The verdict has been rendered and NBC’s revival of its classic 1990s sitcom “Night Court” is guilty of being a smash hit.
Dubbed a ‘new-boot’ by co-lead and executive producer Melissa Rauch, the new take on the famed sitcom debuted on Tuesday night to 7.4 million total viewers and a 1.0 demo rating. A second episode that aired immediately after drew a further 6.8 million and a 0.9 rating.
That makes it the No. 1 broadcast premiere of the 2022-23 season in both the 18-49 demo and in total viewers. It’s also the highest total audience for any comedy series premiere since ABC’s “The Conners” in 2018, and the best for NBC laffer since the “Will & Grace” revival in 2017.
The new version sees unapologetic optimist judge Abby Stone (Rahc) picking up the torch left to her by her late father, Judge Harry Stone, as she attempts to lead a crew of misfit oddballs working the night shift of a Manhattan arraignment court.
John Larroquette produces and reprises his role as prosecutor Dan Fielding – a role he won multiple Emmys for. Also starring are Lacretta as the court’s bailiff Gurgs, along with India de Beaufort as assistant D.A. Olivia, and Kapil Talwalkar as court clerk Neil.
Reviews for the new take have been positive but very soft, the new version scoring a 67% approval rating with an average rating of 6.9/10 on Rotten Tomatoes. Said reviews suggest the series hits its stride a few episode in.
Source: TV Line
