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Originally titled "Mixed Signals," Fox's new series "Traffic Light" is an English version of hit Israeli series "Ramzor" (which translates to "Traffic Light," and, yes, the title sounds just as lame in Hebrew as it does in English).
The series centers around the often conflicting romantic and bromantic relationships of three best buds, who spend their days conference calling one another's cars as they navigate around Los Angeles—and the land of confusion that is one's mid-thirties (see what we did there?). Think of it as "Men of a Certain Age"... for a less certain age.
The buzz: Hey, isn't that semi-violent, sort of jerky Roy from "The Office" playing the loveable lead? Yep, a leaner, slightly less mean David Denman plays Mike, a married lawyer juggling his new roles as husband and father with being best buds with his childhood friends. Rounding out the crew are Adam (Nelson Franklin, "I Love You Man") and his girlfriend Callie, the standout Aya Cash ("Law & Order"), a couple who are recent cohabitators, and perpetual bachelor, and perpetual Brit, Ethan (Kris Marshall, "Human Target"), who's basically Joey with a British accent.
The verdict: Judging by the first several episodes, "Traffic Light" plays out as a well-meaning, perfectly decent series that delivers just enough laughs and good-natured hijinks to get the green light. With its stakes fairly low even on the sitcom-o-meter (most episodes thus far have centered around a man hiding something from his spouse that, if revealed, may make her slightly upset), it's at once a pleasant throwback to the sitcoms of yesteryear and a somewhat tedious exercise in TV mediocrity.
Did you know? Other recent Israeli TV imports have included the criminally underwatched—though critically lauded—"In Treatment" (HBO) and the short-lived—and god-awful—"The Ex List" (CBS).
"Traffic Light" premieres Tuesday, February 8, at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT on Fox.
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