‘Men of a Certain Age’: ‘Sex and the City’ or ‘Cougar Town’ for men?

It’s obvious I enjoy comedies about women of a certain age. Now, I’m really looking forward to seeing the inner workings of the minds of 40-something men. I’ll have the chance when the new TNT original television series Men of a Certain Age premieres in December.

It looks like it is going to be a cross between Sex and the City and Cougar Town — for men.

What’s the difference? There are only three friends on MCA instead of SATC’s gang of four, and while Cougar Town’s 40-something Jules can handle the young cubs, these guys have no shot at keeping up with the young ladies. (I’m also going to go out on a limb and say that the men’s fashion in MCA won’t stack up with the other two shows’ fashion-forward wardrobes — although the duds look pretty good in the promo shot.)

Best buds since college, the show celebrates the friendship between these 40-something men as they enter midlife. Joe (Ray Romano) is a friendly, neurotic, separated father of two, who had dreams of being a professional golfer and is living his nightmare instead. He owns a party store. Terry (Scott Bakula) is an easy-going, good-looking actor who breezes through life – and women. Lately, he’s only been acting — as a temp. Finally, there’s Owen (Andre Braugher), a stressed-out car salesman, husband and father of three, who endures constant criticism from his boss. The boss is his father and the owner of the car dealership where he works. Double-whammy!

The men face different challenges. Joe lives in a hotel, is trying to reconnect with his kids and is getting back in the dating game. He is also trying to kick a gambling habit, an addiction that contributed to ending his marriage. Terry is single and scoffs at domestic bliss, but sometimes wonders if his own single life is all it’s cracked up to be. Owen does everything he can to be successful at work, and to keep his cool while enduring the seemingly-endless renovation project for his home, which he can barely afford. Through it all, these men are there for each other when it counts.

For these men entering the second act of their lives, John Lennon’s words, “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans” really hits home. But, don’t let that discourage you from making plans to watch this funny new show. Men of a Certain Age will premiere on TNT, Monday, Dec. 7.