"Sherri" Review: We've Seen It Before, But It's Still Funny

I have always been a fan of Sherri Shepherd. I know that people mostly know her now for “The View,” but over the years she has developed an extensive sitcom resume.

You may remember her as Robert’s partner, Judy, on “Everybody Loves Raymond.” Or as Claude’s friend on “Less Than Perfect” or more recently as Tracy’s wife on “30 Rock.”

But since I always go for the “Friends” reference first, to me she will always be Rhonda, the museum tour guide, who answers Ross’ call for the workers in the museum to get to know each other with “I’m Rhonda. And these aren’t real.”

Wherever you know her from, I’m sure you’ll agree that she is long overdue for getting a sitcom of her own. Thankfully, Lifetime has answered the call and given us “Sherri.”

Basically Shepherd is just playing a slightly fictionalized version of herself. But since Shepherd is pretty funny, “Sherri” is pretty funny too…

Sherri is newly divorced after she catches her husband (Malcolm Jamal-Warner) with another woman. Now, she’s trying to juggle her work as a paralegal with her work as an actress with her work as a single mother to her son. Plus, she’s trying to get back into the dating pool. Helping her out are her friends Celia (Tammy Townsend) and Angie (Elizabeth Regen) and her father (James Avery).

In the premiere, Sherri learns some news from her ex that convinces her to go out with her friends and have some fun. But when the night out turns into a disaster, Sherri must build up her confidence to try again.

As I said, “Sherri” is pretty funny. Even though the show is not highly original (This stuff has been done before.), Shepherd gives it her own special touch that makes you not mind that you’ve seen these situations numerous times.

Plus, it’s always great to have Jamal-Warner back on TV. Even if he is playing a total sleaze…

“Sherri” premieres with a special preview Monday, October 5th at 7 p.m. on Lifetime. The show will air every night this week at 7 p.m. before moving into its regular timeslot Tuesday, October 13th at 10 p.m…

Photo Credit: Carol Kaelson/Lifetime Networks