Downward Dog

Without a doubt, one of the greatest series to air on television, ever. I fell in love with the show in less than 10 minutes. It has heart, it has humor, it has hope. It captures the complexities of being human. It is cast perfectly(!). I love how the stories are told and appreciate every aspect of this show. Kudos to everyone involved. Words aren't adequate to appreciate Martin/Ned. He is a gift that my heart understands.

After I got past the minor annoyance in the first episode of how many times Martin says the word or starts each sentence with the word 'like' and LISTENED to what he was saying, I started smiling and actually laughed out loud! I have done this throughout each episode so far this first season and the writer gives me insight on how I'd like to think dogs really DO think! Does that make sense in people language? :)

I am not a huge dog lover, but I love Martin and the fact that he is NOT all CGI and I could watch every show with just the 4 main characters....no other actors necessary to make me laugh!

If you love dogs (or animals in general) then I'm sure you want to give this show a chance. And if you read reviews first I'm sure there is a chance you'll decide to skip it. I was turned onto to this show by my brother. I wasn't sure I 'got it' at first. Last night I watched Ep 4. I was by myself and literally laughed out loud. I'm now completely hooked.

Our hero is Martin, the companion of Nan. The show is narrated in the first person by our hero. Martin is a millennial dog, so yes he uses the term 'like' a lot. It fits him. He gets very philosophical about his very narrow life. He certainly thinks he knows more than he does. At times he has a very high opinion of himself, at other times he is a furry ball of insecurity.

If you can make it to Ep 4 I promise you too will LOL. There is a scene in they backyard playground of a super dog named Hunter. If you get to line "and then I was shocked" and haven't laughed, then you can be sure the show is not for you and my promise was empty.

I am at a loss to understand the other reviews on this site.

I feel my taste is pretty main stream. I really strive to see others points of view when it comes to TV shows, movies, restaurants, etc .

But for the life of me, I do not get the negativity.

I was literally blown away by this show, and cannot wait for more. But if these reviews are any indication, this show is not hitting with mainstream TV watchers.

What am I seeing that no one else is? Things that others found irritating and unwatchable are the exact things I loved --the dog's manner of speaking, their relationship, etc. People​ are saying that the pilot was not funny; I don't think it was meant to be. I found it touching and sweet and a little sad -- but imminently watchable.

Loved it, but if these reviews are any indication, it doesn't stand a chance.

Addition, two weeks later.

I was so puzzled by some of the reviews on here, mostly negative, that I took the time to actually vet some of these posters. I find it very odd, and highly suspicious, that some people created accounts just to bad mouth this show. Others have never posted before, and their first post in 10 years is a slam against this show.

I am just astonished that this amazing show (check out rotten tomatoes and other respected media-rating sites for their very positive reviews) has brought out the trolls on my once-beloved IMDb.

Just have to say, I could not agree more with aeasmmikey more!.....this is my new favorite show......of course I adore Martin, but love the whole cast. I loved it from the very first episode, a poignant sitcom, if it's considered to be a sitcom......always something to think about, and I LOVE that there is NO laugh track.......the reason I can't stand most sitcoms. The writers here are obviously VERY familiar with dogs and dog behavior.....and are fairly tuned in to humans as well. Don't understand negative reviews at all.....there's a gazillion crappy sitcoms out there to watch.....let us have at least one or two that have more going on than the standard dross.......