Campus Ladies: The Oxygen Network (oh!) is coming out with a new improvised series seeking to make its mark on the television landscape. Premiering January 8th at 10pm, the series features two motherly femmes attempting to recapture their lost youth by returning to college at the University of the MidWest. Faced with an unhappy roommate, mischievous dorm mates and snobby Greeks, these two ladies make themselves at home in the college life of UMW.

While the series has difficulties in getting started in the pilot, it quickly hits its stride in the second episode (also airing January 8th just after the premiere. Produced and featuring many alums from the Groundlings, it's easy to understand how the material quickly develops and has hysterical possibilities. As is the case with Curb Your Enthusiasm and Seinfeld, the supporting cast takes center stage and steals the show. Guest appearances by numerous known actors, such as Will Forte from Saturday Night Live, highlight a strong ensemble cast and take the inspired comedy to another level.

Certainly the show doesn't pretend to be high drama or socially redeeming. It's a sitcom, get over it. Enjoy it for what it is and see the antics as they are made up on the fly. MILFs in the dorms? Why not?

We can only hope that they will continue to push the envelope and that the series will continue to expand, giving more improvisational actors a chance to show their stuff and promoting the improvisational artform. Should the series see financial success, hopefully other networks and shows will follow.

With the success of reality TV to this level, anything is possible.

While it is still early in the year (only 5 days old at the time of this review), the show will likely be nominated for an ImprovMiami Prize this year for Best Improvised TV Show. Hopefully the year will add much more competition as improv becomes more accepted on TV.

For more information on Campus Ladies, please see the Oxygen website by clicking here.

Oxygen is giving away a bottle of “Campus Ladies Shower Gel” to anyone and everyone who requests one! (While supplies last). Click here for more information.

Check your local listings for showtime and channel information.

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