F is for Family

Despite the fact that the lead character, Frank Murphy, may appear to be a cross between Peter Griffin and Hank Hill, this show is nothing like the shows of the aforementioned characters. "F is for Family" is a brutally honest family and workplace comedy set in the early 1970s. The humor is no-holds-barred in regard to the doldrums of a lower-middle class family. Netflix does not rely on cutaway humor or awkward naiveté. Rather, Frank and his family cut close to the bone for anyone who grew up in even a remotely similar family dynamic. It would be easy to dismiss this show since so many animated family comedies have come before, but this show is worth the viewing time. At only 6 episodes, the first season ends too quickly and displays plenty of potential for continuation. Like BoJack Horseman, this show is not intended for younger audiences. Prepare to laugh, be surprised, be disheartened or even depressed, and most of all, to relate to the Murphys while viewing "F is for Family."

It can't be a coincidence that 'F Is For Family!' is set in the same year as the program it most resembles, 'Wait Till Your Father Gets Home!'

It has the same format, characters, problems and the same over-burdened dad leading the way. Younger viewers may see elements of Peter Griffin and Hank Hill, but Frank Murphy is Harry Boyle with a hot temper... which is exactly who (what) Bill Burr is!

Here is an avenue of comedy that is difficult to make an impact in. There are many cartoon family sitcoms and thousands of episodes to choose from. But NetFlix has finally liberated this genre by allowing adult themes and language into the mix. (I wonder what Denis Leary would have done with an opportunity like this 30 years ago!)

There are some great gags for the grown-ups... one of my favorites is the 'Castle Of The Elfin King' L.P. in episode 2 of the first season. All King Crimson fans should find a safe space immediately!

Bill Burr does a good job of exploring the ideas that Family Guy would have had if it were let off its 'Fox TV' leash. This is the selfish world view of a today's adult - cast into a world of yesteryear when fathers quietly sacrificed their lives and feelings for their families. So that's initially a rather odd concept to embrace.

And the swearing! Even though people do swear a lot in real life conversations, it's still odd to see the profusion of profanity in this program... but after a few episodes, it becomes more natural and less annoying.

Great fun and Bill Burr followers will be delighted!

I don't know why this show doesn't get the attention it deserves. Every character is hilarious and original. One of the funniest shows out there but people don't seem to care about it as much as they do for other popular animated shows.

There is a lot of Honeymooners/All In the Family hate around this...and that is fine, I completely understand that. But, I really don't see the "All in The Family" vibe save for the fact it's set in the '70s and has a Honeymooners vibe with the father.

Either way, it starts off kind of slow and dull, but in a way that allowed me to think "OK, I'll give it a chance," and from there it builds in a way that most adult cartoons do not, that is it builds in more of a cartoon sit-com drama than a straight episodic comedy.

The story lines have a clear arc that you hardly ever get in animated shows like this, and it builds on the arc while remaining darkly amusing.

And it kind of sneaks up on you, it goes from dull because you are expecting Family Guy or the Simpsons...to compelling because F is for Family is actually trying to tell a story and not just be another cartoon.

You find yourself bored, then hooked on story arcs and the compelling and identifiable characters.

If you hate it, I think you hate it because you were expecting a straight animated comedy, and if you love it, I think it's because you found it dramatic and compelling with the humor coming from the characters.

They really did a great job on this, it's not the cartoon you'd expect and the pay off is there in spades.

It's worth a shot and you'll come to love it.

The characters in this show are so multidimensional and well written. I actually care about them. As for the language, I find it hilarious. It gives realism to the show. There are many details of the '70s that are spot on. The coffee mugs, some of the wallpaper. This type of visual recollection, is great. This is the best animated adult show, I have had the pleasure to enjoy. It pulls no punches, and touches on some very real feelings and issues, adults and children face then and now. It's not for the easily offended. Thanks for making an excellent show. I certainly hope we get more episodes. With the quality of writing, I imagine this would be full-time job, and the creator Bill Burr is a comedian who performs full-time as well. I hope he can do both. This show is a great treat.