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Are You There, Chelsea?

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Are You There, Chelsea? (formerly known as Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea)[1] is an American television sitcom created by Dottie Zicklin and Julie Ann Larson for NBC. It is based on Chelsea Handler's 2008 best-selling book Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea and aired from January 11 to March 28, 2012.[2] The title is a take on Judy Blume's Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.

Are You There, Chelsea?
Also known as
  • Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea
  • Chelsea Straight Up
GenreSitcom
Based onAre You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea
by Chelsea Handler
Developed by
Directed byGail Mancuso
Starring
ComposerMatter Music
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes12
Production
Executive producers
Camera setupMulti-camera
Running time22 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkNBC
ReleaseJanuary 11 (2012-01-11) –
March 28, 2012 (2012-03-28)

On May 11, 2012, NBC cancelled the series after one season.[3]

Synopsis

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The sitcom is based on a book written by Chelsea Handler, a book containing comical stories from Handler's early twenties.

Cast and characters

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Main cast

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Recurring cast

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Development and production

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The pilot first appeared on NBC's development slate in November 2010.[4] On January 26, 2011, NBC placed a pilot order. Dottie Zicklin and Julie Ann Larson wrote the pilot with Gail Mancuso set to direct.[5] Chelsea Handler serves as executive producer, along with Tom Werner, Mike Clements and Tom Brunelle.[6]

Casting announcements began in January 2011. First to be cast was Laura Prepon, who plays the lead Chelsea Newman (originally named Chelsea Hanson in the early stages of production).[7] Next to join the series was Angel Laketa Moore, who was cast as Shoniqua, the assistant manager of the sports bar where Chelsea works.[8] Lauren Lapkus and Natalie Morales followed, with Lauren Lapkus playing Dee Dee, the bubbly woman whom Chelsea and Ivory live with, and Morales playing Ivory, Chelsea's long-time Cuban-American friend.[9] Jo Koy later joined the series as Mark, a bartender where Chelsea works.[10] Mark Povinelli then joined the show as Todd, a bar back at the sports bar where Chelsea works.[11] Lenny Clarke was the last actor to be cast in the series, he plays Melvin, Chelsea's father, who is a big man with a big personality.[12]

NBC ordered the pilot to series on May 13, 2011, as a midseason entry in the 2011–12 United States network television schedule.[13] The half-hour series was produced by Warner Bros. Television.[14]

On July 3, 2011, it was announced that Morales, Moore, and Koy were dropped from the series due to creative reasons.[15] On August 9, 2011, Jake McDorman was revealed to have upgraded to a series regular replacing Jo Koy's character as the Bartender. In the original pilot he played Jonathan, one of Chelsea's love interests. Another change was the show's setting from Los Angeles to New Jersey.

On August 25, 2011, Ali Wong joined the cast as Olivia, Chelsea’s best friend since grade school and a fellow cocktail waitress where Chelsea works.[16]

On November 14, 2011, NBC announced Are You There, Chelsea? would premiere on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at 8:30/7:30c, following Whitney.[17]

