6.5 / 10 (based on 5959 reviews)
Life in the garage swerves off track for a NASCAR crew chief and his tight-knit racing team when a new boss steps in and shakes things up.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Kevin James, Jillian Mueller, Freddie Stroma, Gary Anthony Williams
Creators: Jeff Lowell
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 10 episodes
Shows Most Like The Crew (2021)
Kevin Can Wait (2016)
5.6 / 10 (based on 9731 reviews)
A retired police officer is on a fresh career path as he rises to the challenge of being a newly single dad. His kids are grateful to him for making sure they’re okay, but decide it’s time for him to get out of the house, so they turn to Vanessa (Leah Remini), his former police partner, for help.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Kevin James, Taylor Spreitler, Ryan Cartwright, Gary Valentine
Creators: Bruce Helford, Kevin James, Rock Reuben
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 48 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
Mr. Iglesias (2019)
7.1 / 10 (based on 7395 reviews)
A good-natured high school teacher working at his alma mater works with gifted but misfit and disinterested students.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Gabriel Iglesias, Sherri Shepherd, Jacob Vargas, Maggie Geha
Creators: Kevin Hench
Directors:
Writers:
3 seasons, 22 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
The Ranch (2016)
7.5 / 10 (based on 40398 reviews)
The son of a Colorado rancher returns home from a semi-pro football career to run the family business.
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Western
Main Cast: Ashton Kutcher, Sam Elliott, Grady Lee Richmond, Elisha Cuthbert
Creators: Jim Patterson, Don Reo
Directors:
Writers:
4 seasons, 80 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
Man with a Plan (2016)
7 / 10 (based on 10738 reviews)
A dad finds out that parenting is harder than he thought after his wife goes back to work and he’s left at home to take care of the kids.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Matt LeBlanc, Liza Snyder, Matt Cook, Grace Kaufman
Creators: Jackie Filgo, Jeff Filgo
Directors:
Writers:
4 seasons, 69 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
The Upshaws (2021)
6.9 / 10 (based on 3161 reviews)
It centers on a working-class African American family in Indiana struggling to make it work and make it right without any blueprints.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Mike Epps, Kim Fields, Diamond Lyons, Wanda Sykes
Creators: Regina Y. Hicks, Wanda Sykes
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 11 episodes
The Neighborhood (2018)
6.6 / 10 (based on 8390 reviews)
A friendly guy from the Midwest tries to fit in in a tough L.A. neighborhood.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Cedric the Entertainer, Max Greenfield, Sheaun McKinney, Marcel Spears
Creators: Jim Reynolds
Directors:
Writers:
4 seasons, 77 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
In the ever-evolving landscape of television and streaming platforms, finding a show that strikes the perfect balance between humor, character depth, and a fresh storyline can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Enter “The Crew” (2021), a sitcom that, despite its brief tenure, managed to carve out a niche for itself in the crowded world of TV comedies. This article aims to unpack the elements that made “The Crew” stand out, its reception, and why it’s worth your time.
The Premise
At its core, “The Crew” is a workplace comedy set in the high-speed world of NASCAR. The show revolves around the crew of the fictional Bobby Spencer Racing team, focusing on Kevin Gibson (played by Kevin James), the crew chief who finds himself navigating the challenges that come with the retirement of the team’s owner, Bobby Spencer. The new owner, Catherine Spencer (played by Jillian Mueller), Bobby’s daughter, brings a new-age approach to the team’s operations, often clashing with Kevin’s old-school methods.
The premise itself offers a fresh take on the workplace comedy genre, setting it apart from the typical office or retail settings viewers have grown accustomed to. The NASCAR backdrop provides not just a vibrant setting but also a source of unique, high-stakes drama and humor that’s not found in other shows.
Characters and Dynamics
What truly makes “The Crew” stand out are its characters and their dynamics. Kevin James’ portrayal of Kevin Gibson serves as the anchor for the show, with his comedic timing and relatability making him a standout character. However, it’s the ensemble cast and their interactions that bring the comedy to life.
The Team
- Chuck Stubbs (played by Gary Anthony Williams): The car chief, whose deadpan humor and sage advice often serve as the voice of reason within the team.
- Amir Lajani (played by Dan Ahdoot): The eager-to-please engineer, whose attempts at fitting in and innovative ideas often lead to humorous situations.
- Jessie De La Cruz (played by Freddie Stroma): The charming and talented driver, whose ambition and talent are matched only by his lack of experience.
- Beth Paige (played by Sarah Stiles): The office manager, whose loyalty to the team and unfiltered opinions often put her at odds with Catherine’s new direction for the team.
The dynamics between these characters, combined with the clash of old versus new ideologies brought by Catherine, create a rich tapestry of interactions that provide both humor and depth.
Reception and Impact
Upon its release, “The Crew” received mixed reviews from critics but was generally well-received by audiences. Critics often pointed to the show’s reliance on traditional sitcom formulas as a downside, but it’s precisely this familiarity, combined with the unique setting and character dynamics, that resonated with viewers.
One aspect that stood out was the show’s ability to bring NASCAR to a new audience. By integrating real-life racing elements and cameos from NASCAR personalities, “The Crew” served as an accessible entry point for those unfamiliar with the sport, all while providing enough authenticity to appeal to long-time fans.
Why It’s Worth Watching
The Humor
First and foremost, “The Crew” is funny. It’s a show that doesn’t take itself too seriously, allowing for a light-hearted viewing experience. The humor is a mix of character-driven jokes, situational comedy, and the occasional slapstick, ensuring a variety of laughs.
The Characters
As mentioned, the characters are the heart of the show. They are relatable, flawed, and, most importantly, likable. Watching their relationships evolve over the course of the season provides a compelling reason to keep tuning in.
The Unique Setting
The NASCAR setting of “The Crew” offers something new for most viewers. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at a world that many are curious about but few understand. The show does a commendable job of demystifying NASCAR, all while maintaining respect for the sport and its fans.
Final Thoughts
In a television landscape filled with complex dramas and high-concept comedies, “The Crew” offers a return to the comfort of the traditional sitcom, without feeling outdated. Its unique setting, combined with a cast of engaging characters, ensures that it stands out. While it may not have been a groundbreaking hit, it’s a show that delivers laughs, heart, and an appreciation for the unsung heroes of NASCAR.
“The Crew” is more than just a comedy about racing; it’s a celebration of teamwork, perseverance, and the joy found in pursuing one’s passion, no matter the obstacles. Whether you’re a NASCAR fan, a lover of workplace comedies, or just in search of your next binge-worthy show, “The Crew” is worth checking out.