David Spade and Tim Meadows in 'Carpet Brothers'

David Spade as evil carpetmonger Raymond Davies Allen

Web production house 60Frames Entertainment has added a celeb-encrusted show to its roster with "Carpet Brothers*," starring David Spade and Tim Meadows as dueling floor-coverings salesman in the 1970s. 

The show, created by SNL-alum Matt Piedmont, is set in Rancho Cucamonga and leans heavily on leisure suits, afros, and cheesy music. 

But the look and feel of "Carpet Brothers" crowds out the story and dialog, which are thin and too reliant on what seems like mediocre ad-libbing from its sketch-seasoned jokesters.

This dynamic occasionally yields a comedic gem (as when Meadows riffs on 'air quotes' in the second episode), but in general the writing takes a backseat to the acting, and many of the lines thump dully.  This ain't "SNL," in which an episode where 50% of the jokes hit would be one of the season's best. Online, you need to be batting .900 or your audience will open a new screen before the end of minute two.

Still, seeing more big names deign to experiment with the tiny screen is a hopeful sign for the medium, and though "Carpet Brothers" misses the cigar, it's close enough that you have to wonder if the breakout web comedy series we've all been waiting for isn't far behind.

*Can't link, iffy language