Going Dutch: The Military Sitcom Refreshing TV Comedy
If you’ve been longing for the sharp satirical bite and tender ensemble energy of classic military comedies, Going Dutch is the TV series that deserves your attention. At first glance, it might seem like another «high concept» sitcom, but at its core, Going Dutch stands firmly in the tradition of workplace comedies with a military twist — a spiritual heir to gems like M*A*S*H* and Enlisted.
An Exile to Paradise: The Premise
Forget war zones: the action unfolds at Garrison Stroopsdorf, a U.S. Army base in the heart of the Netherlands that’s notorious for its lack of military urgency. Sent there as punishment, Colonel Patrick Quinn—a battle-hardened, promotion-hungry officer—finds himself stripped of purpose, surrounded by the plush delights of an «army fromagerie» and the world’s most relaxed soldiers. For most, this would be a dream. For Quinn, it’s exile with a slice of brie. His arrival rattles every system carefully organized by his daughter, Captain Maggie Quinn, an officer whose competence keeps chaos at bay… until her father takes charge.
Culture Clashes and Satirical Spark
Going Dutch expertly walks the line between broad comedy and intelligent, timely satire. Colonel Quinn’s unfiltered American exceptionalism collides headfirst with Dutch culture’s laid-back pragmatism, poking fun at everything from the U.S. military mindset to European traditions. It’s a sly callback to the culture clashes of All in the Family, with each side equally ready to lampoon the habits and values of the other.
One standout episode transforms a friendly game of korfball into Quinn’s personal campaign for glory, lampooning both the competitive American spirit and the joyfully communal nature of the Dutch. When the base is tasked with celebrating Niksen—the Dutch art of doing nothing—Quinn quite literally declares war on relaxation, developing an obsession that both infuriates and amuses his multinational team.
The Power of a Deep Ensemble
What elevates Going Dutch above typical sitcom fare is its refusal to rely on A-list gimmicks. Denis Leary (Rescue Me) and Taylor Misiak (Dave) lead as father and daughter, bringing nuance and unpredictability. The supporting cast reads like a love letter to fans of ensemble-driven comedy: Danny Pudi shines as the ever-loyal Major Abraham Shah, injecting every scene with warmth and understated humor, while Laci Mosley, Catherine Tate, Hal Cumpston, and Dempsey Bryk deliver performances that avoid cliché and reward attentive viewers with fresh laughs.
There’s also an impressive roster of guest stars, including brilliant comedic presences like Kristen Johnston and Lisa Edelstein, each adding texture to the show’s playful yet pointed world.
Where to Watch Going Dutch
Catch new episodes of Going Dutch every Thursday night on Fox, with next-day streaming available on Disney+ and Hulu. While the debut season is currently unavailable for streaming, fans can jump right into the quirky, culture-clash energy of season two.
Character Guide: Meet the Squad
- Colonel Patrick Quinn: Denis Leary’s fearless, stubborn officer stuck in a luxurious purgatory.
- Captain Maggie Quinn: Taylor Misiak’s clear-eyed, community-building XO and daughter to the Colonel.
- Major Abraham Shah: Danny Pudi as the loyal executive officer masking feelings for Maggie.
- Master Sergeant Dana Conway: Laci Mosley brings grit and sharp wit.
- Corporal Elias Papadakis: Hal Cumpston, the relatable grounding presence.
- Private Anthony «BA» Chapman: Dempsey Bryk adds youthful bravado.
- Dr. Katja Vanderhoff: Catherine Tate infuses the show with offbeat Dutch humor.
Behind the Camera: Fresh, Sharp, Smart
This military workplace comedy is helmed by a creative team with real comedic pedigree. Directors like Jason Winer, Trent O’Donnell, Declan Lowney, and Maurice Marable ensure each episode strikes the right balance between absurdity and authenticity. Writers Rene Gube, Joel Church-Cooper, Laura Moran, Jason Belleville, and Gian-Paul Bergeron bring just the right amount of pop culture insight and sly political edge.
If You Missed Out on the Golden Age, Here’s Your Invitation
Going Dutch isn’t just a throwback—it could easily take its place alongside the likes of Parks and Recreation or Community as that rare show where chemistry and clever writing make every ensemble player a potential favorite. Whether you’re nostalgic for classic sitcoms or seeking out the smartest new TV comedy, Going Dutch is as bingeable as it is brilliant. Tune in and discover what happens when American bravado meets Dutch ease—no battlefield experience required.
