‘The Winner’ a big loser

Andrew Gaug

“The Winner” had all the potential for a successful sitcom -ÿ”The Daily Show’s” Rob Corddry, “Family Guy’s” Seth MacFarlane executive producing and a concept that somewhat resembled another “Daily Show” alumnus Steve Carell’s 40-Year-Old Virgin.

Unfortunately, it’s about as unfunny as any other sitcom that has come and gone since the heyday of “Friends” and “Seinfeld.”

Corddry plays Glen Abbott, the self-proclaimed “richest man in Buffalo” who still lives with his parents. Abbott’s actions and personality resemble that of a middle schoolers.

The problem with “The Winner,” at least for its pilot, is it presents nothing new. Abbott fears he might have to have sex with his best friend Josh McKellar’s attractive mother and, surprise, he’s still a virgin. This leads to cliched visits to the pharmacists for condoms (where he humorously asks for the Gillette brand) and awkward situations with an Asian prostitute.

Clearly, by the laugh track this was meant to be funny. But sitcoms like “My Name is Earl” and “The Office” have proven there’s no need for the canned laughter if what the show is presenting speaks for itself.

Here it does not. Corddry is likable, but the rest of the cast reeks of bad acting. Both “Family Guy” and “The Daily Show” fans must beware as “The Winner” is, sadly, what both shows have mocked.

Andrew Gaug