The New Adventures of Old Christine is a comedy series starring
Julia Louis-DreyfusJulia Scarlett Elizabeth Louis-Dreyfus is an American actress and comedian best known for her role as Elaine Benes on the NBC sitcom Seinfeld.She has won two Emmy Awards, five Screen Actors Guild Awards and a Golden Globe Award....
as a recently divorced single mother. The series debuted as a
midseason replacementIn American and Canadian television a midseason replacement is a television show that premieres in the second half of the traditional television season, usually between January and May...
on March 13, 2006 on CBS and has broadcast four complete seasons.
The sitcom returned for a fifth season, which premiered on September 23, 2009.
Old Christine, as it is often more conveniently called, is a
Warner Bros. TelevisionWarner Bros. Television is the television production and distribution arm of Warner Bros. Entertainment, itself part of Time Warner. Alongside CBS Television Studios, it serves as a television production arm of The CW Television Network , though it also produces shows for other networks, such as...
production and was created by writer
Kari LizerKari Lizer is an American actress, writer, and producer. She was born August 26, 1961 in San Diego, California. She is the executive producer of the CBS sitcom The New Adventures of Old Christine...
, who is also the show's executive producer.
Plot summary
In the show, Louis-Dreyfus stars as Christine Campbell, a neurotic divorced mother and owner of a women's
gymThe word γυμνάσιον was used in Ancient Greece, meaning a locality for both physical and intellectual education of young men...
who is in a constant struggle to keep pace with those around her. A frequent fixture in her life is her irresponsible ex-husband Richard (
Clark GreggClark Gregg is an American actor, screenwriter and director. He co-stars in the CBS sitcom The New Adventures of Old Christine, which debuted in early 2006.-Biography:...
) whose new girlfriend (
Emily RutherfurdEmily Rutherfurd is an American actress who is best known for her role as "New Christine" Hunter on the CBS sitcom The New Adventures of Old Christine....
) is also named Christine, hence the nickname "Old Christine" for the Louis-Dreyfus character. Christine lives with her son Richie and her brother Matthew (
Hamish LinklaterHamish Linklater is an American actor, currently starring as Matthew in the CBS sitcom The New Adventures of Old Christine...
), while
Wanda SykesWanda Sykes is an American writer, stand-up comedian and actress. She is known for her blunt comedic observations on current events, the differences between the sexes and races, and the human condition. She is known for her role as Barb on The New Adventures of Old Christine, on HBO's Curb Your...
portrays Christine's best friend and colleague Barb. Christine also struggles with her inferiority complex with the snobby "meanie moms" (
Alex Kapp HornerAlex Kapp Horner is an American actress who currently co-stars as Lindsay on the CBS sitcom The New Adventures of Old Christine.She began her career Los Angeles as a member of The Groundlings comedy troupe...
and Tricia O'Kelley) at her son's private school.
The show has featured recurring roles for a wide range of established actors including
Blair UnderwoodBlair Underwood is an American television and film actor. He is perhaps best known as headstrong attorney Jonathan Rollins from the NBC legal drama L.A. Law, a role he portrayed for seven years. He has gained critical acclaim throughout his career, receiving three NAACP Image Awards and 1 Grammy...
,
Dave FoleyDavid Scott "Dave" Foley is a Canadian actor, best known for his work in The Kids in the Hall, NewsRadio, and Celebrity Poker Showdown...
,
Scott BakulaScott Stewart Bakula is an American actor. His most prominent roles have been as Sam Beckett in the science fiction television series Quantum Leap, and as Captain Jonathan Archer in Star Trek: Enterprise. He also co-starred with Maria Bello in the short-lived CBS television series Mr. & Mrs...
,
Andy RichterPaul Andrew "Andy" Richter is an American actor, writer and comedian. He is best known for his sidekick role on Late Night with Conan O'Brien between 1993 and 2000...
and
Jane LynchJane Lynch is an American writer, actress, comedian, and singer best known for her roles in Christopher Guest comedies such as Best in Show and Judd Apatow comedies like The 40-Year-Old Virgin. She is currently starring in the Fox comedy Glee.-Early life:Lynch was born and raised in Dolton, Illinois...
.
Season one
Season one of
The New Adventures of Old Christine consisted of 13 episodes, kicked off by setting up the show's premise. Christine found out at her son's new posh private school that her ex-husband and friend is dating a new, younger
girlfriendGirlfriend is a term that can refer to either a female partner in a non-marital romantic relationship or a female non-intimate friend that is closer than other friends....
, also named Christine. Christine then sets out to find some happiness, and begins to date Burton until Christine can't tell him she loves him, leading to a breakup. Christine also had some showdowns with meanie moms Marly and Lindsay, and in the season finale, Christine had a chance to get back with Burton, which was plagued when he found out that she'd
kissedA kiss is the touching of one person's lips to another place, which is used as an expression of affection, respect, greeting, farewell, good luck, romantic affection or sexual desire...
with Richard the previous day.
New Christine left Richard when he told her, closing the season with a
cliffhangerA cliffhanger or cliffhanger ending is a plot device in fiction which features a main character in a precarious or difficult dilemma, or confronted with a shocking revelation...
.
