Will & Grace season 11

Will & Grace
Season 11
The intertitle used in the show's 2017 revival
No. of episodes18
Release
Original networkNBC
Original releaseOctober 24, 2019 (2019-10-24) –
April 23, 2020 (2020-04-23)
Season chronology
← Previous
Season 10
List of episodes

The eleventh and final season of the American comedy series Will & Grace premiered on October 24, 2019, and consisted of 18 episodes, ending on April 23, 2020. The season was initially going to premiere midseason, but was moved up after the cancellation of Sunnyside.

Production

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In March 2018, NBC ordered five more episodes for Will & Grace's revival's second season, bringing the total to 18 episodes, and it was also renewed for an 18-episode third season.[1] On July 25, 2019, it was announced that the eleventh season will be the final season of the series after mutual agreement between the show's cast and creators.[2]

It was reported on October 24, 2019, that Megan Mullally would be absent from two episodes of this season amidst rumors of alleged on-set tension between her and co-stars Debra Messing and Sean Hayes.[3][4] Mullally was absent from the seventh episode, "What a Dump," and the tenth episode, "Of Mouse and Men." After missing the two episodes, Mulally returned to complete the series. Mulally alluded to being "bullied" by Messing on set during an episode of her podcast co-hosted by her husband Nick Offerman.[5]

Show creators David Kohan and Max Mutchnick said the season would tackle a number of issues such as the MeToo movement and address ignorance towards bisexuality, as well as a finale that focused on a less heteronormative ending.[6]

The cast of the series were reported to have made a significant increase in salary per episode for the final season with the lead actors being paid $470,000 per episode for the reboot series, an increase from the previous series where the lead actors were being paid $150,000 per episode. NBC was said to be paying $3.5 million per episode for the show.[7]

Emmy nominated production designer Glenda Rovello who had been nominated for her work on the previous season also returned for the final season. Rovello hinted that the sets in the final season would be the most extravagant seen so far. One of the most notable works from the production team was the replica set and costumes created for the episode “We Love Lucy”. The production team created “45 custom-made costume pieces; built exact replicas of the Ricardo apartment, candy factory, Italian wine vineyard and television studio from the Vitameatavegamin commercial; and brought in 14,000 pieces of the same milk chocolate-covered buttercream from See’s Candy, 1,200 pounds of black grapes for wine-stomping and 48 bottles to match the original Vitameatavegamin prop.” .[8]

Awards and nominations

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Season 11 of Will & Grace received a total of 5 Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Season 11 from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Will and Grace has received a total of 18 awards and 88 nominations during its entire run.[9]

Year Category Nominee Result Ref
2020 Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series James Burrows
(for "We Love Lucy") 		Nominated [10]
Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Program (Half-Hour or Less) Glenda Rovello, Conny Marinos, Peter Gurski
(for "We Love Lucy") 		Nominated
Outstanding Cinematography for a Multi-Camera Series Gary Baum
(for "Accidentally on Porpoise") 		Nominated
Outstanding Multi-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series Peter Beyt
(for "We Love Lucy") 		Nominated
Outstanding Multi-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series Joseph Fulton
(for "What a Dump") 		Nominated

