'Sit Down, Shut Up' review

A situation comedy—set in a school? What'll they think of next!

"Sit Down, Shut Up" is FOX's latest addition to its "Animation Domination" Sunday nights, along with the aging-but-still-occasionally-brilliant "The Simpsons" and the there's-no-such-thing-as-too-much-Conway-Twitty "Family Guy." The new series mixes sitcom tropes (quirky characters, ceaseless catchphrases, bathroom humor) with a distinctive animation style that combines animated foregrounds and live-action backgrounds. But rather than breaking conventions, mostly the series feels like it's suffering from an identity crisis.

The buzz: "Sit Down" was created by Mitch Hurwitz, the mastermind behind the FOX cult favorite "Arrested Development," and "Two and a Half Men" helmers Eric and Kim Tannenbaum. It stars some of the funniest folks on TV, including former "Arrested" stars Will Arnett and Jason Bateman, as well as "Saturday Night Live" alums Cheri Oteri, Kenan Thompson and Will Forte.

The verdict: Will this be the next "Simpsons" or "Family Guy"? In a word: No. The fatal flaw? Hiring a cast of brilliant physical comedians... and then sticking them in an animation studio recording booth. Ironically, through the process of animation the performances seem to have become, well, less "animated."

Did you know? "Sit Down, Shut Up" is a remake/reimagining/rehash of a live action Australian series of the same name. That first incarnation lasted only 13 episodes... Let's hope second time's a charm, FOX!

"Sit Down, Shut Up" premieres Sunday, April 19, at 8:30 p.m./7c on FOX.