Season two
Season two had a full 22-episode order, and continued the explosive season 1 finale where Ritchie incorrectly told his new class that Richard and Christine had reconciled. Christine and Richard, following this, unsuccessfully give their
relationshipAn intimate relationship is a particularly close interpersonal relationship. It is a relationship in which the participants know or trust one another very well or are confidants of one another, or a relationship in which there is physical or emotional intimacy.Intimate relationships play a central...
another try. The next episode found Christine meet a handsome man and begin to date him, as Richard and New Christine reconciled. However, when Christine,
New Christine, Richard and the stranger are in the house,
New Christine calls out the man as her father, effectively complicating the once strong relationship. Shortly after in the season, the two broke up.
Still early, Christine and Ritchie's new teacher expressed their feelings for each other but established they couldn't get romantically involved. As the season progressed, Christine sent out an email that found Mr. Harris nearly fired, and Christine realized she had to move on; she began dating Tom, but the date was ruined when he had diarrhea. Christine and Mr. Harris once again hit it off. As the season began to conclude, Matthew and Barb started to express feelings for each other after a messy wedding where Christine ruined the bride's time and
New Christine, again, left Richard. Christine and Richard again slept together where Christine suffered a
pregnancyPregnancy is the carrying of one or more offspring, known as a fetus or embryo, inside the uterus of a female. In a pregnancy, there can be multiple gestations, as in the case of twins or triplets. Human pregnancy is the most studied of all mammalian pregnancies. Obstetrics is the surgical field...
scare, which thankfully was avoided. The season finished with Richard and
New Christine together and Christine and Mr. Harris together.
Season three
In a 10-episode third season, shortened by the
WGAWGA is a three-letter abbreviation for:* Writers Guild of America, an American union** Writers Guild of America, East** Writers Guild of America, West* Web Gallery of Art* Western Golf Association...
strike, Christine and Mr. Harris had a smooth going relationship, until Christine's schedule became too hectic midway through the season and, to her dismay, he left her. Christine made a new friend earlier, Mike, who tried to help her through the breakup. Christine then tried dating again, but then dated a guy who proved to still be in high
schoolA school , is an institution designed to allow and encourage students to learn, under the supervision of teachers. Most countries have systems of formal education, which is commonly compulsory. In these systems, students progress through a series of schools...
, obviously not going well. Richard and New Christine bought a house and it turned out to be Christine's dream house, not sitting right with her. Matthew and Barb slept together and stayed together to punish Christine, although not into each other in reality. They split up at the end of the season. The finale featured
Jason AlexanderJason Alexander is an American actor, comedian and singer, best known for his role as George Costanza on the television series Seinfeld.-Early life:...
, as the episode set up a
SeinfeldSeinfeld is an American television sitcom that originally aired on NBC from July 5, 1989, to May 14, 1998, lasting nine seasons, and is now in syndication. The eponymous series was created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld, with the latter starring as a fictionalized version of himself...
Reunion.
Season four
The fourth season debuted on September 24, 2008, and consists of 22 episodes. In the season premiere, Barb discovered that because of her divorce and her foreign status, she would have to be temporarily deported until her paperwork could be sorted out. Christine offered to marry her to keep her in the country and Barb reluctantly accepted, even though it was apparent that Christine was much more into the marriage concept than she was. Richard, after many failed attempts, successfully proposed to New Christine. Marly showed up to school a few months pregnant to save her marriage, and moments later a less-pregnant Lindsay comes, who was pressured into pregnancy to revive her friendship with Marly. The two went into labor eventually and were assisted by Christine.
Meanwhile, Matthew began his work as a therapist and his first patient "Lucy" played by
Michaela WatkinsMichaela Suzanne Watkins is an American actress, best known for her various roles as a cast member on Saturday Night Live; a regular performer with The Groundlings in Los Angeles; and as the role of "Lucy" in the 4th season of The New Adventures of Old Christine...
had a problem with a lack of boundaries with authority figures, and this included Matthew. Matthew tried to control himself but the two ended up kissing. Problems such as sleeping together and Lucy acting like Christine arose, but the issues strengthened their relationship. They moved in together, but this was a decision which proved to be a bad one, as both exhibited neurotic behavior and an upsetting break-up was the result.
Christine and Barb go on a double date with two random guys, and they both fall in love with their respective dates, and both become part of a couple. Christine realized Patrick was the perfect guy when he accepted Richard as being a part of her life, but she took it too far and he temporarily left her, but the two reconciled. In the end, though, Patrick shows off some rage issues and Christine fearfully breaks up with him.
Christine and Barb, when their gym is checked up on, find out that they've broken a clause in their contract because of their same sex marriage and must either support 'no gay rights' or lose their gym. They reluctantly gave up the gym and briefly contemplated turning it into a day spa, but this was short lived and they found money to re-open a gym their own way, at the expense of Barb living with Christine. This, too, was short lived.
Richard and New Christine realize that they want a permanent solution and have no children. Richard cannot go through with the vasectomy, though, and continues intimacy with her despite the massive consequences.
Christine ran into an old rival of hers from elementary school, and their encounter was short and Christine got her revenge. At New Christine and Richard's wedding rehearsal, Christine took him as a date to make Richard jealous. During their time at the rehearsal Christine realized she was jealous and uncomfortable that Richard was getting remarried, but was able to feel genuinely happy for him.
Matthew, at the rehearsal, met New Christine's cynical and alternative sister Amy, and instantly felt an attraction, glad to get over Lucy. Their relationship continues into their wedding where Matthew is heartbroken once more when Amy says she lives in London and that their relationship means nothing to her.
Barb finally meets a decent guy at the wedding and they hit it off. But when Barb jokes about her marriage with Old Christine and her illegal status, the man reveals that he is an
Immigration and Naturalization ServiceThe United States Immigration and Naturalization Service was a part of the United States Department of Justice and handled legal and illegal immigration and naturalization. It ceased to exist on March 1, 2003....
agent and he has no choice but to arrest her.
