https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_sCNp0X8KM
For the first time in television history, a sitcom is being filmed entirely outside with a live audience. Tonight at 9:30p on NBC, you will watch as Abby’s attempts to do the impossible. A whole show shot in nature on the Univeral Lot.
Abby (Natalie Morales) has been running a bar in her backyard that is unlike any other. Not because it is in the backyard of the house that she rents, but also because she has 162 rules the patrons must follow. Not only that, there is a pecking order for them to follow before they can sit at the bar with Fred (Neil Flynn), Beth (Jessica Chaffin) and James (Leonard Ouzts).
Fred has known her for a long time and was her first customer. Beth lives within viewing distance so she can watch her kids as she drinks. James in the bouncer but he just drinks. Finally, there is Rosie (Kimia Behpoornia) and she is Abby’s assistant. You can tell she wants to be her boss, so she does everything in her power to make sure Abby stays happy.
That is a good thing because Abby is going to need it. Her landlord died and now that lady’s uptight nephew is in charge of the property. When Bill (Nelson Franklin) finds out about the bar, he wants to close it down because, you know, it is illegal. Everyone is going to do everything in their power to convince him to keep it open. Eventually, he gives in and becomes a member of the bar. Just because he is sitting in the primo spot does not mean he is going to stop putting in his 2 cents all the time.
The recently divorced Bill does not realize it at first but he really needs these people as his friends. They will help him out and slowly get him to remove the stick. Granted he is a work in progress.
The bar is not. This is not Cheers, but it is still about a makeshift family who enjoys being around one another. Granted the booze helps, but only a little bit.
Abby’s is another great sitcom on NBC’s Thursday lineup which is why it is still known as Must See TV, so see it.
I have to gone to a few tapings of Home & Family which also tapes outside on the lot and it is not easy. First off, it is less than 5 miles from Burbank airport and on windy days, planes fly right over them. There is an amusement park on the lot. It is also a very green area and that means there are animals and bugs around. You can’t just shut it all out by closing the doors to the sound stage because there are no doors. Therefore, my hat is really off to them.
