Les Goldberg

The original premise of the Goldbergs was great, a standard family sitcom based on some semi-autobiographical family info from the show runner. The 80's nostalgia was great as it was generally non-specific regarding chronological release of products and events which also added to the fun of the show.

Anchored by veterans such as George Segal and Jeff Garlin, it introduced us to a number of up and coming young actors and we've been able to watch the grow-up in their characters.

Fast-forward several seasons and the gags are becoming tired and the innovation has left the writing. Season 8 was lackluster and you hopped that season 9 might wrap-up some loose ends but instead we see "fresh" story lines that are not fresh and take away from the original uniqueness of the premise.

Combine that with the sad passing of Segal, which wasn't handled very well, and the dismissal of Garlin because someone accused him, even though he's not been charged or found guilty of a crime shows that this program has truly indeed jumped the shark.... The Fonz would be proud.

Full disclosure: S01-S04 we're great television, the downward spiral of each subsequent season has spoiled the entire enterprise.

A late (2nd season) quick review.

This is a very good family sitcom based on the actual life of its writer when he was a teenager. The presentation of the show is using the narration of an older version of himself with emphasis in the specific characteristics of the 80s that leaves a nostalgic feeling for the era.

No fake laughs (live or prerecorded) here.

Exceptional casting. True to life situations. Funny in a good way (without being ridiculous or vulgar like other comedies out there). Honest to the heart.

In a sentence: Watch it and you wont be disappointed!

Its about time we get a great show like this! It reminds me so much of The Wonder Years (One of my favourite shows of all times). It is funny, all the actors are fantastic and have great chemistry together. After 3 episodes it quickly became my new favourite show. At the end of each episode there is a clip of the real family it is based on (Adam Goldberg) which I love. I think this is why the show works so great, is because its based on a real family and real stories. So many shows and movies you watch and there isn't anything realistic about it, so they are entertaining but not something you can relate to. That is not the case with this show, and that is why it reminds me so much of The Wonder Years. It mixes comedy with story telling. I can't rave about this show enough, and I will be FURIOUS if it gets cancelled.

I have to admit, that when I watched the first episode of this show, it reminded me so much of The Wonder Years that it was distracting. That being said, after episode 2 and 3, I hardly notice the narration. I think the first episode had a ton more narration because of character introductions and such, but 2 and 3 have gotten progressively funnier, and all of the 80's nostalgia is very endearing to me.

I grew up in the 80's, and this show hit's the nail on the head! The characters are believable and relate-able, the writing is very cohesive and well thought out, and the acting is very convincing and hilarious. I found myself laughing out loud over and over again.

Don't listen to all the haters. Give this show a shot and you won't be disappointed.

I believe it depends on what type family you grew up with whether you enjoy this program or not; and although my family was not exactly like this, nor did we grow up in the 80s, The Goldbergs is quite charming and each episode has struck a nerve with this viewer and tugged at my heartstrings.

The fact that Adam F. Goldberg is culling story lines from actual family life experiences gives this series a sense of realism other shows lack. Further, it is driven by sincerity, rather than dependent on trying too hard for a quota of laughs.

The Goldbergs is a winner, which I highly recommend.

A word for The Goldbergs bashers: It's OK, to turn off the intellect and take an emotional ride and enjoy life, rather than looking for flaws in an effort to project your superiority.