Cast and characters

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Main

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Recurring

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Special guest stars

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Guest

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Episodes

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See also: List of Will & Grace episodes
No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateU.S. viewers
(millions)
2291"Eat, Pray, Love, Phone, Sex"James BurrowsDavid Kohan & Max Mutchnick and Jon Kinnally & Tracy PoustOctober 24, 2019 (2019-10-24)2.28[12]
2302"Pappa Mia"James BurrowsSuzanne MartinOctober 31, 2019 (2019-10-31)2.63[13]
2313"With Enemies Like These"James BurrowsJohn QuaintanceNovember 7, 2019 (2019-11-07)2.17[14]
2324"The Chick or the Egg Donor"James BurrowsJordan Reddout & Gus HickeyNovember 14, 2019 (2019-11-14)2.16[15]
2335"The Grief Panda"James BurrowsJon Kinnally & Tracy PoustNovember 21, 2019 (2019-11-21)2.19[16]
2346"Performance Anxiety"James BurrowsJohn QuaintanceJanuary 9, 2020 (2020-01-09)2.39[17]
2357"What a Dump"James BurrowsSuzanne MartinJanuary 16, 2020 (2020-01-16)2.13[18]
2368"Lies & Whispers"James BurrowsAdam BarrJanuary 23, 2020 (2020-01-23)2.32[19]
2379"Bi-plane"James BurrowsAaron Huffines & C.R. HonceFebruary 6, 2020 (2020-02-06)2.35[20]
23810"Of Mouse and Men"James BurrowsAdam BarrFebruary 13, 2020 (2020-02-13)1.97[21]
23911"Accidentally on Porpoise"James BurrowsSuzanne MartinFebruary 20, 2020 (2020-02-20)1.95[22]
24012"Filthy Phil, Part I"James BurrowsJon Kinnally & Tracy PoustFebruary 27, 2020 (2020-02-27)2.06[23]
24113"Filthy Phil, Part II"James BurrowsAdam BarrMarch 5, 2020 (2020-03-05)2.10[24]
24214"The Favourite"James BurrowsLaura KightlingerMarch 12, 2020 (2020-03-12)2.30[25]
24315"Broadway Boundaries"James BurrowsJordan Reddout & Gus HickeyMarch 19, 2020 (2020-03-19)2.73[26]
24416"We Love Lucy"James BurrowsJohn QuaintanceApril 9, 2020 (2020-04-09)2.66[27]
24517"New Crib"James BurrowsJon Kinnally & Tracy PoustApril 16, 2020 (2020-04-16)2.46[28]
24618"It's Time"James BurrowsDavid Kohan & Max MutchnickApril 23, 2020 (2020-04-23)3.14[29]

Reception

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Ratings

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Viewership and ratings per episode of Will & Grace season 11
No. Title Air date Rating/share
(18–49)		 Viewers
(millions)		 DVR
(18–49)		 DVR viewers
(millions)		 Total
(18–49)		 Total viewers
(millions)
1 "Eat, Pray, Love, Phone, Sex" October 24, 2019 0.5/3 2.28[12] 0.6 1.99 1.1 4.27[30]
2 "Pappa Mia" October 31, 2019 0.6/3 2.63[13] 0.5 1.78 1.1 4.33[31]
3 "With Enemies Like These" November 7, 2019 0.5/3 2.17[14] 0.6 2.02 1.1 4.19
4 "The Chick or the Egg Donor" November 14, 2019 0.4/2 2.16[15] 0.5 1.89 0.9 4.05 [32]
5 "The Grief Panda" November 21, 2019 0.5/3 2.19[16] 0.5 1.74 1.0 3.93 [33]
6 "Performance Anxiety" January 9, 2020 0.5/3 2.39[17] 0.5 1.74 1.0 4.13 [34]
7 "What a Dump" January 16, 2020 0.4/2 2.13[18] 0.5 1.78 0.9 3.91 [35]
8 "Lies & Whispers" January 23, 2020 0.5/3 2.32[19] 0.4 1.65 0.9 3.97 [36]
9 "Bi-plane" February 6, 2020 0.5 2.35[20] 0.4 1.60 0.9 3.95 [37]
10 "Of Mice and Men" February 13, 2020 0.4 1.97[21] 0.4 1.64 0.8 3.61 [38]
11 "Accidentally on Porpoise" February 20, 2020 0.4 1.95[22] 0.4 1.55 0.8 3.50 [39]
12 "Filthy Phil, Part I" February 27, 2020 0.4 2.07[23] 0.4 1.50 0.8 3.57 [40]
13 "Filthy Phil, Part II" March 5, 2020 0.5 2.11[24] 0.4 1.52 0.9 3.63 [41]
14 "The Favourite" March 12, 2020 0.5 2.30[25] 0.4 1.45 0.9 3.76 [42]
15 "Broadway Boundaries" March 19, 2020 0.7 2.70[26] 0.4 1.45 1.1 4.15 [43]
16 "We Love Lucy" April 9, 2020 0.6 2.66[27] 0.4 1.63 1.0 4.29 [44]
17 "New Crib" April 16, 2020 0.6 2.46[28] 0.4 1.62 1.0 4.08 [45]
18 "It's Time" April 23, 2020 0.5 3.11[29] 0.5 1.75 1.0 4.86 [46]

Critical response

[edit]

While the previous two seasons of Will & Grace received generally positive reviews, the eleventh and final season received mixed to negative reviews from critics.

