If you’ve been watching the Olympics on NBC this week, chances are you’ve seen a promo for the new show Parenthood. I admit to being a TV junkie so this show has been on my radar for several weeks and I was lucky to receive an advanced copy of the Pilot to check out and share my thoughts with you all before the show premieres on March 2.
About Parenthood
From the executive producers of the box-office hit “Parenthood,” Ron Howard and Brian Grazer (Oscar winners for “A Beautiful Mind”), and writer/executive producer Jason Katims (“Friday Night Lights”), this contemporary re-imagining of the blockbuster film depicts the colorful and imperfect Braverman family – four grown siblings sharing the headaches, heartaches, and joy of being parents.
Check out the Parenthood videos for more previews and character profiles.
The Drama in Dramedy
My initial reaction – even while watching Parenthood – is that the previews don’t really do the show justice. The previews are lighthearted and funny, and the show is pretty serious. Parts are almost depressing, actually, but in a kind of good way. I definitely got a little teary when Adam (played by Peter Krause of Six Feet Under) and Kristina (Monica Potter, who I adore) discuss a doctor’s suggestion that their son has Asperger’s syndrome. The thing that makes the scene so touching is that, as a parent, it’s easy to relate to their heartache at the idea that something might be “wrong” with their child.
Adam isn’t the only Braverman with relatable family struggles. Sarah (Lauren Graham from Gilmore Girls – LOVE her) has two teenagers – enough said – and busy mom Julia (played by yet another stellar actress, Erika Christensen) works outside the home and finds herself playing second fiddle to her husband.
To Watch or Not to Watch
To Watch… With this star-studded cast in front of the camera and the talent and experience behind the camera, Parenthood has all the ingredients to be a must-watch show. The characters are realistic and most parents will easily relate to the struggles and challenges the Braverman family faces. I’ll definitely watch or DVR it to see how it unfolds.
Or Not to Watch… If you’re looking for lots of belly laughs, this isn’t for you. After seeing the previews, I did expect more laughs, but instead its so close to reality for many families that it’s a tad depressing.
Watch! Parenthood premieres Tuesday, March 2 at 10 EST / 9 CST. Fan Parenthood on Facebook to keep up with the latest, including information on the Parenthood Project.
Jana
February 19, 2010I’m so surprised to hear that this is not a real comedy, but your description sounds better than the promos. I set my DVR last night
I hope it will be a nice mix of comedy and drama, but it definitely has the potential to be a serious drama show.
C Louise
March 3, 2010I was so touched with the realism of the show and I absolutely loved it. The characters were endearing, funny, realistic, and so very human and flawed. As an educator I was really drawn to the storyline around Max and his possible Aspberger’s syndrome. He seem so real to life to a very special student I worked with in the past and I was so moved by this family challenge. The other sibilings are also awesome and I think this show will be a hit that lasts for a long time. It is quality television. Finally! No more stupid reality shows.
polly
March 23, 2010i have watched the new show and it was ok. but upset me when i seen a young girl smoking. will not watch it again, nor will my children. that is a part of life that we, as parents are trying to teach our children not to do. disgusting habit! and you are trying to make it look cool for our kids. shame on you!!!