I don't get "The Marriage Ref"

[Deb in IA]

One of the things that turns me off about NBC is their endless hype of their own shows.

Back when Jay Leno was going to make his BIG MOVE from late night to 10 pm (9 central), how many times did we see that commercial of him driving down the highway in his convertible to the tune of "Hold on . . . I'm coming".


And when that all went bust, NBC had the nerve to repeat that commercial, this time with the song "Get Back (to where you once belonged)".

Well, now it is The Marriage Ref. I was so sick of seeing the endless commericals for this during the Olympics. I understand that Jerry Seinfeld is a big star, but I don't think this show will do well - just a hunch.

But my biggest issue is with the "celebrities" who are supposed to be - what? Marriage counselors? Advisors?

Look who they have - Madonna, with 2 failed marriages, including a rather nasty breakup from Guy Richie.

And Alex Baldwin, who had, and continues to have, one of the all-time nastiest, most contentious divorces in Hollywood history from Kim Basinger.

They are going to give marriage advice?

 

[AntePrincess]

The sad part? People really will take advice on their marriage from these people! Then again, I can't think of anyone famous who'd have advice to give on marriage. Can you? (Serious question, really. Are there any celebrities with good, long lasting marriages that are monogamous?)

 

[kimblebee]

The show is more about comedy than it is about giving serious advice. One segment from the first show featured a couple and the man wanted to be able to display his dead, stuffed dog in a sort of shrine in the house. He lost, of course. It's not meant to be a show about serious issues. More like solving the little ongoing tiffs that couples have about silly things. I personally think it is really funny if taken the way it is meant.

 

[luvsJack]

I thought it was supposed to be more like a big joke. I was just going by the little I saw on the commerical and some things said by Alec Baldwin and also considering Jerry Seinfield is a comedian.

 

[LuvOrlando]

I saw 2 episodes and think it's pretty entertaining... EXCEPT it seems really geared to fall against the female point of view. That sort of got under my skin. It's new so I'll give it some more chances but if it keeps up feeling one sided it'll be off my TIVO in a sec. Funny is only funny if everyone is being roasted.

 

[MUFFYCAT]

And Alex Baldwin, who had, and continues to have, one of the all-time nastiest, most contentious divorces in Hollywood history from Kim Basinger.

They are going to give marriage advice?

That's the first thing I thought of also.
I did watch that episode because it was on after the Olympics and thought the show was so stupid. Even the commercials bother me I disliked it so much.

 

[RadioNate]

I saw the one that they sandwiched in the middle of the closing ceremonies. I didn't intend to watch it, I was expecting the closing ceremonies to continue.

It was very dumb and not funny. I only saw the 1st part, the stuffed dog, and turned it off.

 

[disykat]

The show is more about comedy than it is about giving serious advice. One segment from the first show featured a couple and the man wanted to be able to display his dead, stuffed dog in a sort of shrine in the house. He lost, of course. It's not meant to be a show about serious issues. More like solving the little ongoing tiffs that couples have about silly things. I personally think it is really funny if taken the way it is meant.

Yes. It is a comedy and kind of like a game show. It reminds me a bit of the Newlywed game. They squabble and joke around and then win a prize at the end.

 

[MosMom]

I like it but I am watching it for entertainment, not marriage advice. I'm pretty sure the participants realize that as well. It is all pretty light hearted. I'm easy going though and I will laugh at just about any type of humor.

 

[cm8]

The sad part? People really will take advice on their marriage from these people! Then again, I can't think of anyone famous who'd have advice to give on marriage. Can you? (Serious question, really. Are there any celebrities with good, long lasting marriages that are monogamous?)

that is ONE darn good question I would like to know!!!

 

[brockash]

The show is more about comedy than it is about giving serious advice. One segment from the first show featured a couple and the man wanted to be able to display his dead, stuffed dog in a sort of shrine in the house. He lost, of course. It's not meant to be a show about serious issues. More like solving the little ongoing tiffs that couples have about silly things. I personally think it is really funny if taken the way it is meant.

I don't think it was advertised as a serious show talking about serious issues. I always took it as a comedy, and I have to admit, I found it pretty funny.

 

[Mickey Fliers]

The sad part? People really will take advice on their marriage from these people! Then again, I can't think of anyone famous who'd have advice to give on marriage. Can you? (Serious question, really. Are there any celebrities with good, long lasting marriages that are monogamous?)

Jeff Bridges
Anne Bancroft/Mel Brooks
Patrick Swayze
Paul Newman/Joanne Woodward
Tom Hanks/Rita Wilson
Danny DeVito/Rhea Perlman
Michael J. Fox/Tracy Pollan
Kevin Bacon/Kyra Sedgwick
Jay Leno
Ron Howard
John Travolta/Kelly Preston
Michelle Pfeiffer
Denzel Washington
Steven Spielberg/Kate Capshaw
Kevin Kline/Phoebe Cates

Of course, I have no idea if any of these couples have fidelity issues.

 

[joviroxx]

I think the show is silly and not funny and just whatever network pushing Jerry Seinfeld down our throats. I watched the first one. Its not really a marriage advice show but a "who's side are you on" show.

There is an issue and the celebs give their opinion on who they think is right.

 

[ckay87]

Jeff Bridges
Anne Bancroft/Mel Brooks
Patrick Swayze
Paul Newman/Joanne Woodward
Tom Hanks/Rita Wilson
Danny DeVito/Rhea Perlman
Michael J. Fox/Tracy Pollan
Kevin Bacon/Kyra Sedgwick
Jay Leno
Ron Howard
John Travolta/Kelly Preston
Michelle Pfeiffer
Denzel Washington
Steven Spielberg/Kate Capshaw
Kevin Kline/Phoebe Cates

Of course, I have no idea if any of these couples have fidelity issues.

+ the Mr & Mrs. Bon Jovi (just had to add that )

I took it as a comedy show too. They wouldn't dare tackle serious issues.

 

[DelitefulDory]

It's Jerry Seinfeld....it's a comedy! Really hard to believe anyone thought it was supposed to be serious.

 

[Briarmom]

It's Jerry Seinfeld....it's a comedy! Really hard to believe anyone thought it was supposed to be serious.

Agreed. I mean, we're talking a stuffed dead dog and a strippapole!

 

[Tony-NJ]

The last thing this show was supposed to be about is marriage advice - it's a comedy, but with celeb's and ordinary folks - that's all it was supposed to be. I hate most TV these days but found this show to be hilarious. The couples are a riot.

The celebrities are in no way giving advice. Lighten up folks.

 

[pansmermaidzlagoon]

I am not crazy about it...the couples are there just to be on TV. Their situations are too contrived and ridiculous. Depending on the celebs, it may or not be funny that week. Pretty silly premise, but I guess if you like the celebs that week, it is just OK.

 

[DelitefulDory]

Agreed. I mean, we're talking a stuffed dead dog and a strippapole!

THAT part was funny.

 

[AntePrincess]

Jeff Bridges
Anne Bancroft/Mel Brooks
Patrick Swayze
Paul Newman/Joanne Woodward
Tom Hanks/Rita Wilson
Danny DeVito/Rhea Perlman
Michael J. Fox/Tracy Pollan
Kevin Bacon/Kyra Sedgwick
Jay Leno
Ron Howard
John Travolta/Kelly Preston
Michelle Pfeiffer
Denzel Washington
Steven Spielberg/Kate Capshaw
Kevin Kline/Phoebe Cates

Of course, I have no idea if any of these couples have fidelity issues.

That is a fantastic list, thank you!