Full Disclosure: We were fully prepared to not like ABC’s latest entry into the comedic pantheon that is really good looking twenty-somethings with relationships problems. What’s more, if the collection of dust on the DVD screener that has quietly been sitting on our desk for the better part of a month is any indication, we didn’t even want to risk liking HAPPY ENDINGS. Particularly after a season filled with a parade of similarly themed shows that we’ve already committed to (BETTER WITH YOU, PERFECT COUPLES) or passed over (TRAFFIC LIGHT).
Unfortunately, or fortunately as the case may be, upon further review (Read: the devouring of the show’s first four episodes) HAPPY ENDINGS has two things going for it that make it worth checking out should you be so inclined to stick around post-MODERN FAMILY. First, a clever spin on the traditional sitcom-y wedding that starts at the beginning of the series rather than leave you waiting until the end of it (cough*HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER*cough) and two, a ridiculously likeable cast.
Which is to say, what HAPPY ENDINGS lacks in originality, it more than makes up for with a collection of funny and instantly engaging friends, including: The best thing about that forgettable final year of SCRUBS, Eliza Coupe, who plays a high strung wife to Damon Wayans Jr.’s chilled husband. The under-appreciated former featured player from SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE Casey Wilson, who will have you literally laughing-out-loud as the unlucky-in-love sometimes “beard” to Adam Pally’s adorably non-stereotypical gay sidekick. While Elisha Cuthbert and Zachary Knighton round out the sextet as the pivotal couple whose wedding doesn’t exactly go as planned.
Inventive and groundbreaking? Far from it. But thanks to scripts shepherded to the small screen by the dynamic comedy duo that are brothers Anthony and Joe Russo (COMMUNITY, ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT), not to mention a handful of zany plot lines including one that sees Wilson’s Penny date a gentleman with the unfortunate last name of “Hitler” and Pally’s Max come out to his parents to hilarious results, we’re fairly confident in saying that if given the chance you’ll be happy to have gone along for the ride. Grade: B 
HAPPY ENDINGS premieres Wednesday April 13 at 9:30PM on ABC with a second episode airing at 10PM