For fans of one specific 2014 sitcom,Going Dutchhas to be next on their watch list.Going Dutchseason 1 premiered to an audience of over a million, making it an instant success.It’s also one of Fox’s only live-action sitcoms, the other beingAnimal Controlstarring Joel McHale.
With traditional sitcoms being few and far between these days,Going Dutchis a breath of fresh air. The lead characters, Maggie and Patrick, offer opposing viewpoints and goals, easily creating conflict and comedy in every episode. The side characters are fleshed out, and there’s even a budding romance. Basically,it’s everything a sitcom should be.
WhileGoing Dutchhas been compared to sitcoms likeBrooklyn Nine-NineandShifting Gears, there’s an even better comparison from 2014. Fox viewers who remember another military sitcom will be thrilled withGoing Dutch. Luckily,Going Dutchseason 2 is right around the corner.
Both Going Dutch & Enlisted Are Quirky Military Sitcoms
Enlistedfollowed three brothers, all soldiers in the U.S. Army, stationed at a military base in Florida with a group of fellow misfits. The story centered on Pete Hill, a former combat soldier reassigned to Fort McGee after punching his superior officer. Much of the comedy came fromPete’s frustration with the lack of discipline among the soldierson base, including his own younger brothers.
Similarly,Going Dutchfollows Dennis Learywho, after going on an offensive rant, is sent to Garrison Stroopsdorf, the"least important Army base in the world.“There,he attempts to turn the base’s group of outcasts into the soldiers he wishes they were. He also reunites with his estranged daughter, and attempts to make up for the years he wasn’t a perfect father.
Enlistedis clearly the spiritual predecessor toGoing Dutch. Both focus on non-combat military bases and the less-than-ideal soldiers who keep everything running.Each show also includes a family reunion, and follows these family members trying to reconnect after years apart.
Beyond the similar premises, fans ofEnlistedneed to watchGoing Dutchto see a memorable actor on TV once again.Parker Young, known for his role as the emotional Randy Hill onEnlisted,returned to Fox asa guest star onGoing Dutchepisode three. It’s always nice to see a familiar face on TV, and Young does a fantastic job in his role.
Enlisted Is A Sneaky Cult Classic Today & Deserves A Watch
Given the success ofGoing Dutch,Enlistedwas clearly ahead of its time. For anyone looking for a classic, single-cam sitcom with laugh-out-loud funny moments and an endearing plot line,Enlisteddeserves a re-watch. While we wait forGoing Dutchseason 2,Enlistedis the perfect show to binge.
Going Dutch
Cast
Going Dutch follows an arrogant U.S. Army Colonel who is reassigned to an insignificant army base in the Netherlands after a controversial outburst. As he navigates his new command, he faces unexpected challenges in this comedic exploration of military life and personal growth.
