# If "Two And A Half Men" Becomes "One And A Half Men" Will You Watch? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [April 15, 2010, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-and-a-half-men-becomes-one-and-a-half-men-will-you-watch/536222 "2010-04-15T16:00:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Markxxx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5daacb/32.png) [@Markxxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Markxxx)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-and-a-half-men-becomes-one-and-a-half-men-will-you-watch/536222/1 "2010-04-15T16:00:51Z")
Charlie Sheen has wrapped up this year’s lot of episodes (they haven’t all aired but they’re all done). It seems that he is up in the air about whether he will return or not. > [@](#): > > The actor issued a statement after US press speculation that he was demanding a higher salary to continue his role as libidinous bachelor Charlie Harper. > > Two And A Half Men is the top-rated sitcom in the US. Sheen’s salary is around $825,000 (£536,665) per episode. Full story at the [BBC](http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8614036.stm) CBS has said that it hasn’t ruled out going on with the show if Sheen leaves. So what do you think? Would you watch the show if Sheen left? Do you think it could hold its own if Sheen left? Or do you think they should go for some irony and get Michael J Fox to replace Sheen? 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Contrapuntal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e274bd/32.png) [@Contrapuntal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contrapuntal)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-and-a-half-men-becomes-one-and-a-half-men-will-you-watch/536222/2 "2010-04-15T16:02:59Z")
What would it be about? Where would the tension come from? ---
**Author:** ![Saltire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saltire/32/553_2.png) [@Saltire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saltire)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-and-a-half-men-becomes-one-and-a-half-men-will-you-watch/536222/3 "2010-04-15T16:16:32Z")
I guess they’d either introduce some brand-new character to replace Charlie, or they’d increase the roles of Judith and Herb to fill the hole left by Sheen. CBS would do better to just write a new sitcom or two for Cryer and Jones. I voted “I’ll watch but it won’t last.” ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-and-a-half-men-becomes-one-and-a-half-men-will-you-watch/536222/4 "2010-04-15T16:21:15Z")
People watch that show _now_? ---
**Author:** ![gwendee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/35a633/32.png) [@gwendee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gwendee)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-and-a-half-men-becomes-one-and-a-half-men-will-you-watch/536222/5 "2010-04-15T16:23:29Z")
I watch in syndication so in my world Jake’s still a kid. I understand from snippets of other people’s conversations that there are babies and fiances about which I know nothing. This is a tough call. I think there’s enough talent among Jon Cryer, Conchata Ferrell, and Holland Taylor (not sure about Angus Jones; how’s he weathering puberty and teendom?) to sustain a sitcom that I’d watch. That said, I’m not sure what scenario would keep them all involved plausibly. The only way Alan can stay in the house is by renting the master suite to Berta? Alan and Jake move in with Evelyn…where does that leave Berta? I think I’m coming down on the side of “would watch to see if it’s as bad as I think it would be” and I’d be more than willing to be proven wrong. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-and-a-half-men-becomes-one-and-a-half-men-will-you-watch/536222/6 "2010-04-15T16:39:25Z")
And a larger role for Ryan Stiles, too. My first reaction was, “No way! The magic is the interplay between the 2 and a half men” but on more consideration, I’d probably give it a chance. ETA: I was surprised that the reason he might leave is salary; I thought it would have been because they were kicking his unreliable, alcoholic, jailbird ass off the show. Allegedly. ---
**Author:** ![Wheelz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wheelz/32/5718_2.png) [@Wheelz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wheelz)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-and-a-half-men-becomes-one-and-a-half-men-will-you-watch/536222/7 "2010-04-15T16:56:03Z")
I voted “don’t care” because, truly, I don’t. I’m surprised the show has lasted this long and I wouldn’t miss it if it were gone tomorrow. Having said that, when I do occasionally catch an episode, it’s Sheen who seems to provide all the laughs I get out of it. Without him, I think it would be pointless to go on. ---
**Author:** ![Kamino\_Neko](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kamino_neko/32/34_2.png) [@Kamino\_Neko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kamino_Neko)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-and-a-half-men-becomes-one-and-a-half-men-will-you-watch/536222/8 "2010-04-15T17:03:55Z")
I’d watch a couple episodes, just to see how it goes, and how it holds up, at least. I’m not optimistic that it would go well - While Charlie’s not my favourite character, he’s kind of the pivot point of most of the others - on the other hand, I’m sure they can come up with a way to keep Rose and Bertha around, and Evil…er…Evelyn is harder to justify getting rid of her than keeping her around. Judith…eh, take her or leave her. She’s really only good in small doses. So, yeah…anyway…I’ll watch, for a while, anyway, but without optimism. ---
**Author:** ![well\_he\_s\_back](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/3ab097/32.png) [@well\_he\_s\_back](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/well_he_s_back)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-and-a-half-men-becomes-one-and-a-half-men-will-you-watch/536222/9 "2010-04-15T17:17:37Z")
It is a well constructed sitcom with talented comedic actors. Laughed a lot when we first watched it. Then I started noticing how incredibly filthy the show is. I’m not a prude (really, I’m not) but this show is beyond the pale. yuck. ---