Episodes

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No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code		U.S. viewers
(millions)
1"Pilot"Gail MancusoDottie Zicklin & Julie Ann LarsonJanuary 11, 2012 (2012-01-11)2J65516.18[18]
After receiving a D.U.I., Chelsea Newman decides it's time to change her life starting with moving into an apartment closer to her workplace. Chelsea and her best friend Olivia move into the same apartment building as their co-worker Rick. Meanwhile, Chelsea's sister Sloane is due to give birth and is unsure if Chelsea will be there for her.
2"Sloane's Ex"Gail MancusoRobin Schiff & Brian GallivanJanuary 18, 2012 (2012-01-18)2J65554.21[19]
Sloane's old high school boyfriend Matt, shows up at the bar and against Sloane's advice, Chelsea agrees to go on a date with him. Rick tracks down his ex-girlfriend Nikki, only to realize she is now engaged.
3"Believe"Gail MancusoRegina StewartJanuary 25, 2012 (2012-01-25)2J65543.80[20]
Sloane hosts an event with her church group at the sports bar and one of the band members catches Chelsea's eye. But after spending time with him, she realizes he is more of a match for Dee Dee and attempts to set them up. Nikki takes a job at the bar, which Rick enjoys, but her personality rubs everyone else the wrong way.
4"Strays"Gail MancusoJeremy HallFebruary 1, 2012 (2012-02-01)2J65564.04[21]
Dee Dee, Olivia, and Chelsea attempt to help Nikki look good for her fiance, who is having cold feet. However, things go awry, and Chelsea realizes Nikki may be sticking around for a bit longer. Chelsea tries to find a good home for a stray dog.
5"The Gynecologist"Gail MancusoClay GrahamFebruary 8, 2012 (2012-02-08)2J65603.63[22]
Chelsea brings Dee Dee and Nikki along with her on a deep sea fishing trip she was invited to go on. On the trip, Dee Dee hits it off with one of the captains while Chelsea and Nikki attempt to pair off with two of the doctors until they realize that the two guys are more than just colleagues.
6"How to Succeed in Business Without Really Crying"Gail MancusoClay Graham & Robin SchiffFebruary 15, 2012 (2012-02-15)2J65533.42[23]
Chelsea starts dating an overly sensitive marketing executive to help get Olivia a chance at a job at his firm, ultimately deciding to dump him, but can't seem to find a way to do it without hurting Olivia's chances.
7"Dee Dee's Pillow"Gail MancusoRegina StewartFebruary 22, 2012 (2012-02-22)2J65593.38[24]
Chelsea tries to help Dee Dee meet her crush, Mario Lopez, but winds up embarrassing Dee Dee instead. When Dee Dee takes it in stride, Chelsea wonders if Dee Dee will ever show her anger. Chelsea's dad, Melvin, decides it's time for him to start dating again, and he enlists Rick and Todd to be his wingmen.
8"Those Damn Yankees"Gail MancusoEric ZicklinFebruary 29, 2012 (2012-02-29)2J65583.45[25]
Chelsea has to deal with her father hating her minor League baseball playing boyfriend (Wilmer Valderrama) when he gets traded to the Yankees. Rick helps out Nikki's grandma (Estelle Harris)
9"Fired"Gail MancusoClay Graham & Robin SchiffMarch 7, 2012 (2012-03-07)2J65623.62[26]
When Rick convinces Jerry (Ryan Stiles) to finally make him manager of the sports bar, Chelsea and her co-workers are happy for him, but things quickly dissolve. Nikki tries to get Dee Dee to join in her cleanse to get rid of bad negativity.
10"The Foodie"Gail MancusoJulie Ann Larson & Dottie ZicklinMarch 14, 2012 (2012-03-14)2J65522.88[27]
Chelsea begins dating a handsome chef (Gilles Marini) who courts her with food.
11"Boots"Gail MancusoJulie Ann Larson & Dottie ZicklinMarch 21, 2012 (2012-03-21)2J65573.47[28]
Chelsea finds a pair of boots she wants but can't afford. Rick is determined to win a mixologist contest, but needs a recipe from Chelsea.
12"Surprise"Gail MancusoJulie Ann Larson & Dottie ZicklinMarch 28, 2012 (2012-03-28)2J65613.08[29]
Chelsea's plans to throw a surprise birthday party to Sloane take an interesting turn when Sloane's husband (Mark Valley) phones Chelsea to tell her that he's on his way back home. Rick has some mixed feelings about a dream he had of Chelsea.

International broadcasts

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Reception

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On Rotten Tomatoes, the series has an aggregate score of 18% based on 5 positive and 23 negative critic reviews. The website’s consensus reads: "Based on Chelsea Handler's bestselling autobiography, Are you there, Chelsea? tries hard, but never matches the book's caustic wit."[34]

