This show is another surprise — for a couple of reasons.
First, because it's surprisingly good. It's a completely
derivative sitcom that is, nonetheless, charming and funny.
And, second, because Jennie Garth ("Beverly Hills,
90210") displays a heretofore unseen talent for comedy. Even
physical comedy.
Garth is not, however, the star of this show. That honor goes to
Amanda Bynes, who's a big star among the teen and preteen set who
know her from Nickelodeon's "All That" and "The
Amanda Show." (Oddly enough, a lot of the viewers this show
is aimed at have no idea who Garth is because they aren't old
enough to have been aware of "90210.")
Bynes plays 16-year-old free spirit Holly Tyler, who, when her
father moves to Japan, moves in with her 28-year-old,
straight-laced sister Valerie (Garth). Theirs is a relationship
that's part mother-daughter, part sister-sister and part
friend-friend.
Friday's premiere revolves around settling in and a silly plot
involving Valerie's career in public relations, but it somehow
works. This is the sort of family programming ABC used to air on
Friday nights — and a show that works nicely with
"Sabrina" and "Reba."
Kids will love it. And their parents can enjoy it, too.
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