COMEDY PREMIERE "<a href="/topics/Best_Friends_Forever_%28TV_Series%29">Best Friends Forever</a>" 
 WHEN | WHERE Tonight at 8:30 on <a href="/topics/NBC">NBC</a> / 4 
 REASON TO WATCH Good cast, headed by Lennon Parham and Jessica St. Clair 
 WHAT IT'S ABOUT One sad day, Jessica Black (St. Clair, <a href="/topics/Whitney_%28TV_Series%29">Whitney</a> from "Bridesmaids") gets divorce papers from her ex, and finds herself alone in San Francisco, far from home (NYC) and loved ones -- or at least one loved one, maybe the only loved one, Lenn (Lennon Parham, "Accidentally on Purpose"). Lenn tells her to come home to Brooklyn, and the apartment they once shared. Jess is fine with that -- Lenn's live-in boyfriend, Joe (Luka Jones, an improv comedian with the <a href="/topics/Upright_Citizens_Brigade">Upright Citizens Brigade</a>) somewhat less so. 
 MY SAY Where's that smoke coming from that we all seem to be smelling at the same time, usually Wednesday nights on <a href="/topics/NBC">NBC</a>? Oh, right -- that would be the network torching another comedy opposite "<a href="/topics/American_Idol">American Idol</a>." "Bent" is getting burned off as fast as NBC can light the match; next body onto the sitcom funeral pyre looks like this one. 
 Really, why invest even so much as 22 minutes when you know how this will probably all turn out? That's the monumental challenge now before "BFF" starring a pair of funny ladies, St. Clair and Parham, who deserve a better fate than this one. "BFF" is not bad -- classify this as another Young Urban New York-based sitcom -- but it's not great, either, or certainly not smart enough, or different enough, or flat-out funny enough to deserve anything other than the bleak future that now appears preordained. 
 Sure, there could be this silver-haired lining: "Betty <a href="/topics/Betty_White">White</a>'s Off Their Rockers" finally premieres at 8 tonight. It previewed mid-January immediately after White's big birthday bash; together, they handed NBC one of its biggest scores of the year so far. If "Off Their Rockers" drags an audience in tonight, maybe they'll stick around for "BFF." 
 BOTTOM LINE Move along, move along. There's nothing to see here. 
 GRADE C

COMEDY PREMIERE "Best Friends Forever" WHEN | WHERE Tonight at 8:30 on NBC / 4 REASON TO WATCH Good cast, headed by Lennon Parham and Jessica St. Clair WHAT IT'S ABOUT One sad day, Jessica Black (St. Clair, Whitney from "Bridesmaids") gets divorce papers from her ex, and finds herself alone in San Francisco, far from home (NYC) and loved ones -- or at least one loved one, maybe the only loved one, Lenn (Lennon Parham, "Accidentally on Purpose"). Lenn tells her to come home to Brooklyn, and the apartment they once shared. Jess is fine with that -- Lenn's live-in boyfriend, Joe (Luka Jones, an improv comedian with the Upright Citizens Brigade) somewhat less so. MY SAY Where's that smoke coming from that we all seem to be smelling at the same time, usually Wednesday nights on NBC? Oh, right -- that would be the network torching another comedy opposite "American Idol." "Bent" is getting burned off as fast as NBC can light the match; next body onto the sitcom funeral pyre looks like this one. Really, why invest even so much as 22 minutes when you know how this will probably all turn out? That's the monumental challenge now before "BFF" starring a pair of funny ladies, St. Clair and Parham, who deserve a better fate than this one. "BFF" is not bad -- classify this as another Young Urban New York-based sitcom -- but it's not great, either, or certainly not smart enough, or different enough, or flat-out funny enough to deserve anything other than the bleak future that now appears preordained. Sure, there could be this silver-haired lining: "Betty White's Off Their Rockers" finally premieres at 8 tonight. It previewed mid-January immediately after White's big birthday bash; together, they handed NBC one of its biggest scores of the year so far. If "Off Their Rockers" drags an audience in tonight, maybe they'll stick around for "BFF." BOTTOM LINE Move along, move along. There's nothing to see here. GRADE C

Entertainment

ETBEST04.WEB

'Best Friends Forever' is nothing to see

Newsday

Entertainment trending

Take our quizzes

50 best LI movies

AI's effect on entertainment

Jones Beach summer 2026 concerts

Most Popular

Entertainment Rail Module

You may win a trip or cash when the game comes to Patchogue Theatre on Oct. 6.

Spin cycle: 'Wheel of Fortune Live!' returning to LI

The show will be at Bethpage's Embassy Diner, which bills itself as "America's most patriotic diner."

'Fox & Friends' to air live segment from LI diner on July Fourth

The music mogul signed Joel to Columbia Records, where he released his iconic song and album "Piano Man."

Clive Davis helped launch Billy Joel to superstardom

The venerable CBS newsmagazine has tried to reach new audiences many times over the years.