Christine reunited with 'Papa' Jeff Hunter at New Christine and Richard's wedding. She decided to give him another chance and the two immediately rekindled their relationship. Shortly thereafter, Christine was introduced to a woman, who revealed herself to be 'Papa' Jeff's fiance. Christine, heartbroken, puts Richard into a dilemma--should he be with his soon-to-be wife, or his ex-wife/best friend. Over New Christine's protests, Richard chooses to go comfort Old Christine. Later, as the ceremony begins, New Christine fails to appear as the wedding processional plays, thus ending the season on a
cliffhangerA cliffhanger or cliffhanger ending is a plot device in fiction which features a main character in a precarious or difficult dilemma, or confronted with a shocking revelation...
.
Season five
On May 20, 2009,
CBSCBS Broadcasting Inc. is an American television network, one of television's original "big three", which also include NBC and ABC. Like NBC, CBS started out as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System...
announced at their upfronts presentation that
The New Adventures of Old Christine had been renewed for a fifth season, to air a 22-episode season in the same timeslot as its previous season. This renewal came after
ABCThe American Broadcasting Company is an American television network. Created in 1943 from the former NBC Blue radio network, ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Company and is part of Disney-ABC Television Group. It first broadcast on television in 1948...
assured the comedy a 22 episode season on their network should CBS have dropped it.
Season 5 premiered on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at 8:00PM ET.
It has also been confirmed that
Eric McCormackEric James McCormack is a Canadian-American actor, musician, writer and producer. Born in Toronto, he began his acting career performing in school plays at Stephen Leacock Collegiate Institute High School...
will have a recurring role this season, playing a therapist who has an office next to Matthew's and becomes a love interest for Christine.Julia Louis Dreyfus gave away these details about McCormack's role: "He's going to be a therapist in Matthew's suite of therapist offices and I'm going to start to see him as a therapist;a [possible] romance and plenty of dysfunction abounds."Dreyfus has also confirmed that
Wanda SykesWanda Sykes is an American writer, stand-up comedian and actress. She is known for her blunt comedic observations on current events, the differences between the sexes and races, and the human condition. She is known for her role as Barb on The New Adventures of Old Christine, on HBO's Curb Your...
, despite a cliffhanger suggesting she'd not return as a regular, has been confirmed to return in the fifth season full time, saying Sykes's new late-night talk show for FOX won't interfere with her day-time tapings of the show, though she adds, "But I'll let you know a couple of months in".
In the fifth season premier, which aired on September 23 2009, the characters pick up where they left off in season 4, and cliffhangers are resolved. Barb makes it safely back to the US by getting engaged to Richard, and takes away a romantic relationship with Dave, the man who had no choice but to detain her at the wedding. Richard, meanwhile, begs New Christine to take him back but she clearly states she is over him. As Barb and Richard become officially wed, Old Christine feels a sense of unimportance when Barb divorces her. Matthew begins to give therapy to Marly and Lindsay, which is actually more just giving compliments to them. Richard moves back in with New Christine when Old Christine kicks him out, though they are in no way romantically involved... yet.
Main
- Christine Campbell (née Kimble) (Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Julia Scarlett Elizabeth Louis-Dreyfus is an American actress and comedian best known for her role as Elaine Benes on the NBC sitcom Seinfeld.She has won two Emmy Awards, five Screen Actors Guild Awards and a Golden Globe Award....
), the main character of the series, is a divorced mother who owns and operates a gym for women. She has a number of neuroses: although she suffers from feelings of inadequacy, she can also be highly self-centered and self-obsessed. Christine's bad luck with relationships continued after her divorce, and included failed relationships with New Christine's father, her son's teacher and her ex-brother-in-law. Christine is obsessed with being seen as socially progressive and liberal, and recently married her best friend Barb when she risked being deported, though this marriage ended shortly due to the fact that it in no way protected Barb.
- Richard Campbell (Clark Gregg
Clark Gregg is an American actor, screenwriter and director. He co-stars in the CBS sitcom The New Adventures of Old Christine, which debuted in early 2006.-Biography:...
), is Christine's ex-husband, who maintains a frequent presence in her life. After divorcing Christine, he found love with another woman named Christine, whom he nicknames "New Christine". He suffers from commitment issues, and only recently did he finally get engaged. Richard's presence on his ex-wife's life caused a strain between himself and New Christine, which heightened when she walked out on their wedding. He's currently trying to win her back.
- Matthew Kimble (Hamish Linklater
Hamish Linklater is an American actor, currently starring as Matthew in the CBS sitcom The New Adventures of Old Christine...
), is Christine's live-in brother, who often acts as the straight manStraight man may refer to:* Straight Man, a novel by Richard Russo* A member of a double act who plays a foil in theatrical comedy* A heterosexual male...
to his neurotic sister. Matthew has had trouble finding a career path: first he entered and then quit medical school, and is currently pursuing a career as a therapist. He suffers from a somewhat unnatural attachment to his mother (who he kisses on the mouth and speaks to several times daily), but recently lost loves with many women, and is left heartbroken.
- Barbara Baran, best-know as Barb (Wanda Sykes
Wanda Sykes is an American writer, stand-up comedian and actress. She is known for her blunt comedic observations on current events, the differences between the sexes and races, and the human condition. She is known for her role as Barb on The New Adventures of Old Christine, on HBO's Curb Your...
