Mad About You (1992–2019) User Reviews

The 90s

[safenoe · 8/10 · 12 February 2022]

I'm surprised Mad About You has a 6.7 rating but in a way maybe it's because the last three seasons were too maudlin perhaps.

I loved watching MAY in the 90s because it pretty much captured the zietgiest of the 90s as we approached the millenium.

A much better show than I ever expected

[markbowen · 8/10 · 3 November 2007]

I never watched this show in its original run, because I thought it was a sappy "relationship" comedy. I have since caught it in syndication, and I am surprised at how good it is. It does have its sappy moments (like even the greatest sitcoms -- except "Seinfeld," which poked fun at this show at least once), but at the core of the show is an homage to all things Manhattan, and classic comedy heavily influenced by "The Dick Van Dyke Show," "I Love Lucy," and Sid Caesar. I have laughed out loud more to this show than I have to some of my other favorites.

The show does have its weaknesses and some annoying characters, but the comedy holds up anyway. If you have avoided this show until now, give it a try.

Makes me want to run out and get married.

[maffilms13 · 9 June 2003]

This show is a classic. The seven season story of two neurotic New Yorkers, Paul and Jamie, as they fumble their way through love and marriage. In-laws, illegal cable, English neighbors, brushing their teeth, buying a parking space, remembering their first meeting and their VERY first meeting; this couple is adorable, touching and utterly hilarious in everything they do.

In the leads Paul Reiser and Helen Hunt have the best chemistry since Ricky and Lucy. Truth be told, you either fall in love with Paul and Jamie right away or not at all. But once you do fall for them, you will wish their marriage, was your marriage. Now available on DVD, check it out.

I really wanted to love this reboot, but...

[c-everleigh · 6/10 · 21 February 2020]

I really don't. Yet. (Full disclosure: Only watched the first episode.) I loved the original series; but times have changed and I don't feel like this series found it's way to the new millennium.

It's like it's trying too hard. Everything feels forced and overplayed; the writing is too sharp edged; the characters rather one-dimensional. The premise of their unease is uncomfortable: What worked when they were newlyweds finding their rhythm feels mired in unhealthy banter as an older couple.

Paul Reiser is brilliant in The Kominsky Method so I think it's mostly the writing at fault here. The actors can only flesh out the characters as much as the page allows....and it's not allowing much. I'm not going to give up yet, I will try a couple more episodes before abandoning ship. I owe it that much.

On a personal note: I REALLY wanted to love this show because I worked as an extra for a few years in the 90's and I was fortunate enough to WORK ON the original series for two different episodes. Loved the experiences (both). Actors were friendly and production staff top-notch and I had fond memories of the experience.

If, after watching more episodes, I feel the need to update to a more positive review, I will. Otherwise, I'll have to sadly let this stand.

it's going to take me a while

[mlbroberts · 7/10 · 2 April 2021]

I liked the show a lot in its first run and I'm sorry to say that what bothers me about the reincarnation is that Helen Hunt doesn't look like herself anymore. I've read she had plastic surgery and I understand (and deplore) how it seems that women on TV have to keep looking young or they don't get work but sometimes plastic surgery changes a face so radically that it's hard to take (think Kenny Rogers). It will take me a while to get used to this.

My favorite TV Show of ALL TIME

[JackMillion · 10/10 · 21 February 2017]

I'm a middle-aged straight white single man who has always loved this show. I used to be a hopeless romantic, and I used to watch this show hoping that someday my life would turn out like this show. I wanted to meet that special someone in some quirky way, have actual friends who were also couples. Have dinners and go places and talk about inconsequential things like where to place a couch. - Well that never happened. But at least I still have the show! - I watched this show when it aired. I joined the internet message board for this show back when the internet was invented (go ahead - try to find it - it still exists!). I bought the VHS copies. I bought the book (What's your Mad About You IQ?). I bought the DVDs. I bought more DVDs on eBay. I got the complete series on DVD last year. I'm a fan. I'm a huge fan. I'm a fan from the way back. - This show was amazing. The actors, the cadence of the speaking parts, the dog, the sets, the plots, the drama, the lack of drama, the guest stars, all of it just still resonates with me and is a part of me to this day. Oh - and the HEART. This show had heart in spades. - Did you know there's an excellent Podcast about this show? It's called "Mad About Mad About You" and I highly recommend it! Seriously go check it out now wherever you kids these days do podcast things. Thank me later. - If you've never seen the show, you are doing yourself an incredible disservice. It is hands-down my absolute favorite TV show of all time!

Helen Hunt tanked this show

[katlpen · 6/10 · 21 September 2022]

I rewatched this show recently. I had really good memories of it but Helen Hunt really ruined the last 2 seasons. She's annoying and overbearing in her character. Paul Reiser is great and the supporting cast adds to the story lines. I really thought the reboot could've been done better and more about married life and not so political and be more entertaining.