Six '60 Minutes' spinoffs you probably don't remember: For teens, sports fans, Quibi users (come again?)

Keys kicked off her City Hall performance with "New York State of Mind."

Alicia Keys sings (a bit of) Billy Joel classic at Knicks' celebration

Ticket prices range from $194 for general-admission standing room to $1,120 for ultra-VIP tickets.

Lauryn Hill in concert at the Clubhouse Hamptons in July

Sign up for Newsday's Entertainment newsletter

Entertainment newsletter widget

More Entertainment

Entertainment Article Bottom Module

Sarah McCleskey parlayed her background in Classical languages, archaeology and politics to win an appearance on the quiz show.

Hofstra librarian/vice dean competes on 'Jeopardy!'

Ritter's first reaction was to think of his father, who also had Alzheimer's.

Former 'Eyewitness News' anchor Bill Ritter talks about his Alzheimer's diagnosis

From Glen Campbell to Bobby Darin, it seemed like everyone had a summer show in the '60s and '70s.

'The Jacksons,' 'Sonny and Cher' and more sunny summer variety shows

NEWSDAY TV SHORTS

Vertical videos

Vincent Puleo, who's worked in public office for nearly two decades, terminated the spa's lease following Newsday's reporting. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie talks with Newsday reporters Sandra Peddie and Bahar Ostadan about the story.

Suffolk County official owns strip mall with foot spa tied to alleged sex activity

NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday food writer Marie Elena Martinez try oysters, pizza, and ice cream at The Sandbox in Oyster Bay.

The Sandbox brings food trucks to Oyster Bay

Two siblings have been diagnosed with metachromatic leukodystrophy, and their parents are on a mission to save one of their lives. NewsdayTV's Virgnia Huie reports.

LI siblings diagnosed with rare neurodegenerative disorder

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed shows us some of the new adventures the Long Island Aquarium is offering for families this summer

Out East: LI Aquarium Summer Attractions

Hockey dad back on ice after surviving blood cancer thanks to bone marrow donation from son. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn has more.

Hockey dad survives blood cancer 

As we head into summer, NewsdayTV meteorologist Geoff Bansen looks back at Long Island's hurricane history and prospects for the 2026 season.

A look back at LI's hurricane history

Knicks fans traveled to New York City on Thursday to be a part of the excitement as the Knicks paraded down the Canyon of Heroes to celebrate their NBA championship. NewsdayTV's Jamie Stuart reports.

Fans line the streets for Knicks parade

"I beat people up during the day and then I talk about their feelings at night," he said.

Long Island boxer Pete Latorre's one-two punch

Newsday travel reporter Carissa Kellman takes the pedicab from Robert Moses to Kismet.

Fire Island daycation: Visiting Kismet via pedicab

Long Beach's Dunia Sibomana-Rodriguez throws first pitch before the Yankees-White Sox game on Tuesday.

Long Beach's Dunia Sibomana-Rodriguez throws first pitch at Yankee Stadium

Sitewide Video Playlist

'They dabble in other stuff behind the covers'

The footage released shows three officers approaching a home where they found Steven Eastwood, standing over his mother with a knife. NewsdayTV's Jamie Stuart reports. Credit: Newsday Studios; New York Attorney General Letitia James' Office

'Drop the knife'

'I consider myself an incredibly lucky man'

Suffolk cut deals with at least seven officers to delay their terminations until they can access their pensions, costing taxpayers millions. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn spoke with Newsday investigative reporter Jim Baumbach on his findings.

Suffolk cops collect pensions after admitted misconduct

Rex Heuermann's Attorney Michael Brown sat down with Newsday following his client's sentencing to discuss the case. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn reports.

'I do think he saw the writing on the wall'

Suffolk County 911 dispatchers in Yaphank on Sunday were treated to a catered lunch to thank them for working on Father's Day. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

'It's part of their job ... still doesn't always make it easier'

Long Island Knicks fans are gearing up for this weekend's game after historic comeback on Wednesday night. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

'The heart was definitely pounding'

'A once-in-a lifetime opportunity'

Admitted Gilgo Beach killer Rex Heuermann on Wednesday was sentenced to life in prison without parole for the killing of 8 women. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn reports.

'Get him out of here'

Knicks forward-guard OG Anunoby in the parade.

OG Anunoby at the Knicks parade

Knicks coach Mike Brown celebrates with fans during the parade.

Knicks coach celebrates with fans

NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa sat down for an exclusive interview with Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr, who said he didn't want Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann to "attempt any self-harm."

'He had this serial killer mentality'

App Nativo Ad Unit Slot

TV - megaslot

Newsday TV critic Verne Gay reviews new TV shows and series from Netflix, Max, Hulu and more. Plus, what Long Island actors are working on and Long Island filming locations.

'Best Friends Forever' is nothing to see

Most Popular

Top Stories

Stay logged in.