**Author:** ![alphaboi867](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alphaboi867/32/3898_2.png) [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-and-a-half-men-becomes-one-and-a-half-men-will-you-watch/536222/10 "2010-04-15T17:31:53Z")
> [@gwendee](#): > > …The only way Alan can stay in the house is by renting the master suite to Berta? > > Alan and Jake move in with Evelyn…where does that leave Berta?.. For some strange reason Judith and Herb end up having to move in with Alan and Berta stays on as their housekeeper? :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![MovieMogul](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f08c70/32.png) [@MovieMogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MovieMogul)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-and-a-half-men-becomes-one-and-a-half-men-will-you-watch/536222/11 "2010-04-15T17:34:17Z")
> [@Cat\_Whisperer](#): > > ETA: I was surprised that the reason he might leave is salary; I thought it would have been because they were kicking his unreliable, alcoholic, jailbird ass off the show. Allegedly. Did you read the link? He’s denying the reason is salary, and given all the marital/legal/criminal problems he’s dealing with, I don’t blame him for wanting one less thing to worry about in his life right now. > [@acsenray](#): > > People watch that show now? It is still the highest-rated sitcom on TV. Personally, I don’t know anyone who watches it (or admits they do), but someone out there likes it apparently. ---
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-and-a-half-men-becomes-one-and-a-half-men-will-you-watch/536222/12 "2010-04-15T17:36:47Z")
Charlie needs a liver transplant. Jake is the donor and Charlie leaves the house to him. Then Charlie drops dead, and Jake owns the house. An unknown son of Charlie shows up threatening to contest the will. Jake lets him move in. If nothing else, this scenrio is feasible. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Fight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/90ced4/32.png) [@Cat\_Fight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Fight)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-and-a-half-men-becomes-one-and-a-half-men-will-you-watch/536222/13 "2010-04-15T17:43:31Z")
Charlie proposes an orgy with a blow-up doll and, when his potential partners refuse, he severs its limbs then drives around town with his bodyguard in an attempt to dispose of the ‘body,’ finally putting it in a dumpster. But enough about his real life… I hate this show. So much. That poor, poor kid. He seems to have grown up quite a bit – can’t he be a whole man yet? ---
**Author:** ![MovieMogul](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f08c70/32.png) [@MovieMogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MovieMogul)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-and-a-half-men-becomes-one-and-a-half-men-will-you-watch/536222/14 "2010-04-15T17:54:00Z")
> [@Cat\_Fight](#): > > But enough about his real life… I hate this show. So much. That poor, poor kid. He seems to have grown up quite a bit – can’t he be a whole man yet? Uh-oh. What if the kid graduates to “man” status and they Cousin Oliver a new tyke in there to represent the updated “half”. Yikes! (not that I care; I saw the show once a few years ago and that was enough for me) ---
**Author:** ![Eats\_Crayons](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/278dde/32.png) [@Eats\_Crayons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eats_Crayons)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-and-a-half-men-becomes-one-and-a-half-men-will-you-watch/536222/15 "2010-04-15T18:24:43Z")
It would be hard to replace Charlie, the premise of the show is basically a re-tread of “The Odd Couple”. You’ve got the debauched Charlie, and the uptight Alan as Oscar and Felix respectively. The show relies very heavily on that formula and how they’ve been able to spin it. I’d be dubious that they could transition to a new premise successfully, even though the cast is talented. ---
**Author:** ![Markxxx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5daacb/32.png) [@Markxxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Markxxx)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-and-a-half-men-becomes-one-and-a-half-men-will-you-watch/536222/16 "2010-04-15T18:26:54Z")
> [@ArchiveGuy](#): > > It is still the highest-rated sitcom on TV It’s actually neck and neck with _the Big Bang Theory_. It’ll be interesting to see which one finishes out front. Certainly if TBBT wasn’t around Sheen’s positon to command more money would be stronger ---
**Author:** ![Khadaji](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-and-a-half-men-becomes-one-and-a-half-men-will-you-watch/536222/17 "2010-04-15T20:21:07Z")
I don’t watch now, so no. ---
**Author:** ![Oredigger77](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/oredigger77/32/3181_2.png) [@Oredigger77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oredigger77)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-and-a-half-men-becomes-one-and-a-half-men-will-you-watch/536222/18 "2010-04-15T20:34:33Z")
There is nothing on against it on Monday night so I would probably keep watching. I don’t think it would be very good and would probably get dumped after a season but I like How I Met Your Mother and BBT so as long as the other networks show crap I’ll watch what they stick in the two slots in between. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-and-a-half-men-becomes-one-and-a-half-men-will-you-watch/536222/19 "2010-04-15T20:37:21Z")
> [@ArchiveGuy](#): > > Did you read the link? He’s denying the reason is salary, and given all the marital/legal/criminal problems he’s dealing with, I don’t blame him for wanting one less thing to worry about in his life right now.It is still the highest-rated sitcom on TV. Personally, I don’t know anyone who watches it (or admits they do), but someone out there likes it apparently. Nope, I didn’t read the link - I mis-read the quote as Charlie Sheen saying he wanted more money. I’m off to read it now. ---
**Author:** ![muldoonthief](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muldoonthief/32/3188_2.png) [@muldoonthief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/muldoonthief)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-and-a-half-men-becomes-one-and-a-half-men-will-you-watch/536222/20 "2010-04-15T20:41:29Z")
> [@ArchiveGuy](#): > > Did you read the link? He’s denying the reason is salary, and given all the marital/legal/criminal problems he’s dealing with, I don’t blame him for wanting one less thing to worry about in his life right now. Tough life - “I’ve got a court date coming up, how can I be expected to keep working at my 22 week & $19 million /year job as well?” [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-and-a-half-men-becomes-one-and-a-half-men-will-you-watch/536222.md?page=2)