'Mad About You' Revival Episode 1 is a nostalgic return to the 90s as Paul and Jamie begin their lives as empty nesters
For a long time, star and co-creator Paul Reiser was insistent on not revisiting 'Mad About You' for a revival. That all changed when last year, the revival was announced with the two major stars including Reiser and Helen Hunt to be attached to the limited series optioned by Spectrum Originals.
The first episode of the revival jumps right back into its premise -- with Paul and Jamie getting ready to drop their daughter, Mabel off at New York University -- and both Paul and Jamie deal with their daughter leaving in their own way. In the original series finale that aired in 1999, an adult Mabel narrated a scenario 20 years into the future, where Paul and Jamie had split up and found their way back with each other. Whether that will be stuck to or erased, we will have to see through the limited series.
We are introduced to all our old favorites, including supporting characters like Mark, Lisa, and Ira, and some new ones like Mark's new wife, Tonya as all of them offer condolences to the couple on their daughter moving out. Through Mark's declarations that it was his child leaving for college that facilitated his split with Fran, it seems likely the revival might indeed show what the original series finale showed -- that Paul and Jamie will go their separate ways.
For old fans, the first episode will feel like a comforting step back into the 90s, and those new to the show will likely recognize the nostalgic feel as well. A lot has changed in the 20 years 'Mad About You' ended, especially in New York, where the sitcom is set. Though the first episode might be too early to acknowledge the many upheavals the country has gone through, it feels remiss to pretend that we live in the same world.
However, the revival offers what the original offered to its viewers: a refreshing look at a modern relationship. The original sitcom navigated the ups and downs of Paul and Jamie's married life and the revival promises to do the same for the couple that now finds themselves to be empty nesters.
The first six episodes of the 'Mad About You' limited series revival are available to stream on Spectrum's On Demand platform from November 20th. The final six episodes will be available from December 18th.