“What I Like About You” first aired in the early 2000s, and like many, I approached the show with a healthy dose of skepticism. The premise itself – a teenage girl moving in with her older sister in New York City – sounded fairly standard sitcom fare. My initial concerns, however, were less about the storyline and more about the casting choices, specifically Jennie Garth and Amanda Bynes. Garth, known for her dramatic role in “90210,” seemed an unusual fit for a comedy, while Bynes, despite some movie roles, was still largely associated with a more overtly goofy style of humor. Could these actresses truly pull off a successful sitcom?
My first worry centered on Jennie Garth. Having watched her navigate the dramatic complexities of “Beverly Hills, 90210,” I questioned whether that dramatic skill set would translate effectively to the comedic timing required for “What I Like About You”. “90210” thrived on teenage angst and relationship drama, a far cry from the lighthearted humor expected in a sitcom. Could Garth successfully pivot from drama to comedy and deliver the laughs? Surprisingly, she does. Garth brings a grounded sensibility to the role of Valerie Tyler, the responsible older sister, playing the straight woman to Bynes’s Holly with a dry wit that anchors the show’s sometimes chaotic energy.
Then there was Amanda Bynes. Prior to “What I Like About You,” my perception of Bynes was somewhat mixed. While she showed promise in sketch comedy like “All That,” her solo venture, “The Amanda Show,” sometimes veered into excessive goofiness. There’s a fine line in comedy, and I worried Bynes might cross it, becoming too cartoonish for a sitcom aiming for relatable humor. However, “What I Like About You” showcases Bynes at her comedic best. Her portrayal of Holly Tyler is witty, energetic, and genuinely funny without being overly silly. This role, for me, cemented Bynes’s talent for comedic acting, proving she could deliver sharp, character-driven humor.
The core of “What I Like About You” revolves around Holly (Bynes) moving in with her older sister Valerie (Garth) when their father relocates to Japan. This setup provides the foundation for countless sitcom scenarios, exploring sisterly dynamics, navigating young adulthood in the city, and the inevitable romantic entanglements. The supporting cast further enriches the show. Simon Rex initially plays Jeff, Valerie’s well-meaning but somewhat dim boyfriend, and Wesley Jonathan portrays Gary, Holly’s often irritating best friend. While Gary can be grating at times, Jeff, surprisingly, becomes a more endearing character, thanks to Rex’s portrayal of lovable cluelessness.
Later seasons introduce new characters who further complicate and enhance the comedic landscape. These include Tina, Holly’s new best friend; Lorene, Valerie’s quirky colleague; and the romantic interests Vince and Henry. Holly’s relationship arc becomes more complex in later seasons as she navigates feelings for both the kind Henry and the more intriguing Vince. While some characters, like Tina, feel somewhat underdeveloped, the introduction of Vince and Henry adds new layers to the plot, even though the departure of Henry later on is a slight disappointment.
Rating “What I Like About You” is a nuanced task. The first season leans heavily into classic sitcom humor and setup, while the second season introduces more intricate storylines and character development. Ideally, the show would find a way to seamlessly blend the comedic energy of the first season with the plot complexity of the second. However, even with its minor flaws, “What I Like About You” is a genuinely enjoyable sitcom, largely due to the chemistry between Garth and Bynes and Bynes’s standout comedic performance. It’s a testament to the show’s charm that it managed to overcome my initial reservations and become a genuinely watchable and funny series. Amanda Bynes, in particular, shines, proving her comedic prowess and solidifying “What I Like About You” as a significant highlight in her career.
