By: Jesse Striewski
Like many of us who grew up watching much of the original run of Night Court from 1984-1992, I too was initially excited to hear the beloved classic show based in a New York City court house would be coming back for a reboot in 2023. But like the majority of media that’s resurrected in today’s world, I was also skeptical knowing that often times the original source material is far better left alone (Fuller House is first to come to mind). I only caught sporadic episodes of the first season of said “reboot” here though, but made a conscience effort to make it through the entirety of season two, for better or worse.
Dan Larroquette is the only cast member to return from the original series (it’s a shame the late Richard Moll was unable to appear as Bull Shannon at least once prior to his passing in 2023), and has unfortunately lost much of his “edge” in this tamed-down version of the character. Melissa Rauch is cast in the lead role as Abby, the daughter of the late Judge Harry Stone (Harry Anderson), and at times works when she’s not being too overly “Hey, look at me and the funny thing I just did!”
This particular season tackled everything from granting children’s Christmas wishes to comic cons, each with varying results. One standout episode titled “The Roz Affair” finds former cast member Marsha Warfield returning as Roz Doyle, leading to a fairly welcomed reunion between her and Larroquette (Lacretta does an admirable job as current bailiff Donna “Gurgs” Gurganous in her place). Warfield later returns for the final episode of the season centering around her wedding, yet another highlight.
Another episode titled “Wheelers of Fortune” finds Brent Spiner and Annie O’Donnell returning as the whacky Bob and June Wheeler, and add some humorous moments of their own. But then there’s also episodes like “The Dukes a Hazard,” so forced and unfunny I felt embarrassed for all those involved (even gust star Dave Foley, whose work on The Kids in the Hall and elsewhere I’ve often enjoyed over the years).
I can’t say I would give this latest version of Night Court a high recommendation per se, but there are way worse sitcoms out there these days in comparison. Give it at least a casual try if you were ever a fan of the original show and judge for yourself.
Rating: 2.5/5 Stars