New on UPN

UPN is really growing up and starting to become a serious contender in the broadcast marketplace. Unfortunately, this is represented in varying degrees in this fall's new programming.

Everybody Hates Chris (UPN) - sitcom
This show is narrarated by Chris Rock and based on his experiences as a teenager in Brooklyn in the 80's. Of the news sitcoms I've seen so far, this one seems to have the most potential, but the pilot sure wouldn't make you think so. There's quite a buzz about it, and it's upfront sales are doing incredibly well, I understand. But the first episode just isn't that funny. I had one good laugh, and just a couple chuckles besides. ("Like Rock & Roll, school shootings are another thing black kids invented that white kids stole.") But the premise and the characters set it up to be something like a black "Malcolm in the Middle," so if UPN can get people to tune in for a second episode, the show might survive. But the pilot didn't hit me, so I have to grade it down. (B-)