Mr. Sunshine

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  • TV-PG
  • 2011
  • 1 Season
  • 6.7  (7,271)

Mr. Sunshine was a television show that aired on ABC from February to April 2011. The show starred Matthew Perry as Ben Donovan, the manager of the Sunshine Center, a second-tier sports arena in San Diego. Mr. Sunshine features a mix of comedy and drama, with the focus on the eccentric and unpredictable world of sports arena management.

The show begins on a seemingly normal day at the Sunshine Center. Ben is struggling to cope with the stresses of his job as they deal with a lack of funding, last-minute booking cancellations, and a skeleton crew of staff. But it's not all bad news for Ben as he receives a surprise visit from his father Alonzo, played by James Lesure, who he hasn't seen in years. The arrival of his father makes Ben take a look at his past, present and future, and assess where he is going in life.

Over the course of the season, Mr. Sunshine follows Ben as he tries to balance his work and personal life. He's assisted in his journey by his assistant Heather (Portia Doubleday), the cheerful Operations Manager Crystal (Allison Janney), and the janitor with a secret life, Alonzo. Each episode of Mr. Sunshine is centered around a different event or booking at the Sunshine Center. This allows for a diverse range of storylines and guest stars which includes the likes of James Taylor, John Schneider, and Mark Consuelos, who play themselves.

The premise of Mr. Sunshine may sound simple, but it's the execution of the storylines that sets it apart from other sitcoms. The show deals with larger issues such as identity, love, friendship, and work-life balance, while still being comedic. The writers infuse a level of zaniness into the narrative that's sure to keep viewers entertained.

On top of the interesting character dynamics, the show has a visual style that sets it apart from others. The series features unique camerawork, with a handheld aesthetic that gives the show a documentary-like feeling. This camera work adds to the authenticity of the show's sports arena setting.

What makes Mr. Sunshine entertaining are the hilarious situations that Ben and his team find themselves in. There's the time they accidentally host a political rally for a candidate so unlikable that the Sunshine Center's staff deserts the job, leaving Ben and Heather to clean up after the party themselves. There's the time Ben and Crystal attend a motivational seminar only to find the leader is a cultist who has brainwashed everyone who attends. This leads to one of the show's funniest moments when Crystal sings an improvised song that inspires everyone in the audience to finally snap out of their trance.

The cast's chemistry is excellent. Perry's portrayal of Ben is excellent. He brings his signature sarcastic wit to the character, but also shows a more vulnerable and sentimental side as his character is forced to confront his life choices. Allison Janney's portrayal of Crystal is a standout. Her character is a stereotypical 'den mother,' and the way Janney plays her brings such warmth to the show. Her quirky side often gets played up for humor, but as the show progresses, she becomes much more than just the show's comic relief. Portia Doubleday and James Lesure play their roles well, with their personality and humor matching perfectly with Perry's character.

Overall, Mr. Sunshine was an intriguing and entertaining television show. Its blend of comedy and drama makes it compelling for viewers who enjoy both genres. Although the show only lasted for one season, it remains a charming and eccentric comedy that is definitely worth a watch.

Mr. Sunshine is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (13 episodes). The series first aired on February 9, 2011.

Mr. Sunshine
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Seasons
The Best Man
13. The Best Man
January 1, 2012
Howard the organist and Maggie the kettle corn maker are getting married and the center prepares for the wedding. Ben comes to the realization that he wants to be with Alice after all.
Cohen and Donovan
12. Cohen and Donovan
January 1, 2012
Crystal wants to take on a bigger role in the center''s management. Ben is distracted as he tries to keep the egos of three speakers.
Family Business
11. Family Business
March 9, 2011
Ben's childhood hero is interested in coaching the centers hockey team. Ben scrambles to make Roman and Crystal seem like the perfect family.
Self Help
10. Self Help
January 1, 2012
Ben gets a new fedora and Roman is worried when Heather pays him more attention. Crystal has to help restore Alice's self confidence after a self help guru is arrested.
Ben and Vivian
9. Ben and Vivian
April 6, 2011
Ironically, Ben's one-night-stand turns out to be Crystal's new assistant.
The Assistant
8. The Assistant
March 30, 2011
When Alice asks Ben for an assistant, he offers Roman. And although Roman may not be what Alice had in mind, he somehow exceeds her expectations.
Celebrity Tennis
7. Celebrity Tennis
March 23, 2011
Ben is paired with Alonzo to play doubles against tennis legend Jimmy Connors and actor Fred Savage in a celebrity tennis tournament.
Lingerie Football
6. Lingerie Football
March 16, 2011
On Crystal's anniversary with Billy, one of her ex-husbands, Ben encourages her to find him to permanently end that chapter in her life.
Crystal On Ice
5. Crystal On Ice
March 9, 2011
Crystal resents a certain ice dancing group. Alice is unable to keep up with her "perfect man," Alonzo. With nowhere to sleep, Ben reluctantly offers Roman a place to stay.
Hostile Workplace
4. Hostile Workplace
March 2, 2011
Ben is faced with the reality that his employees have little respect for him. Crystal and her newest edition go on a double date with Alice and Alonzo. Meanwhile, Ben assigns Heather the task of finding a new halftime act when the Sunshine Center mascot quits.
Heather's Sister
3. Heather's Sister
February 23, 2011
Ben goes on a blind date with Heather's sister, Stephanie. Initially they hit things off.. until he realizes she is crazy. Crystal persuades Alonzo to compete with her dog in the San Diego Dog Show against her sworn enemy.
Employee of the Year
2. Employee of the Year
February 16, 2011
Instead of the recognition he was expecting for his 10 years at the Sunshine Center, Ben caters to a teen heart throb while Crystal holds an Employee of the Year contest.
Pilot
1. Pilot
February 9, 2011
Ben Donovan, the head of the San Diego sports arena the Sunshine Center, spends his 40th birthday at work, prepping the arena for that evening's circus, dealing with a lost elephant and planning a press conference. Meanwhile, he struggles with a relationship crisis when Alice leaves him for another man.
Description
Where to Watch Mr. Sunshine
Mr. Sunshine is available for streaming on the ABC website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Mr. Sunshine on demand at Amazon, Vudu, Google Play, Apple TV and Crackle.
  • Premiere Date
    February 9, 2011
  • IMDB Rating
    6.7  (7,271)
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