), is Christine's straight-talking best friend and colleague at the gym (whom she often calls "my black friend Barb"). Barb is divorced and in the fourth season was revealed to be from the Bahamas and not a US citizen. She has a dry, sarcastic sense of humor and is rarely enthused by any of Christine's plans. Barb and Christine got married early in season four to save Barb from deportation, but their same-sex marriage ended up resulting in them losing ownership of their gym. Since they lost the gym, Barb sold her condo to build up a new business and is living with Christine, and is engaged to Richard to stave off deportation. She's also in a relationship with Dave, a man she met at he wedding.
- Christine Hunter (Emily Rutherfurd
Emily Rutherfurd is an American actress who is best known for her role as "New Christine" Hunter on the CBS sitcom The New Adventures of Old Christine....
), is Richard's former fiance, an often frustrated and confused young blonde whom he nicknames "New Christine". She is annoyed by Richard's continued friendship with Old Christine, who treats her with derision, leading to friction between the two women. She is also frustrated with Richard's slow pace of commitment to their relationship. She walked out on their wedding, and she currently is single and holds intense anger towards Richard for ruining their wedding.
- Richie Campbell (Trevor Gagnon
Trevor Michael Gagnon is an American actor who has starred in many commercials along with multiple television series and a few films. Gagnon starred in the 2009 comedy Shorts.-Filmography:...
), Christine and Richard's only son, who attends a posh private school. Often smothered by his mother, his lack of masculine traits had recently begun to worry his father.
- Marly and Lindsay (Tricia O'Kelley and Alex Kapp Horner
Alex Kapp Horner is an American actress who currently co-stars as Lindsay on the CBS sitcom The New Adventures of Old Christine.She began her career Los Angeles as a member of The Groundlings comedy troupe...
), are two mean, rich mothers whose children attend Richie's school. They are looked upon as the 'queen bees' of the school, although Marly is clearly dominant to the subservient Lindsay (Lindsay even got pregnant when Marly did so Marly wouldn't have to do it alone). They frequently make Christine feel inferior, leading Christine to constantly trying to find ways to get back at them.
Supporting
- Mike Gay (Tom Papa
Tom Papa is an American comedian known for his many TV and film appearances.-Life and career:Papa was born in Passaic, NJ and grew up in New Jersey. He attended Pascack Hills High School....
),Christine's only friend at Westbridge, as he is similar to Christine in that he is not wealthy and divorced. Season 3
- Sad Stan (Andy Richter
Paul Andrew "Andy" Richter is an American actor, writer and comedian. He is best known for his sidekick role on Late Night with Conan O'Brien between 1993 and 2000...
), divorced and mocked father at Westbridge that Christine finds herself unable to not sleep with. She later announces why she finds him so irresistible. Seasons 1-3
- Jeff Hunter (Scott Bakula
Scott Stewart Bakula is an American actor. His most prominent roles have been as Sam Beckett in the science fiction television series Quantum Leap, and as Captain Jonathan Archer in Star Trek: Enterprise. He also co-starred with Maria Bello in the short-lived CBS television series Mr. & Mrs...
), originally Christine's love interest, but soon finds out is 'New' Christine's father. They continue to date for a while after but eventually becomes too much for Christine. At New Christine and Richard's wedding, Jeff and Christine rekindle their relationship. Christine realizes shortly after this he is engaged. Season 2,4
- Tom (Dave Foley
David Scott "Dave" Foley is a Canadian actor, best known for his work in The Kids in the Hall, NewsRadio, and Celebrity Poker Showdown...
), Richard's work associate and obsesser of Christine. After he got sick on their first date, they slightly bonded later in the series. Seasons 2-3
- Daniel Harris (Blair Underwood
Blair Underwood is an American television and film actor. He is perhaps best known as headstrong attorney Jonathan Rollins from the NBC legal drama L.A. Law, a role he portrayed for seven years. He has gained critical acclaim throughout his career, receiving three NAACP Image Awards and 1 Grammy...
), former teacher of Ritchie until he gave it up to date Christine. Christine had been in love with him for a long time and although dating goes well, it eventually becomes too much for Daniel because of Christine's schedule. Seasons 2-3
- Ali (Amy Farrington
Amy Farrington is an American actress and model that is best known for her role as Stacey Devers on The Michael Richards Show.-Television appearances:*The Michael Richards Show 10 episodes as Stacey Devers...
), quiet, shy and surprisingly witty worker at the gym. Seasons 1-4
- Mrs. Belt (Jordan Baker), Ritchie's third grade teacher. Season 1
- Burton Shaffer (Matt Letscher
-Biography:Letscher was born in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. He attended college at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI where he was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity....
), Christine's on-and-off romantic interest. She always finds herself stupidly splitting them up until Burton had therapy. They dated again but he was so different and strange Christine couldn't take it. Seasons 1-2
- Ashley (Lily Goff), Marly's air-headed daughter. Seasons 1-4
- Kelsey (Marissa Blanchard), Lindsay's daughter with lesbian tendencies. Seasons 1-4
- Kit/Mrs. Nunley (Nancy Lenehan
Nancy Lenehan is an American actress who had a starring role on the CBS sitcom Worst Week which was just recently canceled, and a recurring role on NBC sitcom My Name Is Earl as Earl and Randy's mother...
