The King of Queens (Spike)

THE KING OF QUEENS is Doug (stand-up comedian Kevin James) and his wife, Carrie (Leah Remini), a blue-collar couple living in Queens, NY. Their average lives are the basis for most of the storylines. Additional episodes are based on their home life, sex life, and communication (or miscommunication). Carrie's aging father Arthur (Jerry Stiller) lives with the couple and spends his free time driving them both crazy with his schemes to get rich.

The King of Queens offers a refreshing escape from the stereotypical upper-middle class comedies that dominate primetime TV today. Yes, the show features the requisite bickering and over-the-top situations that characterize family sitcoms, but at least this show is free of the same tired characters we've seen too many times before -- a dad that needs more sex from his wife, a wife who needs more support from her husband, a few clamoring kids, and a nosy mother-in-law for good measure.

The King of Queens has been successful partly because the characters are imperfect people with everyday concerns and problems. Doug struggles with his weight, Carrie is focused on her career, the couple has constant issues with their neighbors, and neither is very interested in adding kids to their family. These adult issues may resonate with parents, although they are not appropriate for children.