It is hard being a parent, especially if you’re in the public eye, there is an added level of scrutiny on every choice you make, and you are still learning like every other parent that has come before. In 2004, Jason Alexander took on the role of Sports commentator and sitcom husband, father, and the host of Listen Up.

Based on the writings of Tony Kornheiser, meet Tony Kleinman, he’s a sports commenter, T.V. host, and family man. Almost none of his family have that much respect for their father, but he tries his best, even if it isn’t always the right way. From his wife, the zoo administrator/ fundraiser, his underachieving golf pro of a son, and spoiled, confrontational over-achieving daughter, Tony tries his best to ensure the best life for his family. He also occasionally asks for advice from his on-screen partner, Bernie, a former N.F.L. player. With all his quote-unquote wisdom, it is time for Tony’s friends and family to listen up.

So the show is based on the writings of a real guy, not being the biggest sports fan, I am not familiar with the original Kornheiser nor his writings. Suffice it to say, I don’t know if the real guy had so many issues with his family, or himself. But it certainly helps find a vehicle for Jason Alexander’s comedy if what we see on screen is to be believed. The theme song (if you can call it that) from episode 2 is good at getting you into the mindset of Kleinman and the nagging pressure that comes from being the head of a household. The typical challenges of a semi-affluent family, like grades, boundaries, and the occasional poorly executed bet. To his professional struggles that equate from having the freshest quip in tomorrow’s paper or the brightest insight on Chicago’s leading syndicated show.

The show has some slight flourishes that set it apart from the other sitcoms of the time, from the occasional song break to Seinfeld-esque moments of schadenfreude. It feels like the character was written for Alexander, even an appearance from Wayne Knight. Speaking of guest spots, Listen Up throws in many cameos from sports stars like Dennis Rodman. We learn a lot from some other characters, like my favourite, his son, Mickey, while he can constantly hit under par, he cannot excel anywhere near that academically. He dreams of the medical profession, but not in the capacity that Tony wants.

Listen Up is a fine sitcom during the gold rush period of the format. Despite its fast pace, it provides an appealing alternative to those who thought the Bob Patterson character and show neglected the family side too much. Getting closer to the heart of a typical suburban family is a nice step for the show. An area that Alexander’s comedy plays well in, with a couple of topical sports jokes and stars thrown in for good measure. The tapes are still available wherever you can find them, so if you want to, you can listen up to what Kleinman is laying down.

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