Melissa Peterman Stars in Working Class
Melissa Peterman, best known for her role of Barbara Jean in Reba, is starring in her own situational comedy on CMT. Working class, CMT’s first sitcom, also stars Ed Asner, and is centered around Melissa Peterman as Carly, a twice-divorced single mom with three kids. As Carly, Melissa struggles to afford a home in an affluent neighborhood while working as a clerk in a whole-foods-style grocery deli.
Life as a Working Class Single Mom
Melissa’s portrayal of single-mom Carly in Working Class is spot-on. She’s in a difficult situation, supporting her brother and three kids in an expensive neighborhood, but still keeps her sense of humor throughout. The character is endearingly vulnerable, yet stubbornly determined to rise above the daily challenges of single-motherhood. (Watered-down milk, anyone?) Watch the fun, starting Friday, January 28, 2011, on CMT.
Interview with Melissa Peterman
I had the privilege of participating in a telephone interview with Melissa Peterman on Tuesday, January 18th. Aside from her demeanor as a sweet, and incredibly off-the-cuff funny lady, she also had a lot to say about the show and life. From a discussion with another interviewer about coupon runs to answering my questions about future schooling options for her son, the actress was incredibly up-front with her answers.
- On public school vs. private school: Many celebrities hire private tutors, or enroll the kids in a posh private school. Not this one – Melissa’s son is currently in a co-op-style preschool, which she and her husband participate in regularly. When he’s older, they plan to place him in public school, “… at least until sixth grade, and then we’ll have to figure it out because it is more difficult to find a … great school.”
- On school choice: Although Melissa plans to place her son in public school initially, she appears to be a supporter of school choice. She says, “Well, I think everyone has to make the decision, you know, that’s right for them. “
- On teachers: Melissa had a lot to say about teachers. Like most parents, she’s concerned about the problems in the school system, but believes in the teachers as well, saying that there are “a lot of great teachers out there, and we need to pay them more.”
Melissa Peterman in Working Class – Family-Friendly Comedy
Although I’m grateful that I had the opportunity to speak with Melissa one-on-one, my opinion of her adorable personality doesn’t really matter. My opinion of the show? Drop-dead funny, insightful and engaging. Working Class is a must-watch on CMT.
