'My Boys' returns for second season on TBS

By Verne Gay

Reason for watching: The second season of one of commercial cable’s best half hours begins this week.

What it’s about: The easiest way to describe TBSSSRqs “My Boys” is “Sex and the City” without the sex, or “Cheers” without Boston (it’s set in Chicago).

There are five buddies, including sportswriter PJ Franklin (the wonderful Jordana Spiro), who prefers the company of the guys. Hence, the title.

They’re under 30 and worry a little bit about growing up. They’re also bound by love for one another, and avoid romantic entanglements for the most part, though not always. Also, PJ and Andy (Jim Gaffigan) are brother and sister.

Thursday night, PJ heads to Italy with Steph (Kellee Stewart), and Bobby (Kyle Howard) tags along. PJ wants a romantic getaway with the latter, but. ... Meanwhile, back at Crowley’s, the guys are suddenly persona non grata after Mike (Jamie Kaler) hits on a waitress.

Bottom line: Besides Spiro — who really shines here — what works best with “My Boys” is an easygoing and absolutely ingratiating ordinariness.

“My Boys” doesn’t work its charms through power-hitting like most sitcoms (SDLqquick ... we’ve gotta hit the viewers over the head with a bat”) but with the bunt and squeeze play.

Foremost, this show — with a marvelous cast — seems supremely comfortable in its own skin.