Parenthood

A new show with Peter Krause and Craig T. Nelson in the cast demanded at least a look, though if it weren't for the DVR I might have passed on it since it's on at the same time as the excellent "The Good Wife". Fortuitous indeed that I did because it strikes me as pure genius in writing and casting.

This show makes me laugh. This show makes me weep. Most important, it makes me smile in recognition of so many scenes that I recognize as things that happened to or around me. Of particular note along this line are the times in family "discussions" when everyone is talking and no one is listening. I don't recall another show that has done this, and it's sooo true to life.

The casting matches the writing so well that I can't imagine another actor in any of the parts. This show is definitely in my all-time top 10; maybe even top 5. Do yourself a favor and watch "Parenthood".

I wonder why this program hasn't received the Emmy or Golden Globe nominations it deserves. The family members aren't perfect, which is one reason I love this show so much.

Even the "good guys (or gals)" make mistakes, just like we all do in real life. Each of the story lines is interesting, and every week I wonder where the writers will go with each story.

The younger actors in this series are impressive. Their acting is often subtle, which must be difficult for those who are so young to accomplish. The way they are portrayed is realistic, in that they are all likable in some way, but not so likable in others. As a mother, I appreciate the parenting difficulties which come along in this series, but I can also relate to the teenagers as they try to make sense of life. The character "Max" is truly remarkable.

Others who have commented have mentioned the high quality of the adult cast. I agree that they are all good, but I particularly like the work of Dax Shepard.

Stick with this show. These multi-dimensional characters will only get better with time.

This is only my second review on IMDb. I rarely take the time to write them, but this show really deserves it.

It is not your typical family drama. I know, it might seem like it. You read that Lauren Graham is one of the characters and you get sceptical, if you see a couple of minutes of it here and there it also might seem like all the other bad family dramas you've watched. But it's not.

I really don't get why this show is being so neglected. I've never seen more brilliant performed drama. And yeah, I've watched all the most popular and critically acclaimed shows: The Wire, Six Feet Under, Mad Men, Sopranos etc. Loved them. But neither of these shows has the same degree of realism or the same emotional range (they have a lot of other huge qualities though). The acting is excellent. Superb in every way. The characters are multidimensional, they make mistakes and they go through their everyday problems. You will not see car explosions in this series, and people wont get killed every other episode. Every event builds up real slow, and maybe the biggest dramatic highlight in an episode is that one of the kids have trouble getting friends at school. But that's the beauty of it. It's in the little things.

You might not love it after one episode or two. But like all the best television series it develops best over time. This show has many of the best character developments I've ever seen. If you like quality drama - please give it a try. This show really really deserves it.

(And it only get's better with the seasons. I'm writing this after watching 11 episodes of season 4.)

The pilot started slow . . . but I stuck with it and now it's one of my FAVORITE shows. I LOVE the characters and I actually watch it twice a week. I know . . . I'm a weirdo. I make my husband watch it.

I think the writer did a very good transition from the movie Parenthood to the TV series. Although they have some similarities, it does contain the spirit. It's just a charming and funny family drama. I relate to the circumstances between the siblings. Reminds me of the challenges my sisters and their kids go through. This group of actors have incredible chemistry. This is sort of like the OUR THIRTYSOMETHING.

My only fear is every time I love something it gets canceled.

Not everyone is going to "approve." The characters make mistakes, sometimes behave irresponsibly, and are full of self doubt. In other words, this is great storytelling. Even if this show is slow to get its start, I hope the network has the foresight to keep it running, because programming of this emotional and moral complexity is a rarity.

Beyond the top notch writing, the acting is superb. These roles are demanding of actors. There are moments of comedy mixed in with real pathos, which requires a cast that has range and depth. Every single casting choice is pitch perfect, and creates a wonderful dynamic on the screen.

This series is well worth watching.