), peppy principal of Ritchie's school. Nancy Lenehan, before recurring as Mrs. Nunley, guest starred in season one as a completely different character. Seasons 1-2
- Pete (Anthony Holiday), ex-husband of Barb. Seems to have little emotions. Seasons 1-2
- Mrs. Wilhoite (Mary Beth McDonough), teacher and meanie mom at the school. Seasons 1-4
- Ms. Hammond (Jane Lynch
Jane Lynch is an American writer, actress, comedian, and singer best known for her roles in Christopher Guest comedies such as Best in Show and Judd Apatow comedies like The 40-Year-Old Virgin. She is currently starring in the Fox comedy Glee.-Early life:Lynch was born and raised in Dolton, Illinois...
), ethics Counselor and gym teacher at the school. Season 2
- Lucy (Michaela Watkins
Michaela Suzanne Watkins is an American actress, best known for her various roles as a cast member on Saturday Night Live; a regular performer with The Groundlings in Los Angeles; and as the role of "Lucy" in the 4th season of The New Adventures of Old Christine...
), a former patient of Matthew's that becomes attracted to authority figures. Matthew cannot control himself and, thus, the two begin to date. Since then, unexpectedly, the two fell in love and sported a much more serious relationship. The two moved in, and unfortunately, both exhibited negative qualities that led to an upsetting break-up. Season 4
- Patrick Harris (Tim DeKay
Timothy Robert DeKay is an American character actor. His first on screen acting job was as corporate giant Larry Deon on seaQuest 2032. He was a cast member of the series Party of Five from 1997-1999, Carnivàle from 2003-2005 and Tell Me You Love Me in 2007...
), Christine's new boyfriend, who she meets in a video store and starts dating. Patrick turns out to have some serious rage issues when he 'loses' at something, and Christine fearfully broke up with him. Season 4
- Joe Campbell (Charles Esten), Richard's brother. Joe spent the night at Christine's house during a visit and following this admitted to her he was a homosexual. He lives in San Francisco and returned for Richard's bachelor party where he became jealous he wasn't the best man. Seasons 2, 4
- Todd Watski (Lee Tergensen), Christine's elementary school rival. When she discovers he's a fellow parent at the school, she gets revenge. Christine later uses him at a wedding rehearsal as her date to make Richard jealous, but his 'ass' qualities kick in. Season 4
- Amy Hunter (Constance Zimmer
Constance Zimmer is an American actress perhaps best known for her role as Dana Gordon in HBO's Entourage.-Personal life:Zimmer was born in Seattle, Washington, to Ingrid Mueller and Gunter Zimmer....
), New Christine's sister. Amy is notably vastly different than her sister, as she's much less ditsy and much more down-to-Earth. She meets Matthew at Richard and New Christine's wedding rehearsal and the two hook up. Season 4
- Principal Merrow (Stephen Toblowsky), Westbridge's middle school principal. He has very little tolerance for Christine's neurotic behavior. Season 4
Notable guest stars
- Dr. Palmer (Jason Alexander
Jason Alexander is an American actor, comedian and singer, best known for his role as George Costanza on the television series Seinfeld.-Early life:...
), Christine's gynecologist.
- Audrey (Sandra Bernhard
Sandra Bernhard is an American comedian, singer, actress and author. She first gained attention in the late 1970s with her stand-up comedy in which she often bitterly critiques celebrity culture and political figures. She is also known for her relationship with Madonna during the late 1980s...
), an activist promoting offshore oil drilling, which Christine's opposed to. She calls Christine "shorty", so Christine counters by calling her names such as "Tall" or "Gigantor".
- Claire (Rachael Harris
Rachael Elaine Harris is an American actress and comedienne.-Early life and career:Rachael Harris was born in Worthington, Ohio...
), Christine's college friend's fiancé.
- Belinda (Ana Ortiz
Ana Ortíz is an American actress and singer. She is a native of Manhattan, New York but was raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is a regular cast-member on the ABC comedy-drama series Ugly Betty, in which she plays the title character's older sister, Hilda Suarez...
), a down-to-Earth Portuguese mother at Richie's school.
- Timmy (Ben Feldman
Ben Feldman is an American television and film actor. He has done stage acting, including the Broadway play The Graduate along with Alicia Silverstone and Kathleen Turner. He also played a leading character in The Perfect Man and portrayed Fran Drescher's son in the television series Living with...
), a young ambitious lawyer whom New Christine set up with Christine.
- Shelley (Gigi Rice
Gigi Rice is an actress in movies and television shows.She graduated from the Ohio State University, and majored in Theatre. Gigi Rice has enjoyed a career on television, gaining national attention when she was added to the cast of the The John Larroquette Show in 1993. She has appeared in...
), Timmy's protective mother
- Ben (Matthew Glave
Matthew Glave is an American film and television actor.Glave was born in Saginaw, Michigan. He attended Ohio University. He has appeared in numerous popular television shows, including recurring roles as Deputy Bud Skeeter on Picket Fences, Dr...
), Christine's friend from college and Claire's fiance.
- Neil (Jeffrey Tambor
Jeffrey Michael Tambor is an American actor, perhaps most known for his roles as George Bluth Sr. on the television series Arrested Development and Hank Kingsley on The Larry Sanders Show.-Personal life:...
), owner of a reptile club Richie wants to get into. Christine agrees to go on a date with him to allow Richie in the club.
- Liz (Helen Slater
Helen Rachel Slater is an American actress and singer-songwriter. She appeared in the title role in the 1984 film Supergirl. In the following years she starred in several very successful comedy-drama films such as Ruthless People, The Secret of My Succe$s, and City Slickers...
