The "Night Court" reboot, based on the comedy that ran for nine seasons in the 1980s, marks Melissa Rauch's first major project since "The Big Bang Theory." Rauch plays Judge Abby Stone, the daughter of Harry Stone (Harry Anderson), and presides over the Manhattan Criminal Court's night shift. She stars alongside original series star John Larroquette.
"Night Court" nostalgists and Rauch fans alike fueled the reboot's January 17 premiere to impressive heights, and the sitcom racked up the highest total viewers for a comedy premiere since "The Connors" in 2018 (via Yahoo). For some fans, however, Rauch's performance was a little distracting. "Enjoyed the new Night Court last night, just adjusting to Melissa Ranch's non-Bernadette voice," tweeted @jennakayreads alongside a laughing emoji. Some users, like @GabeReal909, voiced a similar sentiment. Others still were shocked to discover that Rauch's Bernadette voice was part of her performance. "Omg I really thought Melissa Rauch talked just like Bernadette from [Big Bang Theory] lol," wrote @TommieGirlsWurl.
Others are still rooting for Rauch, despite the use of her not-so-high-pitched that "The Big Bang Theory" fans are used to. "Bernadette does a good job as Harry's daughter," wrote user @Chale333. It's clear that it's difficult for audiences to separate Bernadette from Abby but fans are already in love with the direction "Night Court" is going in. One fan tweeted at Rauch, saying, "@MelissaRauch such a great start to #NightCourt and a great tribute to the late great Harry Anderson." Other fans, like @MattPeak1 agree, saying the reboot is "so good."