References

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  1. ^ "Are You There, Chelsea?". Retrieved November 14, 2011.
  2. ^ Gorman, Bill (January 16, 2011). "Four More NBC Sitcom Pick Ups: "Are You There, Vodka?...", "Free Agents", "Bent", & "BFF"". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on November 17, 2011. Retrieved May 13, 2011.
  3. ^ Seidman, Robert (May 11, 2012). "'Awake, 'Are You There, Chelsea?,' 'Best Friends Forever,' and 'Bent' Cancelled by NBC". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on February 10, 2013. Retrieved May 11, 2012.
  4. ^ "Development Update: Wednesday, November 3". The Futon Critic. November 3, 2010. Retrieved July 31, 2011.
  5. ^ "Development Update: Wednesday, January 26". The Futon Crituc. January 26, 2011. Retrieved July 31, 2011.
  6. ^ "Are You There, Chelsea?". IMDb. January 11, 2012.
  7. ^ Bricker, Tierney (February 16, 2011). "Laura Prepon to play Chelsea Handler in NBC pilot". Zap2it. Retrieved July 31, 2011.
  8. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (February 17, 2011). "Megan Dodds, Orlando Jones Among Latest Pilot Cast Additions". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 19, 2022.
  9. ^ "Development Update: Friday, February 18". The Futon Critic. February 18, 2011. Retrieved July 31, 2011.
  10. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (February 24, 2011). "TV CASTINGS ROUNDUP: Slew Of Actors Book Pilots". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 22, 2011. Retrieved April 19, 2022.
  11. ^ "Development Update: Tuesday, March 1". The Futon Critic. March 1, 2011. Retrieved July 31, 2011.
  12. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (March 18, 2011). "Boris Kodjoe, Tom Arnold And Lenny Clarke Join Pilots". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 31, 2011.
  13. ^ Gorman, Bill (May 13, 2011). "Four More NBC Sitcom Pick Ups: "Are You There, Vodka?...", "Free Agents", "Bent", & "BFF"". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on October 8, 2013. Retrieved May 13, 2011.
  14. ^ "Are You There, Chelsea?". The Futon Critic. Retrieved June 21, 2012.
  15. ^ Ausiello, Michael (July 3, 2011). "Exclusive: Chelsea Handler's New NBC Sitcom Cuts Three Castmembers in Overhaul". TVLine. Archived from the original on September 8, 2012. Retrieved July 31, 2011.
  16. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (August 25, 2011). "Ali Wong Joins New NBC Comedy 'Are You There, Vodka' As Regular". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 19, 2022.
  17. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (November 14, 2011). "NBC's Midseason Schedule: 'Up All Night', 'Whitney', 'Rock Center', 'Harry's Law' Move; 'Community' Benched; 'Suspect' Pulled". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 19, 2022.
  18. ^ Seidman, Robert (January 12, 2012). "Wednesday Final Ratings: 'The Middle,' 'Whitney,' 'Harry's Law' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on January 15, 2012. Retrieved February 17, 2012.
  19. ^ Gorman, Bill (January 19, 2012). "Wednesday Final Ratings: 'American Idol,' 'Modern Family' Adjusted Up; 'Are You There, Chelsea?,' 'The Middle' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on January 22, 2012. Retrieved February 17, 2012.
  20. ^ Seidman, Robert (January 26, 2012). "Wednesday Final Ratings: 'American Idol,' 'Criminal Minds,' 'CSI' Adjusted Up". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on January 28, 2012. Retrieved February 17, 2012.
  21. ^ Gorman, Bill (February 2, 2012). "Wednesday Final Ratings: 'American Idol' Adjusted Up; 'Mobbed,' 'Super Bowl's Greatest Commercials' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on February 4, 2012. Retrieved February 17, 2012.
  22. ^ Seidman, Robert (February 9, 2012). "Wednesday Final Ratings: 'American Idol,' 'Suburgatory' Adjusted Up; 'Happy Endings,' 'CSI,' 'SVU,' Among Many Downward Adjustments". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on February 12, 2012. Retrieved February 17, 2012.
  23. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (February 16, 2012). "Wednesday Final Ratings: 'American Idol,' 'One Tree Hill,' 'Survivor,' 'Whitney,' & 'Criminal Minds' Adjusted Up, 'The Middle,' 'CSI,' 'Rock Center,' & 'Happy Endings' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on February 18, 2012. Retrieved February 17, 2012.
  24. ^ Bibel, Sara (February 23, 2012). "Wednesday Final Ratings: 'Modern Family,' 'CSI,' 'One Tree Hill' Adjusted Up, 'The Middle,' 'Happy Endings' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on February 27, 2012. Retrieved February 23, 2012.
  25. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (March 1, 2012). "Wednesday Final Ratings: 'American Idol' Adjusted Up; 'Suburgatory,' 'America's Next Top Model' & 'Happy Endings' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on March 3, 2012. Retrieved March 1, 2012.
  26. ^ Bibel, Sara (March 8, 2012). "Wednesday Final Ratings: 'American Idol' Adjusted Up". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on March 10, 2012. Retrieved March 9, 2012.
  27. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (March 15, 2012). "Wednesday Final Ratings: 'American Idol', 'Survivor: One World', 'CSI', 'One Tree Hill', 'Are You There, Chelsea?' & 'Modern Family' Adjust Up". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on March 17, 2012. Retrieved March 15, 2012.
  28. ^ Bibel, Sara (March 22, 2012). "Wednesday Final Ratings: 'American Idol,' 'Survivor,' 'CSI,' 'One Tree Hill' Adjusted Up; 'Bent' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on March 24, 2012. Retrieved March 23, 2012.
  29. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (March 29, 2012). "Wednesday Final Ratings: 'Idol', 'Survivor' 'One Tree Hill' and 'Whitney' All Adjusted Up". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on March 31, 2012. Retrieved March 30, 2012.
  30. ^ "Global's Fall 2011 Schedule is here!". Channel Canada. May 11, 2011. Archived from the original on April 4, 2012. Retrieved July 20, 2011.
  31. ^ "Are You There, Chelsea – NEW SERIES". TVNZ. Archived from the original on February 5, 2013. Retrieved January 12, 2011.
  32. ^ Furquim, Fernanda (December 30, 2011). "Calendário de Estreias 2012 – Parte 1 – Midseason". Veja (in Portuguese). Editora Abril. Retrieved January 31, 2012.
  33. ^ Krannich, Bernd Michael (March 19, 2013). "Play By Day: ProSieben zeigt die Comedyserie Are you There, Chelsea?". Serienjunkies.de (in German). Retrieved March 20, 2013.
  34. ^ "Are you there, Chelsea?". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
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