Guest Author - Amy Ralston Young

After a stint of predictable sitcoms with tired storylines, CBS is finally scoring points in the fresh and hip department.

The new trend began with shows like “Two and a Half Men” and “How I Met Your Mother”, and is continuing with the addition of “The New Adventures of Old Christine.”

Created by former "Will & Grace" writer Kari Lizer, "The New Adventures of Old Christine" brings Julia Louis-Dreyfus back to the world of situational comedies. A far cry from her last post-“Seinfeld” attempt (“Watching Ellie”), Louis-Dreyfus’s new show meshes smart writing with her superb physical comedy.

Another big plus, this series makes her likable. Not just someone you don’t hate to watch, but relatable, interesting, and funny - not to mention bitter.

Louis-Dreyfus plays the titular role of Christine, owner of a women’s gym dedicated to 30-minute workouts, and a divorced mother of one. After two years as a divorcee, Christine is starting to feel comfortable in her own skin again.

She has a great relationship with her ex Richard (Clark Gregg), and her son Ritchie (Trevor Gagnon) just started at a new, posh private school. Her brother Matthew (Hamish Linklater) also lives with her and acts as a nanny to Ritchie.

Everything seems to be going well when she meets Richard's new live-in girlfriend, also named Christine (Emily Rutherford). The new Christine is young, pretty, charming, and the old Christine just can’t bring herself to hate her. Shocked to realize she hasn’t really moved on, the old Christine decides to enter the dating pool, again.

Louis-Dreyfus’s character attempts, and fails miserably, to compete with Richard’s new relationship, accepting dates from any one who asks. This includes a fellow divorcee referred to as “sad dad,” and a stint with a man who turns out to be a granddad.

In an effort to ease Christine back into the game, her brother Matthew offers his help: "We'll scare someone up for you. Hey, how about my friend Ugly Larry?" Christine winces and says, "Is he that weird guy who used to follow me around in high school? Yeah, he can call me."

One of the best parts of "The New Adventures of Old Christine" is that it’s not just funny, it’s realistically funny. Some parts of the story may go a little out there, but there is enough human element that all audiences can relate to.

“Christine” first aired in March 2006 as a mid-season replacement, and after a ratings success soon took a permanent spot in the lineup. The newest installments began March 12, 2007, as a double header.

Watch it: CBS Monday, 8:30 p.m. EST
Stars: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Clark Gregg, Trevor Gagnon, Hamish Linklater, Emily Rutherford, Tricia O’Kelley, Alex Kapp Horner, Wanda Sykes