2 stars
Wednesdays, 8:30-9 p.m., Fox
The players: Stars Cedric “The Entertainer” Kyles, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Shaun Majumder, Amy Brassette, J.B. Smoove and The Cedsation Dancers.
What it’s about: A variety show that runs the gamut from stand-up to sketch comedy to dance numbers to lounge singing.
What can I say: Looking to revive the somewhat lost art of live performance, Cedric the Entertainer Presents certainly goes out of its way to entertain on every level. Unfortunately, the fact that it is taped in front of a studio audience removes some of the spontaneity. Even the showmanship of Cedric himself is somewhat subdued, only truly shining at the opening and close of the show when he returns to his stand-up roots.
The bulk of the premiere is meant to play as an ensemble endeavor (after all, Cedric is only “presenting”). Unfortunately, most of the ensemble sketches in the first half-hour fall flat, with the exception of Cedric as “The Love Doctor,” a Barry White-inspired couples therapist. Still, even that skit goes on a little too long, which doesn’t bode well for recurring characters like that one and Mrs. Cafeteria Lady (an acerbic Cedric in drag).
Bottom line: The show’s slot between Bernic Mac and Fastlane should bring in viewers, but to hold onto them, Cedric‘s going to have to present something a bit more original to sing, dance and laugh about.
