Les Goldberg

Many great shows end too early. We cherish them and wonder what could have been. That wonder is what keeps a show in the back of our minds. Even more shows go on too long. This show has gone on too long to the point where the writers don't take the time to progress the characters. They're stuck in the same storylines from 3 years ago and in many ways the characters have regressed from the depth they grew over the first few seasons. The charm and heart is gone. The mother is creepy now. Adam is cringey. His brother is becoming more and more dim witted it hurts. His sister is always mad and the way they represent her relationship with her boyfriend is juvenile. The dad is still good, he's Murray. I just read that Adam F. Goldberg isn't even involved in the show anymore and it all makes sense. Make this suffering stop. My rating for the first 6 seasons is 8. Final two seasons are 1 so it brings down the average.

This was a once great show, especially for anyone who was in their youth in the 80's.

Now the writing is terrible and the characters aren't even likeable anymore. The show is just stale.

The death of George Segal should have been the end of the show.

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!

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.

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.