Josh Charles
Peter Krause
Felicity Huffman
Joshua Malina
Sabrina Lloyd
Robert Guillaume

Created by:
Aaron Sorkin

1998-2000
Comedy, Drama, Sports
ABC
TV-PG

“Sports Night” is what you would expect from an Aaron Sorkin TV show about what happens behind-the-scenes of a nightly sports show. Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, and Tony Krantz (“Felicity,” “24”) are a few of its executive producers. The pacing’s fast, the writing’s jam-packed, the delivery’s energetic and well-timed, and there are monologues that reflect Sorkin’s points-of-view on different subject matter. However, it’s not that funny. And, they have a laugh track.

At this point in time, a laugh track is dated (even though some sitcoms still use them), but that’s not the major reason that it seems intrusive. Mostly, it seems intrusive because, again, this show isn’t that funny. Here’s the thing, though: “Sports Night” doesn’t even want to be laugh-out-loud funny anyway, and it doesn’t need to be. But, when you have a laugh track, you better make me laugh … or else.

I’m glad that ABC allowed Sorkin to get rid of that lame laugh track in the second season, because the best parts of “Sports Night” are when the laugh track is off. In those moments, it’s much easier to appreciate what the skilled cast does with Sorkin’s writing. They understand rhythm and pacing. As for the writing itself, it’s fine; it’s not Sorkin’s best, but it suffices.

“Sports Night” doesn’t showcase greatness, but it is professionally made on all counts. If you remember watching ESPN at night during the 1990s, you might like it.

Verdict: OK

About: (Source: sportsnight)

The frenetic workplace of a cable-sports network is the setting for this alternately witty and poignant sitcom revolving around two cocky anchors and their neurotic producer. Created by Aaron Sorkin (`The West Wing’), the series was smartly cast and executed, and it deserved a better fate. The 1998 pilot won an Emmy for director Thomas Schlamme.