And much like the comedy, the panel promoting the show failed to connect with the critics here.

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Appearing on programs like Comedy Central's "The Daily Show" has become a popular way for politicians to reach young people.

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" But she's also done a few one-offs in niche comedy shows like David Wains' web series "Wainy Days, " comedian Demetri Martin's sketch comedy show, "Important Things With Demetri Martin, " and a guest spot on "How I Met Your Mother.

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It feels more like reality TV or a cop show than a romantic comedy.

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Without writers on staff to create monologues, shows like CBS' The Late Show With David Letterman and Comedy Central's The Daily Show With Jon Stewart will likely go into repeats fairly quickly.

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Without writers on staff to create monologues, shows like CBS's The Late Show With David Letterman and Comedy Central's The Daily Show With Jon Stewart will likely go into repeats fairly quickly.

FORBES: Hollywood Writers Go On Strike

This business stucture makes sense for Battlestar, Saturday Night Live, and 30 Rock, all shows that do well in syndication, but what is the point of offering a show like Party Down, a half-hour comedy program produced by the Starz cable network, to viewers via a web stream through Netflix the same week that a new episode airs on TV?

FORBES: Help Netflix Help You

While that really did happen to "Your Show of Shows, " it feels like a contrivance, an excuse for comedy.

WSJ: Putting the Punch in Punch-Line | Neil Simon | Laughter on the 23rd Floor | Mad Cow Theatre | Review by Terry Teachout