The Neighborhood

I am just now watching the series and I'm so glad I made it past the pilot episode. When I heard the laugh track I was very tempted to move on to something else. That would have been a mistake. Granted I am only on the first season, The Neighborhood is funny

Schmidt (yes, he will always be Schmidt from New Girl to me, lol) and Cedric play off of each other so well. Then of course we have PAM (sorry yall, I get stuck on my fave characters) who is obviously funny too. The Neighnorhood is well written and highly entertaining.

One thing I wish though is that there was no laugh track. I hate them so much.

I think a lot of people are missing the point of this show, that despite the cultural differences between black and white people at the end of the day we all want the same thing, the best for our families. It is done with humour and intelligence and quite frankly I'm glad to see it on TV. The juxtaposition of Cedric and Max's tense relationship against Tichina and Beth's open relationship is great. I especially liked the second episode where the different approaches to child rearing were depicted. It showed that sometimes a different approach is needed in order to get the best out of your child.

It took a while for the series to come to Germany, which is why we're lagging behind a bit. The status of the assessment is in the middle of the third season.

The series clearly lives from the game of the protagonists. Above all, of course, Kyles as a grumbler and Greenfield as an optimist. But, that surprised me a bit, the actresses are no less important and, unlike in comparable series, are not of secondary importance, but definitely have their important roles, and not at all as filler or accessories. Not like in series like "According to Jim" or Tim Allen comedies, where a macho fails at best because of the woman's mind. No, it's an equality that has been introduced in the sitcom at least since Roseanne. What the writers should do with the character Grover Johnson doesn't seem entirely clear to them, but it's not uncommon for the child character to be the biggest problem in shows like this. It's different with the two grown-up sons of the Butlers, who are really great characters and are played brilliantly by two actors who are really willing to play.

The plot is typical for sitcoms. A few thoroughly positive ideas, but mostly the usual. It is supplemented by social and political topics, which unfortunately often appear to be presented with a wooden hammer. At least it's never as embarrassing as "Dad Stop Embarrassing Me!" comes over. But the episodes in which Tichina Arnold plays the lead Chistin are really problematic. That's very embarrassing, especially because this religious extremism is meant in the first place. As if a person were only worth something if they believed in the Christian God. Low point the episode with Marty's short-term girlfriend, an atheist. Who was guilty of nothing but not believing in Mother Butler's God. Which immediately jeopardizes the "salvation" of the poor son. This is religiosity of the worst kind.

All in all, it's a mostly entertaining, entertaining series, but it's unlikely to become one of the great classics of the genre. The wait continues for a really good sitcom of the 2020s.

Good average, 6,5/10.

I've read most of these reviews say the show is racist when there is a difference in stereotyping and racist. It's a great mash up of two different stereotype worlds. Also it's a comedy people put yourself aside! I've actually met people like both families. If it were the other way around it still would be funny. Its suppose to be about two different families from two different cultures becoming friends.

Aside from the laugh track I really enjoy the show. The character of Marty is great as he stops by to observe the worst moments of others.