Downward Dog

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.

I love this show, although I just don't think it's found its home on network TV as being advertised as a "sitcom." It's not your average network sitcom. I don't want to slap my knees at it. I don't want to listen for canned laughter so I know my cue. The show is definitely more of a "dramedy" than a sitcom. Maybe viewing it with that mindset will help people to lighten up on their brutal reviews of it on here. The word "like" is said quite often (as other reviewers have pointed out) but in modern day speech you'd be hard pressed not to hear it on a regular basis. The language actually does mirror that of normal (and yes, sometimes grating) conversations. Despite that, I found it to be a sweet and emotional show dealing with the pains and joys of everyday life.--Just trying to get through things and to be happy and loved. I really do love it but fear it won't be accepted because of its marketing and time slot. I really, really think people should give it a chance. It packs a punch within its 30 minute allotment--to the point where some longer network shows could really take some pointers! I've never been a fan of shows with talking animals but Downward Dog is deeper than just the cheap laugh of an animated animal's mouth. Kudos to those who created it from the beginning and kudos to all those involved in it throughout. It's truly refreshing to have something so new and unique in a sea of standard issue "entertainment."

Like Reviewer "aeasmmikey", I also don't understand all the negative reviews. I started reading the reviews expecting to see people, like me, really enjoying this terrific new show, and was surprised at all the negativity. This is my very first IMDb review and I'm doing it solely because I absolutely love this show and want it to have more positive reviews. This little gem actually makes me smile and I even sometimes laugh out loud. I saw Ned the Dog, along with the actress who plays the lead, on Good Morning America recently and loved the fact that "Ned" is a rescue that the people involved with this show found and thought he had wonderful eyes. He does have very expressive eyes and the person who voices for him is absolutely perfect! I can almost imagine that "Martin" is really speaking, I kid you not! I look forward to this show now every week and really hope that it catches on. It really is a sweet little show with a lot of very good lessons everyone can learn from, canine and human.

I have watched all but the season finale episode of Downward Dog and I have to say, that I think it is BRILLIANT! The writing is so refreshingly innovative and the casting, sheer perfection--especially Allison Tolman & "Ned", the dog! Martin is so endearing and the voice- over work of Samm Hodges so realistic, that I almost honestly believe it really IS Martin talking! ABC has, without a doubt,given us a GENUINE WINNER with this one! I am so disappointed to see Season 1 come to a close, and CAN HARDLY WAIT FOR SEASON 2!!! YAY, ABC!!!

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!