), a mother at Richie's school who flirts with and employs Matthew at the same time.
- Father Christopher (Ed Begley, Jr.
Edward James "Ed" Begley, Jr. is an American actor, game show panelist and environmentalist. Begley is perhaps best known for his role as Dr. Mark Craig's intern, Dr. Victor Ehrlich on the television series St. Elsewhere, for which he received six consecutive Emmy Award nominations...
), a friendly minister who tries to make Christine feel comfortable at church.
- Angela (Brenda Blethyn
Brenda Blethyn OBE is an English actress and author. Blethyn began her career on stage as a member of the National Theatre company, and made her first television appearance in 1980...
), Christine's neurotic mother.
- Margaret (Megan Mullally
Megan Mullally is an American actress, singer and media personality.After working in theatre in Chicago, Mullally moved to Los Angeles in 1981, and appeared in small or supporting roles in film and television productions....
), corporate adviser of Christine and Barb's gym.
- Francie (Kristen Johnston
Kristen Johnston is an American stage, film, and television actress. She may be most famous for her role as Sally Solomon in the television series 3rd Rock from the Sun. She also starred as Wilma Flintstone in the prequel to the live-action movie adaptation of The Flintstones animated series...
), a mother at Richie's school, and Christine's needy new friend.
- Howard (Corbin Bernsen
Corbin Dean Bernsen is an American actor, known for his work on television. His greatest fame came from his role of Arnold Becker on L.A. Law during the late 1980s and early 1990s, though he has appeared regularly as a cast member or guest on other shows, including General Hospital, Cuts, and Psych...
), a high powered attorney Christine hires in her divorce with Barb.
Reception
The review website Metacritic.com, which tabulates critics' reviews, gave it a 64 — equating to their summary of "generally positive reviews", with 16 out of 26 critics reviews deemed as positive. A
Los Angeles TimesThe Los Angeles Times is a daily newspaper published in Los Angeles, California since 1881. It is distributed throughout the Western United States. It is the second-largest metropolitan newspaper in the United States and the fourth-most widely distributed newspaper in the United States...
review notes that "Louis-Dreyfus makes Christine feel fresh and real" and the show has a "dry charm and a nice tone of affectionate irony."
The series had broadcast three seasons, and its viewing ride has been a bumpy one. After gaining 12 million or more viewers consistently in the first season and start of the second season, fans responded poorly to its time slot change, as it lost around 5 million viewers. In the third season, it reprised its original slot and gained back a few million. As the season progressed, comedies included in the night it aired began to broadcast new episodes, and
Old Christine had their viewers up where they originally were, as in the final episode of the season, total viewers estimated to 12.41 million.
Although the series is one of the most successful comedies viewer-wise on
CBSCBS Broadcasting Inc. is an American television network, one of television's original "big three", which also include NBC and ABC. Like NBC, CBS started out as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System...
, and was part of its 'Monday Night Comedy Night', the show was put on hiatus. At the CBS upfronts it was officially picked up for 22 episodes. However, it has been leading a new mini-comedy lineup, as it acts as a
lead-inA lead-in is a short phrase, usually five words or less, that starts off a photo caption in a newspaper, high school yearbook, magazine or other publication.Lead-ins are used to catch the reader's attention and "lead in" to the main caption...
to new sitcom
Gary UnmarriedGary Unmarried is a sitcom created by Ed Yeager, which premiered on CBS on September 24, 2008. The series focuses on a recently divorced couple sharing custody of their kids while starting new relationships...
. With the unfamiliarity of the new comedy lineup, ratings dropped severely originally, but have been steadily increasing over the past few weeks. It appears clear that throughout the seasons it has maintained consistency, as it has received multiple Emmy nominations for each of its first three seasons including a win for Dreyfus in 2006.
Nielsen ratings and broadcast history
Seasonal rankings (based on average total viewers per episode) of
The New Adventures of Old Christine on
CBSCBS Broadcasting Inc. is an American television network, one of television's original "big three", which also include NBC and ABC. Like NBC, CBS started out as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System...
.
The show's initial ratings success is the first example of a show breaking the "
Seinfeld curse" (after the failures of
The Michael Richards ShowThe Michael Richards Show is a sitcom that debuted on NBC in 2000. The show starred Michael Richards as reality-challenged but successful private detective Vic Nardozza who gets the job done despite his unconventional methods.- History :...
,
Bob Patterson,
Listen Up!, and Louis-Dreyfus' own
Watching EllieWatching Ellie was an American sitcom that starred Julia Louis-Dreyfus and was created by her husband, Brad Hall. It aired on NBC from February 2002 to May 2003, though only sixteen episodes were broadcast before it was cancelled due to low ratings....
). On October 3, 2006,
The Futon Critic announced that the show had been given a full 22-episode order.
Old Christines time slot was changed during the second season, thus eliciting a decline in ratings after losing its Two and a Half MenTwo and a Half Men is an Emmy Award-winning and Golden Globe Award-nominated American television comedy series, which premiered on CBS on September 22, 2003. The sitcom stars Charlie Sheen, Jon Cryer and Angus T. Jones. The show is about a hedonistic jingle writer, Charlie; his uptight brother,...
lead-in.
On May 16, 2007, it was announced that, despite the decline in ratings, CBS would renew the show for the 2007-2008 season as a mid-season replacement. On November 6, 2007, CBS said that production of Old Christine
had been halted because of a strikeThe 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike, more commonly known as the Writers' Strike, was a strike by the Writers Guild of America, East and the Writers Guild of America, West ....
by the Writers Guild of AmericaThe Writers Guild of America is a generic term referring to the joint efforts of two different US labor unions:* The Writers Guild of America, East , representing TV and film writers around New York City....
