The weekly sitcom “Outsourced,” about an American heading a call center in India, regularly pokes fun at aspects of both countries’ cultures. But while the situations may inspire discussions on differences, the show also depicts universal similarities between people, their location and traditions notwithstanding.
The proverbial fish out of water, Todd Dempsy (Ben Rappaport) must adapt to the changes that come with being transplanted to Mumbai. But the transition isn’t smooth, even when he thinks that he’s assimilated quite nicely.
Todd often has to explain to his employees the idea behind the gag and novelty items that they’re selling. He also had to contend with harassment complaints filed by his agents at one point, totally oblivious of his mistakes. The young boss and his mostly enthusiastic set of employees routinely question each other’s customs, but issues are often resolved by the end of the episode.
A few distinct agents are focused on: Manmeet (Sacha Dahwan), confident and overly friendly to female clients; Madhuri (Anisha Nagarajan), timid but talented breadwinner of her family; Gupta (Parvesh Cheena), the outcast dreaming of Bollywood stardom; Asha (Rebecca Hazlewood), who has a crush on Todd but is focused on picking the proper suitor for her arranged marriage; and Rajiv (Rizwan Manji), the annoying assistant manager openly coveting Todd’s job.
“Outsourced” further illustrates the appeal of the underdog: Despite Todd’s success, he’s considered a failure by his dismissive father. Todd’s employees are sometimes picked on by elitist call center agents of another company in the same building. In the standout episode “Todd’s Holi War,” he leads his bullied team in outwitting and “outmuscling” their well-dressed tormentors during the “Holi” festival.
Newcomer Rappaport and the cast members form a tight ensemble, adding charm and freshness to the periodically campy but celebratory series.
“Outsourced” airs on Wednesdays, 8:30 p.m. on 2nd Avenue, and on Saturdays, 7:30 p.m. on Universal.
‘Behind the Seams’
Behind every fashion legend is an inspiring story of success.
The last episode of Bio’s “Behind the Seams (Fashion Stunt)” features Giorgio Armani, a designer whose life once dwelled in the field of medicine until he eventually found himself in the limelight of fashion as the creator of one of the world’s premier brands.
The documentary presents facts on Armani’s brilliant career, with fantastic fashion show footage, shots of celebrities donning Armani attire and interviews with his famous celebrity companions, such as film star Samuel L. Jackson.
It airs June 26 at 9 p.m.
‘Dog Whisperer’
Viewers can get a few tips on how to get cuddly with their dog from back-to-back episodes of “Dog Whisperer” on Wednesday nights starting 10 p.m. on the National Geographic Channel.
Tonight at 10, “Battle for Eppie, The Lady is a Tramp, Snoopy the Snipper” has Cesar working on a Beagle with a passion for Boogie boarding, a Dalmatian/German shepherd who is dangerously protective of her owner and a Lab/Beagle mix that became aggressive after moving to a new area.
Following at 11, Cesar works on dogs abandoned during Hurricane Katrina in “Katrina Dogs Part 2, Major Jones, Harwood Hell.”
In “Laker Dog, Spoiled Pom, Bad Bearz,” Cesar comes to the rescue of Princess, a player-biting Maltese, a pampered Pomeranian who throws vicious temper tantrums and a Rottweiler who attacks shopping carts. It airs June 29 at 10 p.m.
In “Greta and Hoss, Won’t Eat Dog, Global Pet Finder” at 11 p.m., Cesar helps a young Akita control his aggression, plus a Newfoundland who is the world’s pickiest eater and a 2-year-old Shiba Inu who has a knack for bolting out open doors.
The show is hosted by renowned dog behavior expert and New York Times best-selling author Cesar Millan.
‘The Last Trimate’
“The Last Trimate” features the past, present, and future of Camp Leakey in Kalimantan through the eyes of Dr. Birute Galdikas, whose crusade is to save the diminishing habitat of Indonesia’s wild orangutans.
The documentary offers hope that these unique mammals may just survive the destruction of their world.
It airs tomorrow at 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Animal Planet.
Dog show
GMA News TV Channel 11 presents “dogTV,” a show for dog lovers that features pet-friendly advice, health tips and celebrity interviews. Hosted by Sharon Yu and John Hendrix, it airs on Saturdays at 10 a.m.