent relationship with one another over the 15 years they have spent together in therapy session.
The viewer comes along on the journey as each fear is tackled and becomes more and more attached as the challenges are overcome, or sometimes not.
The story and the characters are very endearing and that is likely because the show is actually based on the real life neuroses of Watts, the star of the show. He has said that this was his state a few years back, he's much better now but he had struggled with certain things in the past. He told his story to his co-star abd co-creator of the show Bob Martin and Martin said that idea should be pitched.
Maybe that's one of the reasons it feels like this show has so much heart to it. The viewer is drawn in to these characters, it's not just corny jokes it's an offbeat comedy with real sincerity to it. But they are drawn in because it is real, it is believable.
The production level is very high quality, the acting is brilliant and the show is well written. If people assume they would be tuning in to catch acting and a production on par with Rescue 911 because it's Canadian and on CBC they are surely mistaken. There have been a string of great Canadian shows recently, such as Being Erica and Flashpoint for example. They are just good, and in this case so is Michael: Tuesdays & Thursdays - which is likely why it has already developed a cult following.
The show has already landed some star talent with Ed Asner playing a recurring role as a cranky old psychologist, as well as Sandra Oh and Samantha Bee making in guest appearance roles. Good shows bring in good guest stars and this one is starting to surface on people's radars.
The fear is that the ratings are not good enough to have the show renewed for another season. One gets the feeling that CBC shows need to be given more time since many people do not start there first for their viewing entertainment when you can turn not just to one of the big networks (NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX) but also HBO and AMC, which have been producing amazing shows recently. But this one deserves the time to try again, it was given a 12 episode run but it deserves more time. It deserves a second season, if the CBC can find that the ratings merit that is another question I guess.
Everyone talks about 'the best show nobody is watching' and if you want to contribute to that conversation, check this one out. Hopefully as a result people actually start watching and this series catches on and stays around for a while. Great television is great television, regardless of where it comes from or what network it is on, and Michael: Tuesdays & Thursdays is just that - great television.
I couldn't agree with you more. I think it is brilliant, funny and touching. And the supporting cast is excellent (not just the name guests). I like that it is filmed in Ottawa and that the city plays also plays a role in the series, quietly in the background. We need to let CBC know it's a hit and get the word out to our friends. Anyone who has been in therapy, knows a therapist or has even read a self-help book will appreciate it.