. On December 13, 2007 CBS announced that the series would return for its third season, which premiered on February 4, 2008, replacing Rules of EngagementRules of Engagement is a sitcom that debuted on CBS on February 5, 2007, as a midseason replacement, immediately following Two and a Half Men, in the time slot that was occupied by The New Adventures of Old Christine...
. However, only ten episodes of the original 13-episode order were produced and aired for the third season because of the WGA strike.
On May 14, 2008, CBS gave the sitcom a 22-episode order for the 2008-2009 season, where it now airs on Wednesdays, opening up a second comedy night for the network. The premier, as expected, generated a disappointing audience, as only 6.7 million viewers tuned in. This was largely because the season received little promotion compared to fellow comedies and the new comedy lineup wasn't ready to handle a major audience. Christine
's follower, Gary UnmarriedGary Unmarried is a sitcom created by Ed Yeager, which premiered on CBS on September 24, 2008. The series focuses on a recently divorced couple sharing custody of their kids while starting new relationships...
struggled too, barely edging out Christine in viewers. Gary Unmarried
wasn't received as well by critics which may take viewers away from The New Adventures of Old Christine
. The following week, despite not having to go up against ratings success Dancing with the Stars
, ratings tip-toed up although not much as liked, as it added a few hundred thousand. By the third episode, the show was over 7.5 million and had added more than one million to the premiere audience. Since then, Old Christine
has had ratings close to 8 million viewers, and has come in first in its time period multiple times.
On an overall basis for its fourth season, Old Christine
struggled in its timeslot, as it had its worst season in the ratings to date and dipped in timeslot placings over time. However, Rules of Engagement
was also given a chance in that slot (a fellow CBS comedy performing well in Old Christine
's old timeslot), and Old Christine outperformed it.
The early ratings of the fifth season of Old Christine (same timeslot as season 4) have been extremely positive, as Old Christine is leading its timeslot in viewership and is among the top 2 in demos consistently. Last season, Old Christine didn't once win its timeslot in viewers. This is an additionally positive statistic because this season Old Christine is battling and defeating rival network ABC's comedy lineup.
| Season |
Time slot |
Premiere |
Finale |
TV Season |
Rank |
Viewers
(millions) |
| 1 |
Monday 9:30 P.M. (March 13, 2006 - May 22, 2006) |
March 13, 2006 |
May 22, 2006 |
2006 This was the United States broadcast television schedule on all six commercial television networks for the fall season beginning in September 2005. All times are Eastern and Pacific.This would be the final season of broadcasting for both UPN and The WB...
|
#29 |
12.5 |
| 2 |
Monday 9:30 P.M. (September 18, 2006 - January 22, 2007)
Monday 8:30 P.M. (March 12, 2007 - May 7, 2007) |
September 18, 2006 |
May 7, 2007 |
2006-2007 The following article details the developing fall prime time schedules for the United States six major English language broadcast networks. Following are lists of what programs have been either renewed or canceled by their networks, the new programs picked up by the networks, and a schedule grid...
|
#40 |
10.4 |
| 3 |
Monday 9:30 P.M. (February 4, 2008 - March 31, 2008)
Monday 8:30 P.M. (March 10, 2008) |
February 4, 2008 |
March 31, 2008 |
2008 |
#38 |
10.4 |
| 4 |
Wednesday 8:00 P.M. (September 24, 2008 - May 13, 2009) |
September 24, 2008 |
May 20, 2009 |
2008-2009 |
#52 |
7.5 |
| 5 |
Wednesday 8:00 P.M. (September 23, 2009 - ) |
September 23, 2009 |
TBA, 2010 |
2009-2010 |
|
|
DVD release
Season one
| The New Adventures of Old Christine - The Complete First Season |
|
Set details |
Special features |
- 13 episodes
- 278 minutes
- 2-disc set
- 5.1 Surround Sound
- Languages:
- English (Dolby Digital
Dolby Digital is the marketing name for a series of data/audio compression technologies developed by Dolby Laboratories.- Versions :Dolby Digital includes several similar technologies, which include Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Digital Live, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital Surround EX, Dolby...
5.1) |
Gag Reel
Unaired Scenes
The Real Christine |
| Release dates |
| |
| 15 January 2008 |
Season two
| The New Adventures of Old Christine - The Complete Second Season |
|
Set details |
Special features |
- 22 episodes
- 481 minutes
- 4-disc set
- 5.1 Surround Sound
- Languages:
- English (Dolby Digital
Dolby Digital is the marketing name for a series of data/audio compression technologies developed by Dolby Laboratories.- Versions :Dolby Digital includes several similar technologies, which include Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Digital Live, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital Surround EX, Dolby...
5.1) |
Gag Reel
Unaired Scenes
The Real Christine |
| Release dates |
| |
| 24 June 2008 |
Awards and nominations
| Awards |
Outcome |
Art Directors Guild AwardsThe The Art Directors Guild is a local union of the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees representing approximately 2,000 motion picture and television professions based in the Western United States...
: |
| 2007: Television - Multi-Camera Television Series |
Nominated |
| Emmy Awards: |
2006: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (Julia Louis-DreyfusJulia Scarlett Elizabeth Louis-Dreyfus is an American actress and comedian best known for her role as Elaine Benes on the NBC sitcom Seinfeld.She has won two Emmy Awards, five Screen Actors Guild Awards and a Golden Globe Award....