The episode where Paul slips in the shower was the worst filler episode. What happened to Paul going to Scotland? It's a shame that the show didn't progress to be fun like it started out. It is funny though for sure and entertaining. Good watch.

The best revival

[mattelgirl · 10/10 · 9 December 2019]

Oh my gosh - I just watched the first two episodes on my Delta flight and I want more. The characters and writing is perfect - exactly like/where you would expect them to be. I need this in my life right now.

It is smart writing and because the acting is so good - it feels like you are peeking in to their lives again.

Please keep this on!!

Hit some good notes but mostly disappointing

[tlbedman · 6/10 · 25 December 2019]

Although the chemistry between Helen Hunt and Paul Reisner is still good, I felt the overall series used itself as a political platform instead of the personal comedy of the original. I thought I had issues with my daughter, their daughter is a nightmare. It was great to see some of the old characters back especially Lisa and Ira, but some of the chemistry is missing between them. Worth a watch, but I doubt if it comes back for a second season.

Never liked this show

[Opinion02122 · 3/10 · 15 July 2018]

As a senior, now, I saw that this show was now available on Showtime, so I thought I'd take a look. I never watched it when it originally aired and didn't remember why.

Well, NOW I remember! If you enjoy listening to a woman whining and complaining while questioning everything that her husband does and says, this show is for you! Episode after episode of bickering. I watched three episodes and just couldn't take anymore.

What surprises me is the fact that this show lasted for 7 seasons!

I hate people who nit pick, and this show uses it as its framework for every show. I don't find it amusing, just grating on my nerves. Definitely NOT for me.

My new favorite series

[andrewalkernet · 10/10 · 28 September 2013]

I used to watch random episodes of Mad About You a few years ago. It was fun, as much as Seinfeld, Friends and similar sitcoms. Lighthearted, funny, it was very pleasing to watch. But it wasn't until recently, when I decided to watch the entire series, from the first episode to the last, that it really became my favorite show.

I was so amazed by it, so impressed! The characters were so involving, so easy to relate. The story, funny and filled with smart ironies, while at the same time always dealing with relevant life, society and family issues. Well, I became absolutely fascinated by it.

So it came as a surprise to see how low was the score here on IMDb, which is usually very precise. After some thought, I believe the reason is on the first place a matter of style. I'm 22 years old, and I really doubt the style Mad About You was made is really appealing to most people of my generation, used to Friends, How I Met Your Mother and so on. It's very different. Not that it bothered me, but well, people are different. Also, Mad About You wasn't aiming to be simple entertainment, at least the way I see it. I believe the point was to be not only fun, but artistic, creative, and socially relevant. So, even though it was brilliant, it might not always be appealing to everyone.

But, if you're reading this, and you don't find much interest in the series, I urge you: please reconsider! It's a classic, and if you give it a chance you will really appreciate it. I hope to have convinced you by the end of this review :)

So, I'll describe three reasons why I fell in love with the series.

First, it has an elaborate sense of humor. There are so many different kinds of jokes throughout the series. Some are just picturing silly things common people do, the contradictions we all have. Take the theme song, for instance: "tell me all of your secrets and I'll tell you most of mine". It's the little things, you see? :) Other jokes are more elaborate, connecting the beginning of the episode to the end, with impressive cohesion. It is filled with so many ironies, making the entire show extremely pleasing to watch. And, even though it's not the kind of series in which you'll be laughing the entire time, it does have a few hilarious moments.

Besides that, it is beautifully crafted, from the plot line to the direction and acting. Really, it has a remarkable quality. Some episodes must have been extremely difficult to film and were still perfect. Yes, some of them were really impressive works of art. Paul Reiser and Helen Hunt not only have that chemistry others have mentioned, but they are also incredible actors. And whoever trained Murray (the dog) has made an awesome job. Mad About You wouldn't be so cool if Murray wasn't a part of it. Also, many episodes had a very creative way of being "meta-linguistic", kind of referring to itself in the end. That was often funny too!

Finally, and most importantly, it is deeply meaningful. Even while describing seemingly unimportant daily events, it had a deep message. Basically, while the mass culture of our time praises lives without commitment and makes marriage seem somewhat obsolete, here are Jamie and Paul showing that it is not true. It's better to be together than to be apart. More than that, it is better to be married than just together. "That paper in the city hall" is not irrelevant, it has an important role, and it is worth it. And, you see, it's not that Jamie and Paul are perfect; far from that! They are a quite troublesome couple, in fact! But still, they find a way to be happy together. The show is extremely honest describing their issues, and just like real couples, they undergo some pretty rough times. Still, after watching it, most people (me included) feel motivated and anxious to get married, not naively thinking it's easy, but knowing that it is worth it.

