Fatherhood

I think Fatherhood is a very charming show, the Bindlebeeps are a nice family with strong values, and each story has a lesson attached to it- the importance of not lying and not to be judgemental are the two I have seen so far (I think there is at least one more I missed.) It's not given to you in a preaching manner either, and ultimately- it's a show for entertaining, not for teaching that lesson...the lesson is sort of a bonus that the family learns together.

The animation is pretty slick- it looks like it's computer animated, there are some really cool sweeping moves across the town they live in, the colors are very bright and crisp, and the characters all have unique and interesting designs. The animation itself lends itself very well to the grown up category the show is trying to fit it, tho I think the entire family could watch this show and enjoy it.

The actors do a nice job with the voices--Blair Underwoods deep, calm voice lends well to his character, it just feels warm when he says the things he says- like these people are living in a safe world that's all nice and comfy. The woman who played the oldest daughter on the Cosby Show (I forget her name- tho, she's also on the PBS series, Smart Gardening) does the voice of the mother, who works in a book store or a library from what I can gather from seeing the two episodes I've seen. The other voices are done really well also- the one daughter is voiced by one of the girl's from Bick's All That, no idea who does the son's voice (tho it's all listed on the previous page, of course.)

Not only are the voices spot on- but the sound design to the show is interesting too...very well done with the effects track that add just that much more depth to the series.

A series the entire family could watch, or just a 25 yr old guy like me- I find the show to be really heartwarming, the animation is gorgeous, and the storylines are fun and completely endearing. Let's hope this stays around for a good while- it's definitely good television.

First of all, I am a big fan of Bill Cosby. I watch The Cosby Show regularly, and "Himself" is one of my favorite movies. When I first heard about "Fatherhood", I admit that I was excited to see what they could do with Cosby's ideas mixed with animation. Then I saw it. I was mortified by everything about it. Firstly, the animation is absolutely horrific. It seems as if a bunch of three-year-old children did it. They try to help it by using CG, but that just worsens it, and makes it seem as if they are following the rest of the crowd. Secondly, the voice acting is very badly chosen. They hired some currently popular but, as far as I'm concerned, untalented actors to portray these characters. Thirdly, the writing and music seem as if the show belongs on a Saturday-morning special than a Nick At Nite evening program. That is where the show is now, but in my opinion, it belongs to the Saturday-morning crowd.

I'm not crazy about "Fatherhood", but I don't think its terrible. Its just that its more for the Nickelodeon crowd (Who's more into cartoons) than the Nick-At-Nite audience. (Who's into more classic TV, although with the current state of the network, with some exceptions- that might not be true). I agree with Jabef, the animation is pretty ugly. It looks like they were trying to give it an old fashioned feel, but it just looks odd. The show itself is pretty thin on laughs and I actually got bored through most of it. I like Bill Cosby and I think he's a funny and talented guy, but this show isn't his best. This is basically a less funny, animated version of the Cosby Show.

Also if its based on Bill Cosby's book, Why not make him the voice of the main character, Dr. Bindlebeep?

C