) |
Won |
| 2006: Outstanding Cinematography for a Multi-Camera Series |
Nominated |
2007: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (Julia Louis-DreyfusJulia Scarlett Elizabeth Louis-Dreyfus is an American actress and comedian best known for her role as Elaine Benes on the NBC sitcom Seinfeld.She has won two Emmy Awards, five Screen Actors Guild Awards and a Golden Globe Award....
) |
Nominated |
2008: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (Julia Louis-DreyfusJulia Scarlett Elizabeth Louis-Dreyfus is an American actress and comedian best known for her role as Elaine Benes on the NBC sitcom Seinfeld.She has won two Emmy Awards, five Screen Actors Guild Awards and a Golden Globe Award....
) |
Nominated |
| 2008: Outstanding Art Direction for a Multi-Camera Series |
Nominated |
2009: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (Julia Louis-DreyfusJulia Scarlett Elizabeth Louis-Dreyfus is an American actress and comedian best known for her role as Elaine Benes on the NBC sitcom Seinfeld.She has won two Emmy Awards, five Screen Actors Guild Awards and a Golden Globe Award....
) |
Nominated |
| 2009: Outstanding Art Direction for a Multi-Camera Series |
Nominated |
| GLAAD Media Awards The GLAAD Media Awards were created in 1990 by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation to "recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and the issues that affect their lives."-Davidson/Valentini...
: |
| 2009: Outstanding Individual Episode, Comedy ("Unidentified Funk") |
Won |
| Golden Globe Awards: |
2007: Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy (Julia Louis-DreyfusJulia Scarlett Elizabeth Louis-Dreyfus is an American actress and comedian best known for her role as Elaine Benes on the NBC sitcom Seinfeld.She has won two Emmy Awards, five Screen Actors Guild Awards and a Golden Globe Award....
) |
Nominated |
| Humanitas Prize Awards The is an award for film and television writing intended to promote human dignity, meaning, and freedom. It began in 1974 with Father Ellwood "Bud" Kieser — also the founder of Paulist Productions — but is generally not seen as specifically directed toward religious cinema or TV...
: |
| 2007: 30 Minute Category |
Won |
| Image Awards: |
| 2008: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (Blair Underwood Blair Underwood is an American television and film actor. He is perhaps best known as headstrong attorney Jonathan Rollins from the NBC legal drama L.A. Law, a role he portrayed for seven years. He has gained critical acclaim throughout his career, receiving three NAACP Image Awards and 1 Grammy...
) |
Nominated |
| 2009: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (Blair Underwood Blair Underwood is an American television and film actor. He is perhaps best known as headstrong attorney Jonathan Rollins from the NBC legal drama L.A. Law, a role he portrayed for seven years. He has gained critical acclaim throughout his career, receiving three NAACP Image Awards and 1 Grammy...
) |
Nominated |
| 2009: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (Wanda Sykes Wanda Sykes is an American writer, stand-up comedian and actress. She is known for her blunt comedic observations on current events, the differences between the sexes and races, and the human condition. She is known for her role as Barb on The New Adventures of Old Christine, on HBO's Curb Your...
) |
Nominated |
| Satellite Awards The Satellite Awards are an annual award given by the International Press Academy. The awards were originally known as the Golden Satellite Awards.- Film :*Best Actor – Drama*Best Actor – Musical or Comedy*Best Actress – Drama...
: |
2006: Best Actress in a Series, Comedy or Musical (Julia Louis-DreyfusJulia Scarlett Elizabeth Louis-Dreyfus is an American actress and comedian best known for her role as Elaine Benes on the NBC sitcom Seinfeld.She has won two Emmy Awards, five Screen Actors Guild Awards and a Golden Globe Award....
) |
Nominated |
2007: Best Actress in a Series, Comedy or Musical (Julia Louis-DreyfusJulia Scarlett Elizabeth Louis-Dreyfus is an American actress and comedian best known for her role as Elaine Benes on the NBC sitcom Seinfeld.She has won two Emmy Awards, five Screen Actors Guild Awards and a Golden Globe Award....
) |
Nominated |
2008: Best Actress in a Series, Comedy or Musical (Julia Louis-DreyfusJulia Scarlett Elizabeth Louis-Dreyfus is an American actress and comedian best known for her role as Elaine Benes on the NBC sitcom Seinfeld.She has won two Emmy Awards, five Screen Actors Guild Awards and a Golden Globe Award....
) |
Nominated |
| Screen Actors Guild Awards The Screen Actors Guild Awards are an annual award given by the Screen Actors Guild to recognize outstanding performances by members.SAG Awards have been one of the major awards events in Hollywood since 1995. Nominations for the awards come from 4200 randomly selected members of the union, with...
: |
2007: Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series (Julia Louis-DreyfusJulia Scarlett Elizabeth Louis-Dreyfus is an American actress and comedian best known for her role as Elaine Benes on the NBC sitcom Seinfeld.She has won two Emmy Awards, five Screen Actors Guild Awards and a Golden Globe Award....
) |
Nominated |
| Young Artist Awards: |
| 2008: Best Performance in a TV Series - Young Actor Ten or Under (Trevor Gagnon Trevor Michael Gagnon is an American actor who has starred in many commercials along with multiple television series and a few films. Gagnon starred in the 2009 comedy Shorts.-Filmography:...
) |
Nominated |
External links