Tara Ariano from Vanity Fair criticized the series finale as well as other comparative attempts at television reboots, remarking that "another unnecessary TV revival fizzles out with its second series finale." Ariano also criticized the show for relying too heavily on guest stars in each episode and the rehashing of previous storylines from the original series.[47]

Matthew Gilbert from the Boston Globe described the final season as a "joyless affair", noting that the writing seemed "forced and desperate for material". In regards to the actors he believed that the chemistry between actors that was present in previous seasons had dissipated: "At one point, the Will & Grace four — Debra Messing, Megan Mullally, Eric McCormack, and Sean Hayes — were among TV's best ensembles, with perfectly timed delivery, expert physical comedy, and a familiarity with one another that shone through the material. Now, the crackle is gone and the chemistry feels labored." He also cited the alleged feud between Mulally and other cast members as a possible reason for this.[48]

Cristina Iskander rated the mid-season finale episode of the series "The Grief Panda" two out of five stars, stating the episode was a "sad state of affairs" and draws comparison to the criticized final season of the original series. The "show runners have a rare second chance to get things right, they are completely wasting that opportunity". She also criticized the writing for the episode's guest star Vanessa Bayer, stating that "the show doesn't utilise her character in any way that feels purposeful or even particularly funny."[49]

Sal Cinequemani from Slant wrote positively about the episode "We Love Lucy" and praised the replica set design and costumes made to recreate scenes from the 1950s sitcom I Love Lucy. The production design of "We Love Lucy" was nominated for an Emmy for the category of Outstanding Production Design For A Narrative Program (Half-Hour).[50] Cinequemani praised Messing's performance of character Lucy Ricardo and actress Lucille Ball, saying she "pitch-perfectly fills Lucy's shoes". Cinequemani also praised Mulally's comedic performance playing a number of side characters in the episode.[51]