Not to say that the show is only meaningful or relevant because of what it says about marriage. But I'll leave that for other reviews to describe :P

So, yeah, Mad About You is pretty awesome. Don't discard it for the latest hype. If you have the chance, watch the entire series, you won't regret it.

Paul Reiser's NY life

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 2 September 2013]

Paul Buchman (Paul Reiser) and Jamie Stemple Buchman (Helen Hunt) are a young NY couple. He's a indie documentary filmmaker. They bicker and love their way thru the days with their dog Murray. Lisa Stemple (Anne Ramsay) is her unstable sister. Ira Buchman (John Pankow) is his cousin. There is Jamie's best friend Fran Devanow (Leila Kenzle) and her ex Mark (Richard Kind).

There isn't some crazy job or crazy structure. It's the very ordinary family life that produce the biggest laughs. An early favorite is the third episode "Sunday Times". The couple is somehow stuck at home on Sunday despite their constant attempts to go out and do something. This is truly Paul Reiser's show. I also love the rest of the cast. They all have great chemistry. Considering it had 7 seasons, it should be considered a great success but I get a sense that it's often overlooked by critics and popular opinion.

Too Much "Social Justice" Nonsense

[fixitjamie · 2/10 · 9 July 2021]

I was good with the first several episodes, but frankly, I'm tired of "social justice" being shoved in my face by Hollywood. I'm done with it.

Only on Spectrum?

[filmmakerken · 20 November 2019]

The built in audience for this show is people over 40 who remember the original but you're going to cut off many of those viewers by airing on a platform with limited availability? Very stupid.

Good, not great

[crying_freeman_108 · 6/10 · 12 May 2006]

Mad About You follows the formula of a typical 90's NBC sitcom. All the required elements are there, a wacky character (Mark), a crazy character(Lisa), a snooty character(the neighbors), and a funny pet(Murray). However at times the writing and acting would make this show much better than the sum of these assembly line parts. Everybody knows Helen Hunt and all the awards she piled up but the contributions of Anne Ramsay are almost always overlooked. Her neurotic persona was the perfect contrast to Paul and Jamie. Although her character was an annoying and clingy personality, it often presented some excellent comic situation the more straight laced Buchman's would never engage in. The seemingly never ending series of problems Lisa would frustrate Paul and Jamie with was one of my favorite aspects of the show. The way in which Hunt and Reiser play off each other is another highlight. Unlike other couples in TV sitcoms the chemistry is undeniable in the first few seasons. So when the show would veer into more sentimental episodes, more often than not they would work. In the first few seasons the show was very subtle, no big madcap adventures making it much more interesting. They could get a lot of mileage out of simple scenarios, like a couple forced to spend New Years apart. Unfortunately after season 3's excellent 2 part finale the show took a severe dive in quality. The show became very hit or miss in season 4and by season 5 it was exhausted. Another problem is the show was written with a very choppy back and forth dialog flow which could sound very unnatural at times. It becomes more noticeable as you get into later seasons. It is a shame the show was stretched out so long because the first 3 seasons are generally excellent. A 9 for years 1-3, A 4 for years 4-7, Call it a 6 for the overall series.

Loved the Orginal

[kimbabbmom · 7/10 · 28 January 2021]

SO the 2019 leaves something . Well you know they were great in the beginning.. I felt their hearts were not in it. PAUL and Helen just ddint seem to care ..loved the orginal.. funny .. now with all the botox no one has facial expressions

Belly-laugh show

[Sinatrafan103 · 10/10 · 4 July 2006]

This show is seriously a belly-laugh show. It may seem pathetic, but once you get hooked on Mad About You, you wake up in the morning looking forward to the half hour you'll spend watching it. The show is perfectly cast, and I mean *perfectly* cast. Paul Reiser and Helen Hunt play off each other wonderfully-- The writing is seriously some of the best ever on TV. I watch the show when it's on at 2:30AM and everyone else in my house is asleep, and I honestly have to bite my lip to keep from laughing so loud that I wake everyone else up. Long story short: if you are looking for a clever, high brow, witty, well written, wonderfully acted, exceptional show you won't find it anywhere else. I just cannot think of enough adjectives to describe just how much I love, love, love this show!

Was a decent show until...

[adam_harris-19095 · 7/10 · 13 June 2023]

This show was ok back in the day. I started watching the new episodes they made in 2019, and I couldn't believe what a psycho the Helen Hunt's character is. She goes around destroying beds for no reason, asking Paul's character to do the DUMBEST things, like when he gets a toothpick, he needs to ask if she wants one too. Like, really? You're not an adult who can get your own toothpick? This show (the 2019 version) is exactly what the times indicate, a man bashing feminist, beating down her partner and having zero accountability. It makes me sick to think that Paul's character is just ABUSED by the women in this show. Watch the first 7 seasons, but let the last one go. It's a train wreck (unless you hate men, then go on, you'll love it).

