Is the classic sitcom truly fading away? While the streaming giants dominate the entertainment landscape, a few brave shows still cling to the traditional 30-minute format, hoping to bring laughter into our living rooms. Shows like ABC's "Abbott Elementary" are keeping the flame alive, earning well-deserved Emmy nominations. But the golden age of sitcoms, with giants like "MASH," "Cheers," and "Seinfeld," seems to be a distant memory.
Into this world steps "DMV," a new CBS series that premiered on October 13th. It's a reasonably charming show, offering a familiar blend of workplace humor and character-driven comedy. The series quickly establishes its characters with distinct traits and quirks, the classic sitcom shorthand. And it cleverly recognizes that the workplace remains a fertile ground for comedy. Think "The Office," and its sort-of spin-off, "The Paper" or even the acclaimed "The Studio," which, at its heart, is about the daily grind of work. Even the surrealist Apple TV series "Severance" can be seen as an office-based horror comedy.
"DMV" doesn't aim for such lofty heights, and that's perfectly fine. Set in the East Hollywood branch of the Department of Motor Vehicles, the show explores the interactions, frustrations, and unwavering optimism of six employees. They navigate the public's whims (that's you and me!), all while facing the looming threat of unemployment, represented by efficiency-obsessed consultants. Perhaps there's a touch of the absurd, or even a hint of horror, in the DMV experience itself.
The cast is filled with memorable characters: Barbara (Molly Kearney), the eternally optimistic manager with a knack for unintentionally risqué comments; Colette (Harriet Dyer), the people-pleaser who practically hands out driver's licenses; Noa (Alex Tarrant), the handsome newcomer who catches Colette's eye; Vic (Tony Cavalero), the eccentric dude-bro; and Ceci (Gigi Zumbado), the aspiring artist. And this is the part most people miss... the show's focus on efficiency might reveal some underlying issues within the DMV itself.
Then there's Tim Meadows, who plays Gregg with a cool, understated style. Gregg, having seen it all, is a master of the art of doing as little as possible. In one episode, he mentors Noa on the fine art of slacking: slow walks, never working through breaks, and even miming smoking breaks. But here's where it gets controversial... Would a show centered on Gregg's laid-back approach be a hit? Meadows's talent for calm comedy makes this character particularly appealing.
"DMV" isn't trying to offer a Kafka-esque exploration of bureaucratic nightmares. Instead, it focuses on the interplay between its characters. Some of the jokes are a bit predictable, like the senior citizen who can't pass a driving test. However, the show maintains a good pace, and Meadows, Dyer, and Kearney shine.
While the sitcom format may be evolving, there's still a place for it—a place for quick laughs and lighthearted entertainment. Sometimes, you just want to chuckle a little before facing the day.
DMV
Starring Tim Meadows, Harriet Dyer, Molly Kearney, Tony Cavalero, Alex Tarrant, Gigi Zumbado, Gerry Dee, and Reshma Shetty. Airs 8:30 p.m. Mondays on CBS; streams on Paramount+.
What do you think? Does "DMV" successfully capture the spirit of the classic sitcom? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