References

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  1. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (March 17, 2018). "'Will & Grace' Revival Renewed For Season 3 By NBC, Season 2 Expanded". Deadline. Retrieved March 18, 2018.
  2. ^ Petski, Denise; Andreeva, Nellie (July 25, 2019). "'Will & Grace' Revival To End With Upcoming 2020 Season On NBC". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 25, 2019.
  3. ^ Bastidas, Jose (October 24, 2019). "'Will & Grace': Megan Mullally Will Miss 'Multiple' Season 11 Episodes, Fueling On-Set Drama Rumors". PopCulture.com. Retrieved November 11, 2019.
  4. ^ Yang, Rachel (October 24, 2019). "'Megan Mullally Misses 2 Episodes Of Final 'Will & Grace' Season Amid Rumors Of On-Set Tensions'". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved April 19, 2022.
  5. ^ Rife, Lauren (November 2, 2021). "'What We Know About Megan Mullally And Debra Messing's Feud'". Retrieved April 19, 2022.
  6. ^ Strause, Jackie (April 23, 2020). "'Will & Grace' Revival's Series Finale, Explained'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 19, 2022.
  7. ^ Goldberg, Lesley (July 25, 2020). "'Will & Grace' To End With Revivals Third Season (And 11Th Overall) On NBC'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 19, 2022.
  8. ^ Strause, Jackie (April 23, 2020). "'Will & Grace' Revival's Series Finale, Explained – The Hollywood Reporter".'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 19, 2022.
  9. ^ Emmys, The (September 21, 2020). "'Outstanding Production Design For A Narrative Program Half Hour Or Less Nominees / Winners 2020".'". Retrieved April 19, 2022.
  10. ^ "Emmys.com list of 2020 Nominees & Winners". Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  11. ^ Swift, Andy (2019-10-03). "Joel McHale Joins Will & Grace's Final Season as [Spoiler]'s Love Interest". TVLine. Retrieved 2019-10-23.
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  17. ^ a b Welch, Alex (January 10, 2020). "'Jeopardy! The Greatest of All Time,' 'Young Sheldon,' all others hold: Thursday final ratings". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on January 10, 2020. Retrieved January 10, 2020.
  18. ^ a b Welch, Alex (January 17, 2020). "'Evil' adjusts down: Thursday final ratings". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on January 18, 2020. Retrieved January 17, 2020.
  19. ^ a b Welch, Alex (January 27, 2020). "'A Million Little Things' adjusts down: Thursday final ratings". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on January 27, 2020. Retrieved January 27, 2020.
  20. ^ a b Metcalf, Mitch (February 7, 2020). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Thursday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 2.6.2020". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on February 8, 2020. Retrieved February 7, 2020.
  21. ^ a b Metcalf, Mitch (February 14, 2020). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Thursday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 2.13.2020". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on February 15, 2020. Retrieved February 14, 2020.
  22. ^ a b Metcalf, Mitch (February 21, 2020). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Thursday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 2.20.2020". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on February 21, 2020. Retrieved February 24, 2020.
  23. ^ a b Metcalf, Mitch (February 28, 2020). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Thursday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 2.27.2020". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on February 28, 2020. Retrieved February 28, 2020.
  24. ^ a b Metcalf, Mitch (March 6, 2020). "SHOWBUZZDAILY'S Top 150 Thursday Cable Originals & Network Finals 3.5.2020". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on March 7, 2020. Retrieved March 6, 2020.
  25. ^ a b Metcalf, Mitch (March 13, 2020). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Thursday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 3.12.2020". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on March 17, 2020. Retrieved March 13, 2020.
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  27. ^ a b Metcalf, Mitch (April 10, 2020). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Thursday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 4.9.2020". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on April 10, 2020. Retrieved April 10, 2020.
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  30. ^ Pucci, Douglas (November 8, 2019). "Live+7 Weekly Ratings: 'Supergirl' Leads Broadcast Network Entries in Adults 18-49 Percentage Lifts". Programming Insider. Retrieved November 16, 2019.
  31. ^ Pucci, Douglas (November 13, 2019). "Live+7 Weekly Ratings: 'This Is Us' Tops All in Raw Viewer and Demo Gains". Programming Insider. Retrieved November 16, 2019.
  32. ^ "Live+7 Weekly Ratings: 'CMA Awards' Among Top 25 Broadcast Network Total Viewer Raw Gainers". 26 November 2019.
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  34. ^ "Live+7 Weekly Ratings: 'Chicago PD' Leads in Overall Raw Gains". 22 January 2020.
  35. ^ "Live+7 Weekly Ratings: Sixteen Broadcast Network Dramas Lead in Raw Gains Among Total Viewers, Topped by 'The Good Doctor'". 29 January 2020.
  36. ^ "Live+7 Weekly Ratings: 'A Million Little Things' Winter Premiere Ranks in Top 5 of Adults 18-49 Raw Gainers". 5 February 2020.
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  46. ^ "Live+7 Weekly Ratings: 'Will & Grace' Series Finale Tops All Comedy Telecasts in Overall Raw Gains". 8 May 2020.
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  48. ^ Gilbert, Matethew (January 28, 2020). ""For 'Will & Grace,' A Long, Slow Slide Into Irrelevance"". Boston Globe. Retrieved April 25, 2022.
  49. ^ Iskander, Cristina (November 21, 2019). ""Will & Grace Review: The Grief Panda (Season 11 Episode 5)"". Tell-Tale TV. Retrieved April 26, 2022.
  50. ^ "Awards And Nominations For Will & Grace". Retrieved April 23, 2022.
  51. ^ Cinquemani, Sal (April 6, 2020). "'Review: Will & Grace Effortlessly Channels The Spirit Of I Love Lucy'". Slant Magazine. Retrieved April 25, 2022.
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