Customer Reviews

Parenthood: Season 1

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I enjoyed this show right from the beginning, but as each episode aired I fell more and more in love. The writing is intelligent and incredibly full of depth - the characters in this family have been developed in such a way that I honestly feel like I know them in real life . . . they mirror such traits that are so often found in everyone's family. The acting is absolutely top-notch. Peter Krause and Lauren Graham shine in every episode and do a nice job of anchoring as the oldest siblings. The younger two siblings, played by Dax Shepard and Erika Christensen, also give surprisingly poignant, and often hilarious, performances. As if that weren't enough, add in Monica Potter, Craig T. Nelson, Mae Whitman, and Bonnie Bedelia to perfectly round out the cast. One of my favorite things about this show is how it has lovely balance of drama and humor. Just as in real life, the most heart-wrenching of dilemmas will be quickly followed by a hilarious quip (usually perfectly delivered by Lauren or Dax) that instantly takes the viewer from tears to laughs. This is scripted family drama done to perfection. Also, the look and feel of the show is simply gorgeous - kudos to the set designers. I very much appreciate the journey I have taken with the Bravermans during these thirteen episodes, for I have very much come to care for this fictional family, and cannot wait for season 2 to begin in September.

Parenthood swept onto the airwaves mid-season this past year and filled in a void on television. As the title of my review says, the show was a real breath of fresh air. I have never been one for procedurals and doctors and lawyers, and we get a lot of that on network TV. So, it was nice to see a family show come on that was just about people. It's not flashy, or gimmicky, or trying to be hip and edgy(which most other shows fall all over themselves trying to be and end up looking and feeling like everything else). Given it's pedigree (coming from a wonderful 1989 hit film and a cute 1990-91 series)from executive producers Ron Howard, Lowell Ganz, and Babaloo Mandel, it had a lot going for it. So, let's jump right in....

The series is not about the same family in the 1989 movie or previous series. It's a whole new family. They are the Bravermans, and they reside in Berkley, California. The patriarchs of the family are Zeek and Camille Braverman(Craig T. Nelson, Bonnie Bedelia), and the family extends to their four grown kids and their families. The oldest is Adam(Six Feet Under's Peter Krause), married to Kristina(Monica Potter), and has 2 kids, Haddie and Max. Next up is Sarah(Gilmore Girls' Lauren Graham), who is a single mother to two teenage kids, Amber(Mae Whitman)and Drew. Next is Crosby(Dax Shepard), a single guy working in the music business who has a girlfriend and lives on a houseboat. And lastly, there is the youngest of the four, Julia(Erika Christensen), a lawyer, who is married to stay at home dad Joel, and has a little girl named Sydney.

Because it was a mid season show, the first season consists of only 13 episodes, instead of the usual 22 or so. Still, season 1 packs a lot into the shorter seasons. I won't go into detail for every episode, but here are some of the stuff you can expect in the Braverman's debut season. The "Pilot" episode establishes the setting and the characters, including Sarah's return home(and moving in with her parents with her kids), and Crosby learning he has a son he never knew from a previous relationship. Episode 2 is "Man Versus Possum", an episode that has Adam and Kristina coming to terms with the fact their son Max has Asperger's Syndrome, Autism, and all that details. It's a strong storyline and is a major focus all year long. Sarah is also job hunting in this episode. Episode 4, "Wassup", is the season's first really great episode, with Adam and Kristina going out of their way to find out about their daughter Haddie's secret relationship. It gets very comical elsewhere when Sarah(and then others)try to deal with Drew becoming "a man". Jason Ritter begins a guest arc in episode 5, "The Situation", playing Amber's teacher, who strikes a chord with Sarah. Julia and Joel fear Sydney may have Asperger's in episode 8, "Rubber Band Ball", where Adam learns of a financial situation his father is in. Sarah learns of her father's situation in episode 10, "Namaste No More". A 3 episode arc begins when Amber betrays Haddies in episode 11, "Solace". The last two episodes of the season, "Team Braverman" and "Lost And Found" continue to deal with the two cousins' fallout, as well as Crosby's future with his son, and the Braverman patriarchs' problems. There is much more here, but that would be spoiling.

