MASH was a unique comedy set during wartime, and even after more than forty years, Going Dutch carries on its tradition. Many consider the CBS show starring Alan Alda and Mike Farrell to be one of the greatest comedies ever made. MASH* stood out for its smart and often challenging humor, and now there’s a new option for fans who have been missing it.
The sitcom Going Dutch is back for its second season and remains a hidden gem. Originally airing in 2025, the Fox comedy stood out as one of the year’s best new shows, largely thanks to its unusual setting: a U.S. military base in the Netherlands.
Going Dutch Is A Workplace Sitcom Set At A Military Base In The Netherlands
Though the premise of Fox’s Going Dutch seems complicated, it’s actually a pretty straightforward workplace comedy set on a military base. In many ways, it feels like a continuation of the show Enlisted.
The humor starts when Colonel Quinn, a soldier who loves a fight, is punished by being sent to a base in the Netherlands called Garrison Stroopsdorf. It’s a completely cushy assignment – there are no weapons, no important missions, and plenty of perks, like a top-notch cheese selection and a very laid-back atmosphere.
What most would consider a dream location feels like punishment to Colonel Quinn. To make things even worse, he’s replacing his highly effective and sensible daughter, Captain Maggie Quinn, who has successfully established a thriving community, and immediately begins to undermine her work.
Imagine combining the intense, commanding presence of Jack Nicholson’s character from A Few Good Men with the goofy humor of Bill Murray’s Stripes. That’s the situation with Colonel Quinn, who finds himself stationed at a military base known for being incredibly relaxed and unimportant.
Going Dutch Mines Comedy Gold From Cultural Stereotypes
Like the classic show All in the Family, which famously pitted Archie Bunker against Michael Stivic, Going Dutch finds humor in characters with very different beliefs. Colonel Quinn constantly makes fun of European culture, seeing it as weak, excessive, or strange – especially when it comes to things like public transit, social programs, and taking time to enjoy meals.
As a film fan, I’ve noticed the Dutch really aren’t afraid to poke fun at American over-the-top behavior and the whole military-industrial machine it often represents. It’s a clever kind of humor, though – it’s not just aimed at us, it works both ways, offering a critique that feels pretty balanced.
Quinn’s biggest weakness is his tendency to go overboard. For example, in the first season of Going Dutch, episode 4, what starts as a simple, friendly korfball game with neighbors quickly escalates into a highly organized, almost militaristic operation because of his involvement.
When the base commander tries to celebrate “Niksen,” a Dutch practice of deliberately doing nothing to achieve work-life balance, it backfires spectacularly. The attempt leads to a humorous conflict stemming from his ego, pride, and strong sense of national identity.
Going Dutch’s Secret Weapon Is Its Deep Bench Of Working Actors
Unlike many shows, ‘Going Dutch’ doesn’t depend on big-name stars to attract viewers, and that’s actually a good thing. While Denis Leary and Taylor Misiak are the leads, and Danny Pudi and Catherine Tate are familiar faces, they aren’t the type of celebrities who automatically draw a large audience.
The actors aren’t newcomers; they’re experienced professionals who expertly control the show’s comedic and emotional balance. Danny Pudi, as Executive Officer Abraham Shah, is especially noteworthy as the Colonel’s dependable assistant, and his developing affection for Captain Quinn brings a touch of heart to the satirical story.
| Going Dutch Main Characters | ||
|---|---|---|
| Character | Actor | Best Known Role |
| Colonel Patrick Quinn | Denis Leary | Tommy Gavin in Rescue Me |
| Captain Maggie Quinn | Taylor Misiak | Ally in Dave |
| Executive Officer Major Abraham Shah | Danny Pudi | Abed Nadir in Community |
| Master Sergeant Dana Conway | Laci Mosley | Jayla in Florida Girls |
| Corporal Elias Papadakis | Hal Cumpston | Zach Marconi in Nine Perfect Strangers |
| Private Anthony “BA” Chapman | Dempsey Bryk | Airk Tantalus in Willow |
| Dr. Katja Vanderhoff | Catherine Tate | Donna Noble in Doctor Who, Nellie Betram in The Office |
What truly stands out is the strength of the entire cast. The newer performers aren’t overshadowed; instead, they make every scene more dynamic. The show also features fantastic guest stars like Kristen Johnston and Lisa Edelstein, who add a lot of comedic talent.
If the show Going Dutch becomes popular, it could follow a similar path to Parks and Recreation or Community. Strong connections between the actors could lead to widespread success and make them well-known stars.
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2026-03-05 18:00