Watch Mr. Sunshine

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 ran for 1 seasons (13 episodes) between February 7, 2011 and on ABC