If you love Scrubs, dysfunctional camaraderie and drinking, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be watching ABC’s Cougar Town.

Also created by the man behind that quirky medical comedy (Bill Lawrence), Cougar Town centers around Jules Cobb (Courtney Cox) and her group of friends, including ex-husband Bobby who lives on a boat in a parking lot, her neighbor and bestie Ellie (and her zany husband Andy), her son Travis, and her attractive, ditzy employee Laurie. Rounding out the gang is Grayson, the formerly single and eligible bachelor who lives across the street.

After numerous bumps off ABC’s schedule, Cougar Town is finally (!!) returning to start its third season on February 14 at 8:30 p.m. So what has the cul de sac crew been doing in the meantime? Drinking with fans across the country, of course!

Last Thursday, the Cougar Town creator and cast held a viewing party at Stamford, Connecticut’s Black Bear Saloon and brought along two upcoming episodes for fans to see before they aired. In addition, there was Penny Can fun (see photo!), a meet and greet with the cast, and even a free open bar courtesy of Senor Lawrence. How cool is that!?

Joining Lawrence for the Stamford stop of the tour was Dan Byrd (Travis), Josh Hopkins (Grayson) and Bob Clendenin (widowed neighbor Tom). Not only are events like this treats for die-hard fans, but they serve as phenomenal promotion for a show that is really fighting for its life right now. As of now, Season 4 hangs in limbo, contingent upon solid numbers for the first few Season 3 episodes that start airing FEBRUARY 14TH AT 8:30P.M. ON ABC (Nielsen families – wake up!).

Byrd, Hopkins, Clendenin and Lawrence were awesome to chat with and kind enough to stop in boring ol’ Connecticut. Here are a few pics from the event:

Bill, man! I thought we were doing silly face on that one! HA!

The episodes we were shown were the first and fifth of the new season…and they do. not. disappoint. A huge spoiler / plot reveal hits hard at the end of episode 1, while episode 5 boasts a few epic Scrubs cameos (which filled the Saloon with applause and cheers!). It made this fan the happiest.

Funny/awkward sidebar: While mentioning that it was slightly awkward hovering around waiting to chat with the cast (we didn’t want to interject on someone else’s conversation, so we were patient), I decided to break it down to MJ’s “Billie Jean.” I mean, we were in a bar! After a few moves, I turn around and almost bump directly into Bob Clendenin in the process. I’d like to think he dug my sweet dance moves, though (they were all for you, Bob!)! Makin’ friends!

So to the uninitiated, pay attention:

1) Cougar Town is not about a milf trying to bang young dudes. (Though even if it was, I’d totally still watch!)

2) The cast and crew of this series have a ton of heart and genuinely love what they do. They are worthy of a spot on your DVRs!

3) The show is a nicely balanced emsemble, and it’s absolutely hysterical. It’s right up there with Happy Endings, Parks and Recreation, Community and all of the other top notch comedies currently on television.

In sum: Give it a shot. Lawrence and company will not let you down.

February 14th. 8:30 p.m. ABC.

Because Valentine’s Day is simply overrated anyways.

Thanks to Jesse, a Producer, for hookin’ my Fiance up with a Penny Can. It was my night’s goal to seek out my very own, and imagine my surprise when I found out he gave us one….signed by the entire cast! We’ll be playing Penny Can on our wedding day, in your honor, Sir. This I promise you.

And a big shoutout and thanks to Lawrence, Byrd, Hopkins and Clendenin for the free shirts, booze, and quality hang time. Cheers!