The real O'Neals

One of the many LGBT-themed shows of the 21st century is about a seemingly perfect Irish-American family in Chicago whose veneer gets shattered when the son comes out as gay and the parents announce plans to divorce. The rest of the run is about how the brood deals with this. "The Real O'Neals" manages to be simultaneously funny and serious at the same time, addressing real-world issues is a relatable way.

I think that the cast member who deserves the most praise is Martha Plimpton. Far removed from her "cute" days as a Brat Packer, she plays the matriarch as a stern gal forced to accept her family's reality. I'd say that Plimpton is one of the best actresses of her generation.

Like "Six Feet Under", "Ugly Betty", "Modern Family", "Glee", "American Horror Story", "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" and "Pose", this is a show that has helped promote tolerance of queer people on the small screen. Too bad it got canceled after only two seasons.

Just binged the two seasons on HULU. The writing is very good. I found myself laughing out loud a lot, which is rare for me. The jokes don't pander, and contain many cultural references. Started watching because of Martha Plimpton. Who is always brilliant. The rest of the cast is wonderful, and the plot lines are inventive. As a gay guy, I appreciate all the cameos and references (Gus Kenworthy, Jane Lynch, Cheyenne Jackson.........).

I have been a long term of Martha Plimpton, from her early dramas to the hilarity of Raising Hope, so I am happy she is back on TV. Fortunately, she again picked a great vehicle to display her talent. I don't understand the negative reviews since aside from writing that is several notches above many sitcoms, it actually displays characters who are warm, affectionate, and compassionate in spite of their flaws. To suggest that the show reflects negatively on all Irish Catholic families is tantamount to suggesting that "Psycho" reflects negatively on all motel owners. And on top of that, the show is often quite funny. Who could ask for more from network TV!

I hope you will ignore the negative reviews and watch it to decide for yourself.

This show is off to a good start. Outstanding cast; very happy to see Martha Plimpton on TV again and the kid playing the Gay son is very funny and talented. I hope they explore more family situations involving a Gay family matter. Too bad the Catholic League can't see how much love there is in this family and how supportive they are of each other. THAT is what family is all about! I have watched all three episodes aired and have enjoyed all of them. The writing is good and should keep getting better. This show is funny and I'm very happy its on an early hour so families can watch together. Check it out. I'll keep watching!

Noah Galvin reminds me of a young Matthew Broderick, circa "Ferris Bueller's Day Off". In fact even the use of self-narrations are similar. I'm surprised more people haven't noticed or mentioned this as they both are quite similar.

It would have been better casting to see Broderick as the father, would have looked more like Galvins dad. Their similar comedic mannerisms and expressions would have played off one another very well. Martin Short would have made a hilarious school principal.

Anyway I like this series so far. Will see how it goes as its too early to tell.