Huzzah! I watched 2 new sitcoms that premiered last week and am happy to report that neither sucked. Sitcom, a German word meaning to find humor at the expense of others, has become a neglected format on mainstream television. With very few shows trying to recreate the glory days of “All in the Family” and “Fish,” television has become a repository for cop dramas, law dramas, cop and law dramas, medical emergency dramas and really cool dance shows.

Well, “Community” and “Bored to Death” are about to change all that. “Community” has a weak premise; a group of mismatched and ethnically diverse community college students form a study group, ostensibly so that star Joel McHale can woo a blonde. It’s full of standard sitcom stuff: sexual tension, ethnic stereotypes, age discrimination and “life lessons.” However, it works because McHale uses his inner Bill Murray to full effect. He’s a smarmy, flip smart-ass coasting through life but you kind of root for him. It also has the meta habit of constantly referencing itself as a television show. 2 episodes in and I think it will survive and replace the not-so-funny “Parks and Recreation” as Thursday must-see-tv.

Meanwhile, over on HBO comes “Bored to Death,” a Jason Schwartzman sitcom that seems to not emphasize the com part of it. Schwartzman plays his usual put-upon schlub kidult who can’t make relationships work, can’t focus because of drugs and alcohol and seems to live in a fantasy world. His best friend, played by the awkwardly hilarious and ubiquitous Zach Gallifinakis doesn’t provide many laughs either, but the 2 actors work well together. This week’s episode co-stars Kristen Wiig, so maybe the laughs will come. Still, as far as quirky television shows go, it’s worth seeing.

News flash: I had lunch with with Jake Gyllenhal today. Well, I had coffee and a croissant and Jake had lunch. Looked like a grilled chicken salad. Not really sure since we weren’t sitting at the same table. However, we were in the same Whole Foods, even though we both should be honoring a boycott. Gyllenhal: I wish I could quit him!