Thanks to Country Music Television and One2One Network, I had the opportunity to get a sneak peak* at CMT’s first scripted show, “Working Class,” a sitcom starring Melissa Peterman and Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actor, Ed Asner.

Seriously? Hooker #2 from Fargo and Lou Grant in one place? I’m all in.

You more likely recognize Melissa Peterman from her role as Barbra Jean on “Reba,” but she won my heart as a North Dakota hooker. Oh, okay. Honestly? I might not have given much notice to Ms. Peterman the first time I saw Fargo, but a couple years ago we watched it again, and my husband could barely contain himself, “It’s Barbra Jean! She’s a hooker!”

I digress.

“Working Class” is a new show that balances classic sitcom styling with modern themes. A quick summary, courtesy of CMT’s website:

The show follows Carli Mitchell (Melissa Peterman), a single mom from a rough and tumble background, trying to give her three kids a better life by moving them to an upscale suburb. She quickly finds that making the transition to the good life is harder than she thought.

She’s unwittingly befriended by her cranky neighbor, Hank (Ed Asner), her only career prospect is a glorified deli job at the local grocery store, and the man she falls for not only already has a girlfriend – but he’s also her boss, Rob (Patrick Fabian). With her ladies-man brother, Nick (Steve Kazee), to help her out (when he’s not acting like one of the kids himself), Carli faces the challenges of parenting, dating, and making friends in her new community by doing more with less, staying true to herself and approaching each day with a touch of working class.

As a One2One Network member, I was able to see the entire premiere episode and a few behind-the-scenes clips. Watching Melissa Peterman carry a show is a thrill. The character of Carli is smart and strong, and Peterman’s comedic skills make her instantly likable. I imagine Carli (and Melissa Peterman, frankly) would be a blast on girls’ night out: she’s the kind of woman who knows how to hold it all together when it counts, but also knows how to have a damn good time.

Ed Asner expertly plays his role as a curmudgeonly war veteran. From where he stands, his military experience is just a metaphor for day-to-day life behind the deli counter. The character of Hank is an ideal foil for Carli. Where she is determined and hopeful, he is seasoned and resigned.

I would watch Ed Asner in anything. He has been part of our collective television history for over 40 years, and is pitch-perfect in every role, from Lou Grant to Capt. Davies in Roots to Santa in Elf. From what I’ve seen, we can expect nothing less in his new role as Hank, the hardened neighbor and deli worker.

Like most pilots, it’s clear in this one that the cast is still getting to know each other, but the chemistry is apparent. I expect that over the next few episodes we’ll see them gel and begin to play to each other’s obvious strengths.

“Working Class” also has an opportunity to provide commentary on a growing segment of America’s population. Carli, like so many Americans, is barely making ends meet. The pilot episode opens with the children complaining about the lack of groceries, and Peterman’s character watering down the milk to make it stretch through one more meal. While real life issues, like finances, are handled with levity, they are also handled with respect. It will be interesting to see where the writers and producers take the show, and whether they use it as a platform.

My take? It’s worth your time to check out CMT’s new show, “Working Class.” Set your DVR for January 28 at 8pm EST/PST, followed by a second, all-new episode at 8:30pm.

Special thanks to:

*I understand that if you’re a regular reader here, you might have some questions, namely:

1. What on earth qualifies Missy to review a TV show?
2. And why this show?

Here’s the deal. Wonder, Friend is not really a niche’d blog, and I get to write about anything I want. Bwahahaha.

When this opportunity came up, I jumped at it, because:

1. My love for TV more than qualifies me to review a show (she says, humbly).
These days, life doesn’t allow me loads of TV-watching time, but when I do have some downtime I really enjoy getting lost in a good show. Thank goodness for the DVR. Can I get an amen?

2. I opted to do the review because of all the things you can find on TV these days, the sitcom still holds a special place in my heart.
I read books about the craft of television writing and comedy writing. You might say it’s a hobby. And on top of that, I love country music. Yes, I do – deal with it. So if Country Music Television is branching out and putting a sitcom on the air, I am definitely interested in seeing what they have to offer.

3. Oh, yes, there’s a third point.
Number three: it just sounded like a fun project. And it was.

LEGAL STUFF: I was not compensated in any way for this review. All opinions are my own.