TV Jots

PJ and the Gang Are Back

…Except for PJ’s older brother, that is. One of the first things viewers learn during the double-episode July 25 Season Four premiere of enjoyable TBS sitcom My Boys is that the Jim Gaffigan character Andy Franklin is no longer around due to a family move abroad for work purposes.

Equally distressing for Brendan and Mike is the fact that both PJ and Bobby as well as Stephanie and Kenny are officially and openly coupled up. That reality makes them the only two single dudes left in the group, which is a difficult situation to endure at their age.

“Addition by Subtraction,” the 10pm ET season premiere proper, focuses on the Andy development, while the 10:30pm second episode, “Gourmets and Confused,” elaborates on the Brendan and Mike issue. Both installments make it clear that Kellee Stewart, who plays PJ’s no-nonsense best friend Stephanie to perfection, will be much more prominent during the new season, which is definitely something to be happy about if you ask me.

So, now that Andy’s (temporarily?) no longer in the picture, PJ and her boys must find a replacement to fill his seat during their regular poker games. “Addition by Subtraction” gives us insight into the lengthy selection process as the gang “audtions” various potential new members. Needless to say, choosing the ideal person isn’t an easy task, especially since the newcomer has to fit in well with the longtime group members, who we all know can be a tad judgmental when it comes to outsiders.

The hourlong season opener ends with a date night of sorts during “Gourmets and Confused.” While PJ, Booby, Stephanie, and Kenny deal with the aftermath of a disappointing “adult” double date at a swank restaurant, left-out Brendan and Mike head to an upscale bar, where they manage to meet two surprisingly classy women.

But how will the evening end when they bump into their coupled friends later at their usual hangout, Crowley’s Tavern? Actually, not as bad as you might think, which is just one reason why it’s great to be back in Chicago with Team PJ for the summer. Fans can expect nine great episodes during the fourth season, and if we’re lucky, perhaps a fifth-season renewal.

Preview My Boys‘ fourth-season premiere “Addition by Subtraction” in the sneak peek below. A quick video recap of the show’s third season also follows for those who need a refresher.