Ned and Stacey: The Complete Series [DVD]

Ned & Stacey was one of the most funniest shows in the 1990s. It had that dry viciousness that made Arrested Development such a classic. The casting on this show was spot on. Rewatching this makes me sharing my head as to why they cancelled this. Current comedies take notes from this show.

I distinctly remember this show as being the first of very few 'appointment television' -type shows to dot the landscape of the TV-watching aspect of my life. I looked forward to every single episode of "Ned and Stacey", loved the show, & was bewildered & seriously bummed when it was cancelled.Having a humorous premise is one thing (& on the face of it, the premise of this show is practically ripe for humor), but to be able to take it in multiple directions, let alone come up with so many plausible potential scenarios, issues, & 'consequences' -- given the premise of 2 people who irritate each other, but get married & live together so that each can gain something of specific importance -- required intelligence & creativity, & skillful writing & execution. The writing was terrific, & the acting by the 4 principal actors (as well as others, for that matter) was fantastic, & topped off by the chemistry between them, collectively rendered each episode a wonderful, interesting, & humorous look at various 'what if(s)' associated with the lives of 2 strong-willed people contending with the constraint-filled & what-others-expect-to-be-true-and-assume-of-two-people-who-are-married circumstance that they themselves created, & about which only 2 others in their inner circle know the truth.Along the way, the various comical scenarios end up illustrating some irony & various truths about people, & relationships (& marriages, in particular), that make for an all-the-more-interesting ride when taking a 'trip' through Ned and Stacey -land... Also, & which is seemingly inevitable when it comes to various people who don't actually take the time to get to know one another, but then spend extensive time around each other, you see ~hint-like occasional moments when Ned & Stacey seem to come to a better understanding of each other, & while they won't admit it, they gradually start to have a bit of respect for each other, & the formative element of a friendship is ultimately 'there' despite the 'best efforts' of each to think they couldn't possibly like the other.I've just watched episodes of this series (the entire first season) for the first time since it was originally broadcast, over 15 years ago, & the humor holds up so incredibly well, all these years later. I am delighted beyond words to be able to watch episodes of this show again, & in watching the first season in a kind of 'marathon viewing session', was reminded of just how rare it is for me to find *any* television series which makes me laugh out loud & smile so much.I hope like crazy that Season Two is ultimately made available -- not only for those of us who watched the series when it was originally televised, but also for those who either didn't happen to catch it the first time around, or weren't able to (for some, due only to the fact that they were children at the time [& not old enough for a show with a premise involving marriage], let alone those who were not yet born). Studio head honchos & decision-makers -- please, please, please make Season Two available on DVD.Thomas Haden Church has always been in a class by himself, & his unique & significant impact on this series is a comedy wonder to behold. While I liked him in "Wings", I absolutely loved him in "Ned and Stacey". Similarly, while I liked Debra Messing in "Will & Grace", I enjoyed her far more in "Ned & Stacey". Additionally, Greg Germann, who I've enjoyed in many projects over the years, was terrific in this series (among so many things, there are times when he has to 'turn on a dime', perceived allegiance -wise, & he is able to convey so much [& comically so] with just a quick change in his facial expression [at times followed by some well-delivered accompanying line]). And Nadia Dajani, who I've seen in various projects since "Ned & Stacey", is fantastic as Stacey's sister, who thinks Stacey is nuts to have entered into a 'fake marriage', & to boot, Nadia's character can't stand Ned, suffers no fools, & 'tells it like it is' -- albeit with such skillfully delivered lines & accompanying facial expression & body language, & to great comedic effect.Lastly, the limited special features with the Season One set are interesting & fun.Love, love, love this show...

Ned & Stacy was a victim of FOX’s “shoot from the hip” fear. (Proved foolish by many other shows.) Though without their premature cancellation Thomas Haden Church’s Oscar Nominated “Sideways” wouldn’t have happened and Debra Messing’s “Will & Grace” wouldn’t have happened.That said, this is a wonderful collection because it contains eleven episodes, all great, that have never been aired. Creator Michael Weithorn managed to bring beautiful closure to the series despite the elenth hour guillotine. The second season, seen here for the first time, pulls Ned out of the office a bit and focuses scenes at the Muffin Shop that Amanda and Ned bought together. This becomes the Central Perk, Cafe Nervosa, Monks Cafe for Ned & Stacy allowing all four characters to play off each other together (far fewer scenes at the restaurant from season one that Stacy sets on fire after abusing Olivia Newton John.) It also allows the addition of a few semi-regulars as customers and employees. All of whom are stellar.The cast: Not since “Cheers” has a central cast been so gifted and bonded. Tom Church, Debra Messing, Greg Germann, and Nadia Dajani are as brilliant as Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Rhea Pearlman, and Woody Harrelson. Thomas Haden Church is a mind so BRILLIANT that one can never know what to expect or whether he’s gone off script- even in episodes written by Charlie Kaufman. (Oh, yes. The writing staff is also stellar.) Debra-well, we ALL know her skill though Stacy Colbert is a very different character than Grace Adler. She’s far more ethical, far more strong, far more sloppy, but just as over the top. Greg Germann is funny in a skilled, well timed, hysterical way that balances like a scale against boisterous Church. The gem is Nadia Dajani, who can go from sweet to bitch in 5 seconds, and is the common sense character surrounded by loonies and out of love is often pushed to the brink.The series could have run another season but the future was predictable given the finale. Where it was left was creatively twenty-five years ahead of it’s time. Not all stories are wrapped up with a bow like Friends, Roseanne, Wings, Cheers, or Frasier. Our imaginations are left on our own for follow through more like “Breaking Bad”.Weithorn used a brilliant and hysterical tag for each episode in which the envelope is pushed and the fourth wall cracked, always choosing a moment from the episode- a subtle but expandable moment- that’s never been done.We were sad when Church left “Wings” but this more than makes up for it.

I know this show never really took off when it initially aired on Fox, especially since it got canceled during the middle of Season 2. Viewers eventually got to see both seasons in it’s entirety on USA network. I am so glad the complete series is out on DVD. I’ve had Season 1 for about 10 years.I know the premise may have turned off a lot of potential viewers since they get married more of convenience (Ned gets his promotion at his advertising agency, Stacey finally moves out of her parent’s house) but it was still a good show.

I always watched this or video taped it.Funny irreverent show and topicsGood shiw never last.Stupid shows play for yaears and make the advertisers moneyAt least it's on dvd

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I loved this show when it was on tv. It was one of the best things on tv at the time. Some years later I bought season one on dvd and then wondered for a long time if they would ever release season 2. Instead they released this complete series. I'm glad they finally did so.Concept of the show is a couple arrange a fake marriage for the sake of furthering their careers. Which they do. And the comedy abounds.

I've waited 20+ years to see the last 19 episodes of Season2... and savored every minute.This was My favored sitcom of the time and always sorry it ended.The only thing that would have made this better is if it was available on Blu-ray.That being the only criticism... c'est la vie

Felt a bit disappointed. After Wings and pre Will and Grace I expected more. It was good, just not great. Both leads went on to much better.