‘Mixology’ premiere review: ABC’s newest comedy has potential

Earlier this season, ABC attempted to air something following “Modern Family” in “Super Fun Night” that seemed to only be picked up for one reason and one reason only: It was an attempt to capitalize on the fact that the show had Rebel Wilson as one of the stars, as she was a golden child thanks to “Pitch Perfect.”

Unfortunately, that show was neither super nor fun, and “Mixology” has the potential to be both. It has that same one-day format that is similar to “24,” but a tone that reminds us a little bit more of “How I Met Your Mother.” The pilot focused on a variety of characters and relationships that we started to get to know, and these stories will continue for the rest of the night as they all try to find love.

Were some of these stories better than others? Sure. While we were glad to see Vanessa Lengies have something more to do here than she did on “Glee” during her occasional episodes there, we really don’t know what her story is supposed to be at the moment. The more endearing tale is Tom and Maya, mostly because they are such polar opposites and that’s always fun for a romantic comedy of sorts.

The issue with this show is mostly just all about trying to see if these stories make any sense at all when they are strung together. You’re investing a lot in one night, and when that happens, more people are likely to bail over time than something more procedural. Therefore, it’s almost impossible to grade something that is so incomplete right now, but for the sake of a few laughs and at least an interesting premise about people in a Manhattan bar, we’ll at least give them one more chance. Grade: B.

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Photo: ABC