Melissa McCarthy is one of the buzziest rising stars at the box office.
In 2011, she helped make “Bridesmaids,” for which she earned an Oscar nomination, a ground-breaking smash, proving that men would show up to female-centric comedies to the tune of $169 million in domestic gross. This year, McCarthy opened two movies on her name, “Identity Thief” and “The Heat,” which garnered $134 and $159 million, respectively.
So what in God’s name is she still doing on the pandering, dumb-as-a-rock sitcom, “Mike & Molly,” which returns for its fourth season tonight at 9 p.m. ? And why does it seem like every year she’s joined by more and more stars who are too good for their crappy shows? Here are the most egregious offenses.
-
1. MELISSA MCCARTHY, "Mike & Molly"
Although McCarthy has won an Emmy for her turn as Molly Flynn, it always felt like it was more a kudos for her work on “Bridesmaid” that year. The low-hanging fruit show underutilizes McCarthy’s improvisational genius, opting for tired sitcom tropes instead. It’s nice that the comedy shows a loving couple that looks a lot like the rest of us. It’s just too bad it’s not funny.
-
2. REBEL WILSON, "Super Fun Night"
Colleen Hayes/ABC Hopes were high for the Australian comedienne’s foray into American television. After star-making parts in “Bridesmaids” and “Pitch Perfect,” it seemed Wilson would follow in the footsteps of Mindy Kaling, creating a smart series that allowed funny women to shine. Nope. “Super Fun Night” basically finds every way to make fun of Wilson’s weight, but without any of the actress’ signature wit and grit. Wilson has made it no secret that network execs have meddled — notably cutting out one of her favorite jokes about dolphin rape. It’s hard to get behind a show that doesn’t seem to love its star as much as we do.
-
3. STEPHEN AMELL, "Arrow"
The CW In a way, Amell has gotten the raw end of the superhero deal. While taking on a masked man has made stars like Chris Hemsworth and Chris Evans megawatt names, Amell’s TV savior role has relegated him to CW teen heartthrob. He’s a good actor, full of nuance, but the show relies on the familiar and never feels quite grand enough in the age of $150 million budget blockbusters. Plus, that jawline and those abs deserve a lot more eyeballs.
-
4. ALLISON JANNEY, "Mom"
Allison Janney was one the few broadcast TV stars to be nominated (for "Mom" on CBS). Monty Brinton/CBS Don’t get us wrong, national treasure Allison Janney is the best part of this Chuck Lorre sitcom. But she could be doing so much better. One only needs to look at her recent scene-stealing brilliance in “The Way, Way Back” –– and her work on Showtime’s “Masters of Sex” –– to see just how captivating her gutteral bite can be.
-
5. DARREN CRISS, "Glee"
Tommy Garcia/FOX It’s no secret that “Glee” has no idea where it’s headed. With the death of Cory Monteith, even Ryan Murphy has said he’s having to rethink what to do. Actors are bailing from the sinking ship left and right, and it’s time the show’s beacon of hope, Criss, does the same. His studly character’s interest in pip squeak Kurt was never believable to begin with, and Criss has already proven he’s got what it takes to make it on his own, with a lauded stint in Broadway’s “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” Come home, Criss.
-
6. MARGO MARTINDALE, "The Millers"
Cliff Lipson/CBS Martindale has an Emmy under he belt for “Justified,” and another nomination for “The Americans.” Seeing her rehash “Dirty Dancing” visual gags and yell cliched lines about marriage is simply a tragedy. Fingers crossed that perennial showkiller Will Arnett will get yet another show cancelled and free Martindale from this purgatory.
-
7. DEMI LOVATO, "The X Factor"
Nino Munoz/FOX The bloated, over-produced spectacle that is “The X Factor” does not deserve the lovable, rising pop princess that is Demi Lovato. Her playful dynamic with Simon Cowell and her actual interest in giving the contestant’s helpful advice, as well as her willingness to be vulnerable, have given her a serious career boost. That’s great, but now it’s time to make like Britney Spears and move on before the show drags you down, girl.