Season one of "Parenthood" is a delight. The "Pilot" episode was a strong debut, but it was a little unsure of what it was. While the 1989 movie had no problem balancing the delicate act of comedy, drama, and family dynamics, the pilot isn't quite as assured as you hoped. A little more on the drama than the comedy. Thankfully, it gets better and becomes stronger and more sure of itself with episode 2. From there, the show grows and becomes it's own thing. It wonderfully balances the daily lives and schedules of a family, with the right helpings of drama, heart, warmth, and humor. It doesn't hurt that the writing is great, but it would be nothing if it didn't have the right cast bringing it to life. The cast is wonderful. Each character is their own person and the actors bring each to life with his or her own personality. Not surprisingly, Krause and Graham are the stand outs, but it must be said that Dax Shepard is the biggest surprise out of the cast. He is funny, but deals with his newfound parenthood with a lot of heart and honesty. Seriously, everyone here is great. One of the best casts currently on TV.

"Parenthood" is a wonderful show. Season 1 was a winner and great way to be introduced to the large Braverman clan. I can't wait for season 2.

This is one of the best shows on TV. Real-life drama that gets to your heart because it's stuff that actually happens in real life. You'll find yourself relating to these characters and yearning to find out what is going to happen next. Add in the subtle humor, great videography and there's not much more you need in a TV show. The actors/actresses all do a beautiful job in playing their parts. Can't wait to see what comes next in Parenthood!

I hate sappy dramas like Brothers and Sisters with ridiculous plot lines, but this series is a breath of fresh air, and deals with real life issues and interpersonal relationships. It's a perfect balance of drama and humor, with characters both multi-dimensional and complex. It shows the daily struggles and triumphs of families today, with issues ranging from school girl bullying, single motherhood, Asperger's Syndrome, and more. The writing is smart and witty, and the actors are extremely talented at portraying the complexities of their characters. They are all outstanding but most notable are Amber Holt (played by Mae Whitman), Max Braverman (played by Max Burkholder), and Adam Braverman (played by Peter Krause).

I think this is one of the smartest shows on TV.

AMAZING. Parenthood is one of the best shows currently on air. The storylines are realistic and tug at your emotions. I can laugh and cry in the same episode due to the fantastic writing and phenomenal acting by each of the cast members, especially Lauren Graham, Mae Whitman, and Peter Krause. In a world filled with dumb reality shows, Parenthood is a breath of fresh air. Everyone I've talked to about this show can relate to this show in some way and I find that incredible. You will not regret this purchase! (And don't forget to watch Parenthood every Tuesday night at 10 pm EST!)

I orgiginally started watching parenthood because I loved GIlmore Girls and wanted to see some more fo Lauren Grahamn! However, I now consider it to be a stand alone show and absolutely love Grahmn's and all of the other actor's work in the show. THe writing, filming, and cast is absolutley amazing and flawless and they do an incredible job of potraying a very REAL family. You watch this show and really think that you are at a family dinner with the Braverman family. It explores problems of all types, from a bad day at kindergarden, to teens getting into drugs, to parents making bad investments. THis show is AMAZING! I cant wait for the second season to come out on dvd!

I love the rapid fluidity of this show. The sarcasm and humor are spot on. Every character is a star though I am partial to Crosby. I started watching for Lauren Graham and while she does a great job, it's hard seeing her as anyone but Lorelai (Gilmore Girls). The script is well written (plenty of real life family scenarios) and the delivery is excellent! I'm buying this season on DVD and can't wait for season 2 to begin! I hope this show lasts as long as Gilmore Girls did.

At first I was apprehensive about adding yet another show to the plethora of TV series I watch, but after picking up Season 1 of Parenthood I was hooked. This show has something for everyone--to me it is a mixture between Gilmore Girls and Arrested Development. It mixes the real life problems that families face today with humor, friendship, quarrels, and most of all the unconditional love of a family. This is definitely my new favorite show.

I purchased this after watching a couple of episodes on Television thinking that it might just be OK to watch during the Summer months when nothing much is on (Australian Summer). What a surprise I received - this is an excellent programme - better than most. The casting is right on the money. The storylines while being real and honest still manage to include humour. The only thing wrong with this series is that there are only thirteen episodes. I will be counting down the days until the next series is released and I am hoping that the show is extended to twenty two episodes.

The show Parenthood is a well thought out family show that is a drama with comedy mixed in. I love the fact that the writers show four diffent families, all siblings, with different parenting styles. The writers show the harsh reality of divorce, marital problems, challenges of raising teenagers, single parenting, conflicts of single parents trying to date, and many more real life situations. The show is targeted more towards a thirty something and older demographic. It is refreshing to watch how the writers show how families can still promote family values while dealing with the day to day problems families face in todays world. What ever the situation, marital issues, sibling rivalry or even parenting issues the families are together at the end to support one another in good times and in bad.