The TV Chick

Melissa & Joey stars two of my favorite sitcom actors from my youth: Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence. It’s a quirky show about a “manny” who comes into Mel Burke’s (a former wild child now local politician) family and shakes things up a bit. Burke’s niece and nephew moved in because their mom got sent to jail and it makes for an interesting family dynamic. I recently had the chance to chat with Taylor Spreitler, who plays Lennox (the niece). The former daytime television star is having a blast working with Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence and she talked about working in front of a live studio audience, some funny fan encounters and what makes this show unique.

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Melissa & Joey is a new sitcom on ABC Family about a “manny” (Joey Lawrence) who works for a local politician Mel Burke (Melissa Joan Hart) who took in her niece and nephew. I actually have really been enjoying it so far, and most of all I love seeing stars from my favorite 90s sitcoms back on television. Melissa Joan Hart is charming and believable as the aunt character and Joey Lawrence has come a long way since his “whoa!” days. Although if he wanted to throw one in for good measure, I wouldn’t object. I recently had the chance to participate in a call with Melissa Joan Hart. She talked about her new role, what made her want to come back to a series and what she’s learned from Clarissa to Sabrina to Mel.

Continue reading “Q&A: Melissa Joan Hart (Mel Burke) from Melissa & Joey” »

Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence are back on my TV? I must be dreaming, right? Quite amazingly, ABC Family has brought together two of my favorite actors from my youth and put them together to star in a sitcom. Melissa Joan Hart plays Mel, Congresswoman extraordinaire whose sister went to prison and now she has to take care of her niece and nephew. Joey Lawrence plays a guy who crashes one of her press conferences, and then crashes into her life. He’s an unemployed former commodities broker who becomes her “manny.” Sounds a bit familiar right? Who’s The Boss (another childhood favorite) had a very similar plot, but I am totally in favor of a reboot. Plus Mel is a lot more likeable than Angela, and so far I haven’t seen a nosy mother like Mona. But I digress.

Melissa and Joey is a throwback to the sitcoms I know and love. Sitcoms are what solidified my love for TV, and they have changed so much in the last ten years or so. I think Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence are charming and have great chemistry. And neither of them look like they’ve aged one bit. I think the concept and plot work, and the laugh track is unobtrusive. ABC Family has a really good track record of making quality hits and I think Melissa and Joey will fit right into their lineup. In fact, I think a lot of viewers will be the ones who grew up with these actors just like me. Melissa’s acting is genuine and I can’t wait to see where the relationships go with her niece and nephew. Joey Lawrence is very funny, and I keep waiting for him to bust out a “whoa!” I would probably jump for joy.

The show reminds me of my youth and is a very fun way to spend a half hour. I remember I was a bit skeptical about Huge at first and it got really, really good. I feel like this show has the same potential. Pilots are very rarely the best episode of the series, but I really enjoyed this one. Perhaps we can see a cameo of one of Sabrina’s aunts? Or a Lawrence brother make an appearance? Whatever the future holds for Melissa and Joey, I am very happy to see both of them back on my TV again.

Melissa and Joey premieres tonight at 8 PM on ABC Family. Be sure to tune in!