Marry Me, TV review: Comforting nostalgia tale features an assortment of well-worn gender-based stereotypes

E4’s new US-import sitcom 'Marry Me' (Channel 4)

E4's new US-import sitcom Marry Me is a comforting nostalgia tale about long-term, intimate relationships – y'know, those things that used to develop when two people were in same room, communicating face to face.

Casey Wilson and Ken Marino star as Annie and Jake, a couple who love each other, but can't seem to commit.

As the pilot opened they were arriving back in Annie's apartment after a holiday, and not just any holiday, a holiday during which Jake did not propose. Repeat: Did. Not. Propose. "Y'know, you don't meet a lot of couples that just date for six years, especially post-30," said Annie pointedly.

This was followed by a clever shot with Annie in the foreground ranting about her waning fertility, while in the background Jake produced a ring from his hiding place and got down on bended knee. If only Annie would turn around, she'd see! But she didn't, at least not until after she'd downed half a bottle of Skinnygirl vodka and trash-talked all their nearest and dearest. All of whom, it turned out, had been hiding in the apartment, waiting to take part in a surprise engagement party. Awkward.

Wilson's performance is very enjoyable and it ought to be. Series creator David Caspe is her husband and he loosely based the show on their relationship. That and an assortment of well-worn gender-based stereotypes about thirtysomething women. There are also gay characters whose sexuality is signposted by their love of musicals and exquisite taste in interior design. So – fair warning – if those kinds of clichés irritate you, Marry Me may set you off on a rant that makes Annie's seem reasonable by comparison.