Perfect

[patty502009 · 10/10 · 21 November 2019]

Loved this show the first time it aired and they've stepped right back into their characters. Will have to try not to binge in order to make it last.

Not Mad About It!

[Sylviastel · 7/10 · 26 March 2007]

Okay, I watched this show because it was funny but it was never a show that I enjoyed watching repeatedly. I love sitcoms but this one was annoying at times. I felt Helen Hunt was worthy of her multi-Emmys because she really made me like her character. Paul Reiser's character was just neurotic and annoying. Their chemistry worked but the show had a great cast like Cynthia Harris, Carroll O'Connor, Carol Burnett, etc. The show was set in New York City in a large apartment which costs a small fortune if you have the money. Paul and Helen showed us how married couples have their fights but truly love each other. Maybe the show works best if the audiences are married and need to laugh at somebody's else's misery. Anyway the show stayed on for seven seasons despite Helen's Oscar Win in 1998. The casting was great but the writing lacked. It was like Seinfeld got married to Elaine and they were living together. They were just annoying at times.

They should separate the series in original and NEW

[Banecek-LookAlike · 1/10 · 1 August 2021]

The original series was ok. The new series is unwatchable...as many people have already pointed out, Helen Hunts plastic surgery is a train wreck. It hurts to watch her on screen. And she is horribly annoying.

Paul Reseir holds up well.

Trying to be woke, there is an interracial couple.

Original series 5-6, New series 1.

So sad.

Wonderful show

[miguel_lupi00-30-739563 · 10/10 · 19 December 2019]

I can only rate the first two episodes but they are wonderful. As good as the original series at the very least, and that was one of the best shows of its time. Please make the show available in any form / platform, besides Spectrum.

Came close to picking up where it left off

[rmorsedmd-98441 · 7/10 · 14 July 2021]

I have been a huge fan of Mad About You for years, and my wife laughs at me for re-watching it on Amazon Prime, so when I found out there was an 8th season, I was excited to get into it, but the excitement wore off when the writers (or actors) decided to drop "s" bombs in most of the episodes, and it would have been nice for the continuity editors to be more familiar with the original series. Jamie knew about the mouse. She found it when she was crawling on the floor when she threw out her back. I would've liked to see Paul slap Ira on the forehead, or even Lucia doing it. How great would it have been to be able to use Janeane Garofalo as Mabel once again? I did like some of the references to previous life experiences the characters had, Sylvia mentioning Burt, Jamie with the photo of Murray, Marvin and his time at Buchman Sporting Goods. It took a couple of episodes for the actors to get back into their characters from the late 90's, but overall it was nice to see everyone that they could get back into the show, even the cameos. I watched the series while on a flight, and giggled at some of it, but overall, I could've done without the foul language.

But wait a minute...

[wblaircox · 3/10 · 26 December 2019]

They divorced at the end of the original series. It was an NBC show, all the couples ended badly. So what, they got back together when they got old? No thanks, it was ruined long ago when they started fighting who got the dog.

This is some good TV!

[Petey-10 · 7 November 2003]

Mad About You is a show about a married couple, Paul and Jamie Buchman, and they live in New York. The humor of the show comes from the every day stuff that happens in life. I gotta tell you, a sitcom can't get too much better from this. It can be very funny sometimes, pretty often actually, but it can be pretty serious also from time to time. One of the main things why this show works so good, is the actors. Paul Reiser and Helen Hunt are perfect as the leading stars. And why are they so good? Because they have chemistry. They have it so much it could fill the whole room. From the other cast I have to mention Leila Kenzle as Fran, Anne Ramsay as Lisa, Richard Kind as Mark, John Pankow as Ira, Cynthia Harris as Sylvia, Louis Zorich as Burt, Carol Burnett as Theresa, Carroll O'Connor as Gus and Lisa Kudrow as Ursula. And let's not forget Maui the Dog as Murray. That dog got all the best lines! The guests of the show are unique. Many times they have stole the show. Or how do you like this guest list; Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, Jerry Seinfeld, Jerry Lewis...the list just goes on. In Mad About You the dialogue is something really amazing. There just isn't one bad thing I can tell you about this show. Well one bad thing is that it has ended now. There is no Mad About You no more because they canceled it four years ago. It ran in the years 1992-1999 and it was good while it lasted. But everything must end sometimes.Now there are nothing but reruns. So let's just enjoy watching the reruns of one great television show.