Entertainment

Critics Already Hate Fox's 'Dads' But the Show Will Go On: Who Else Got Hate Before their Premieres?

One of Fox's new comedies this year is Dads, which was created by Family Guy's Seth MacFarlane and his Ted co-writers. It stars Seth Green and Giovanni Ribisi as two best friends and business partners whose dads move in with them. Ha? Even though the series won't premiere until Sept. 17, it's already received awful reviews, which point out issues with racism and sexism.

But that doesn't mean it will fail. After all, MacFarlane has a pretty huge fanbase, so plenty of people will give the show a chance, and many may like it. It wouldn't be the first time a show that was hated by critics went on to be a hit. Here are some other TV shows that critics thought wouldn't make it past the pilot that went on to become successes. Image: Fox

by Sam Rullo

Aug. 2, 2013

Can 'Dads' Become a Hit Despite Awful Early Reviews?

'The Neighbors'

This show about an alien family hiding on Earth (no, not 3rd Rock from the Sun) premiered on ABC in 2012 and its pilot definitely didn't do the already bizarre concept any favors. Some critics saw potential in the show, but most weren't impressed by its stupidity and doubted its ability to last more than a season. Apparently, The Neighbors improved as the season went on and it was renewed for a second season, to start this September. We'll have to wait and see whether this one becomes a real success or just got lucky with a renewal. Image: ABC

'Last Man Standing'

ABC's Tim Allen comedy premiered in October of 2011 and was immediately criticized for being sexist and homophobic. Last Man Standing's pilot got negative reviews and it seemed like the controversy could end the show. Nope. People still watched and even though it still hasn't found love from the critics, the show is set to start its third season in September. Image: ABC

'Tyler Perry's House of Payne'

In June of 2007, TBS gave Tyler Perry his first TV show. Though he didn't star in it, Perry created, wrote, produced, and directed House of Payne. Though its premiere broke records as the most watched basic cable show ever, critics weren't impressed with the plot, humor or characters, but the ratings didn't suffer. House of Payne continued to run on TBS for eight seasons and had two spin-offs, Meet the Browns and Love They Neighbor. Both titles preceded by Tyler Perry's, of course. [Image: TBS]

'The Secret Life of the American Teenager'

To the ABC Family teen soap's credit, that title kind of makes it predisposed to hate. Still, critics found plenty of other things wrong with Secret Life when it premiered in 2008. They slammed the acting, its heavy-handed lessons, and all of the over-the-top drama. The New York Times' Alessandra Stanley even wrote, "ABC Family means well but could not have done worse. Secret Life doesn’t take the fun out of teenage pregnancy, it takes the fun out of television." But the show was that summer's most watched scripted program and lasted for a total of four seasons. Plus, it served as the launching point for Hollywood's new go-to actress, Shailene Woodley. [Image: ABC Family]

'Friends'

That's right, Friends. One of the most successful TV shows of all time wasn't exactly an immediate hit. The pilot received mixed reviews from critics, with a few seeing its potential and deeming it excellent, while others compared it unfavorably to NBC's other giant hit, Seinfeld. Even now, in her retrospective review for The A.V. Club's "TV Club Classic," Sonia Saraiya said of the pilot, "I think this first episode of one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time might be bad. Like, maybe verging on terrible." It's surprising, but I think Friends did okay in the end, what with 10 seasons, a huge cultural influence and still-constant reruns, nine years since its end. Image: NBC