“I’m getting too old for this stuff”

“The Murtaugh List”

It’s arguably the worst day of the week: Monday. The weekend hangover still looms. You are still four days away from the next weekend. And every hour during the day seems to drag on. But there’s a surprising reason for optimism. CBS has quietly assembled a hilarious Monday night TV lineup that shines a slim ray of light on an otherwise dismal day.

The night begins with The Big Bang Theory, a second year show that features four nerdy guys who live next to a hot woman. The interactions are hilarious. Each character perfectly plays off of each other with witty comebacks and hilarious one-liners. I didn’t really get into the show regularly until a few months ago but now that I watch it weekly, I am hooked.

While some might think the night is anchored by Two And A Half Men, the real highlight of the night is How I Met Your Mother (or as we call it HIMYM). You probably recognize Alyson Hannigan from the American Pie movies or Jason Segal from Forgetting Sarah Marshall. For those of you a bit older, look closely and you will realize Barney is none other than Doogie Howser. This show is in its fourth season. I just got into it about 15 months ago through re-runs and DVDs of Season 1 and 2 but it a funny show about five people who live in New York. Think Friends but actually funny. The cast hangs out in a bar and has a number of running gags (i.e. Suit Up) and carry-over themes. The show uses flashbacks and quick-cutaways to make funny moments. It is easy to get caught up on each episode. At the end of the episode, I always find myself wishing the show was longer.

I am going to move past Two And A Half Men. It is supposedly funny but I have never really gotten into it. For some reason, Charlie Sheen as a ladies man at age 50 doesn’t seem right.

A new show that just re-emerged at the 8:30 CDT time slot is Rules of Engagement. It just started its second season as a midseason replacement. It stars David Spade and “Puddy” from Seinfeld. It is about two couples living in the same building. Puddy is hilarious and Spade always delivers a winning performance. It’s a mindless show that seems to constantly get laughs. Give it a chance.

If you have to pick one show for the evening, I recommend giving HIMYM a chance. However, if you have the time, get comfortable on your couch and enjoy a funny night. Monday’s will never be the same.

This post was Ghostwritten by Adam Fink