The Grinder

This show had me laughing for days! It was genuinely funny and didn't try to overdo it with a laugh track or bad jokes. I hope this show gets picked up by Netflix! It definitely needs a second chance. Besides the main characters being the perfect odd couple the side characters, especially the son and daughter, were great comedic additions.

There seems to be a trend at the moment for comedy shows (particularly those from out cousins across the pond) to show situations that are painfully embarrassing for the protagonist, and then dragging those moments out far too long to remain interesting or even amusing - they're just painful and sad.

This show is different. Sure, there're similar moments, but they remain funny by not being overly laboured and they're mixed in with other types of humour - I have a smile on my face throughout, and genuinely laugh out loud frequently - that's not typical for me; I'm really enjoying this show.

The basic premise is, of course, utterly ridiculous, and is both ridiculed and legitimised by other characters in the show. It's predictable, but in the most delightful way, doesn't demand too much of the viewer, but still doesn't come across as dumb, or that it expects the viewer lacks the intelligence for more sophisticated humour. It just works, and after watching an episode I feel entertained, happier, more upbeat; it does everything a comedy show should, and I can't wait for the show's return in the new year.

I enjoyed the pilot but thought I'd wait for a few episodes before reviewing. Often the pilot is the best episode you're going to see, so I don't like to jump in too soon. But this series just keep getting better and better. Strong acting from everyone, including relative newcomer Mary Elizabeth Ellis who plays the wife. I say "relative" because with such TV staples as William Devane, Rob Lowe, and Fred Savage it's hard to steal a scene, but Ellis does a great job. Let's hope they keep up the good work.

This latest episode had a guest appearance from Timothy Oliphant, one of my favorite actors ("Hitman", "Justified"). It was good fun and let's hope they have more guest appearances, perhaps from past cast members from "Parks and Recreation" or "The Wonder Years".

Dean Sanderson (Rob Lowe) leaves his TV show The Grinder portraying a lawyer to return home to Boise, Idaho and his family's law firm. His father (William Devane) is happy but his brother Stewart Sanderson (Fred Savage) is leery of the non-lawyer playing law expert. Stewart's family, wife Debbie (Mary Elizabeth Ellis), kids Lizzie (Hana Hayes), and Ethan Sanderson (Connor Kalopsis) are more accepting. Co-worker Claire Lacoste (Natalie Morales) is dismissive and Todd (Steve Little) is a sycophant.

This is better than the regular stuff from the networks. The Lowe Savage pairing is fun and endearing. Lowe gives the perfect delivery. Dean is a great character. It is a real disappointment that the show got canceled after one season.

I loved this show so much starting from the acting to the superbly written script. The concept overall is unique to the usual sitcom world of 5 friends or such stuff which is very refreshing (it being the super famous actor lawyer and his little brother and father who are real lawyers and how them and the entire family play out life). Also the script is actually funny and is hyper complemented by the acting and the excitement and pace of the shooting and directing made for a very enjoyable pilot. I highly recommend you watch the pilot you will like if you are tired of sitcoms with drama monologues this one is just pure funny. Loved it fox with this & Brooklyn nine-nine and empire you are crushing. Also big kudos to the directing as it is setting a very brilliant manner.