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'Parenthood': Five reasons you should be watching
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Don't worry, "Parenthood" fans. Your show hasn't been replaced by "America's Next Great Restaurant" reruns. We know many of you panicked when you tuned in on Tuesday to find a show about "Saucy Balls," but patience is a virtue. "Parenthood" will return Tuesday, March 29 with brand new episodes.If you're not a "Parenthood" fan, you really, really should be.
While the show's ratings aren't awful -- the experts say it's got a good chance of being renewed for a third season -- we can't help but feel that it remains one of the most underrated shows on television.
Executive producer Jason Katims is familiar with being dubbed underrated by TV critics. He also headed up "Friday Night Lights," which in its five seasons garnered almost undisputed critical acclaim while consistently tanking in the ratings and going unrecognized when it came to awards.
"Parenthood" shares a lot of the best qualities of "Friday Night Lights," and it has yet to achieve the water-cooler status we think it deserves. So, without further ado, here are the five reasons you should tune in.
1. An honest portrayal of family life. You may not be a parent, but you certainly had parents, and chances are they weren't perfect. Everyone in the Braverman family is deeply flawed while still fueled with good intentions, keeping the characters likable without making them condescending.
2. No gimmicks. This show is about the Braverman family -- three generations of parents and children struggling to relate to one another in an increasingly crowded environment. When you tune in on Tuesday nights, you're going to see Bravermans. There are no musical episodes, no distractingly famous guest stars, no episodes based on the plot of "The Hangover." As stunt casting and outlandish tropes infest our televisions, it's refreshing to see a show remain steadfastly true to its original promise.
3. Watch it with the whole fam! "Seventh Heaven" is over (Thank God) and there's a new kind of family programming taking its place. Without being preachy, "Parenthood" has tackled subjects like addiction and teen sexuality gracefully, while unapologetically highlighting the awkwardness that comes with growing up (no matter how grown-up you already are).
4. Educate yourself. Arguably the best storyline on "Parenthood" involves Max, a 9-year-old diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, and his parents Adam (Peter Krause) and Christina (Monica Potter). Asperger's and Autism are only recently entering the mainstream consciousness, and "Parenthood's" depiction of the trials and triumphs involved is simultaneously heartbreaking and heartwarming.
5. Near-perfect performances. "Parenthood's" writing is extraordinary, but the actors' work takes it to a whole different level. Max Burkholder's work as Max Braverman blows us away every week. "Every couple of episodes I get together with an Asperger's doctor, the director and the executive producer and we talk about what Max might do in the given situations in the script," Burkholder says. "I get new ideas about what to do during the scenes -- how he would act, what he would say -- because a lot of ad libbing happens on the show." It's also wonderful to see Lauren Graham in a role that's considerably more subdued than her iconic "Gilmore Girls" character. Dax Shepard, who we thought of as little more than a slap-happy prankster, shows off considerable dramatic chops every week.
If you're not watching yet, tune in. The current mini-hiatus gives you plenty of time to catch up on old episodes via NBC.com before the show returns on March 29. You'll be doing yourself a favor. Trust us.
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The main reason is because Minka Kelly is in some of the episodes
Parenthood is the best show I've seen in years. The actors are absolutely perfect for their roles. I love each and every person in the show and I really hope they don't cancel it. It's captivating and down to earth. Being only a teenager, I see it as a family show that is a must-watch! I loved 7th Heaven as well, so if you enjoyed 7th Heaven, you'll surely enjoy this show. They act like a real family, not like those who ARE real families who want to be on television. I can't wait until the new episodes start!
They are bringing in Richard Dreyfus whom I would consider a distractingly famous guest star. Still, Parenthood is one of very few reasons to tune in to NBC these days,
Oh Hannie if you sell Parenthood to potential viewers by comparing it to 7th Heaven nobody will watch Parenthood !!! lol..it is almost an insult..well actually for lot's of people it is a BIG insult ! LMAO.
I love this show, my husband and I plan our week around watching. It is so true to life. The yound man that plays Max is excellant!!
Everyone needs to watch Parenthood. If you watch once you will be hooked. Have never missed a show!!
All the networks are pushing too many gay and interracial storylines down our throats. I know they're trying to appeal to the younger demographic, and trying to be "current" in this ultra liberal and politically correct "new age," but it makes most of us in the older generation cringe. Guess I'll have to go back to reading a good book.
Me thinks Bob likes a gay interracial down his throat.
To be fair to "old" people, I know a lot that are not bigots. I went to an event recently that had a very gay theme and 90% of the attendees were straight senior citizens. Some people have brains and use them.
I'm a straight dude and many people would probably consider me far right wing ( though I would dispute that, the label comes with the territory). I've never had a problem with gays or a person of a different race. Frankly, I can't wait for old bigots like Bob to die off.
Oh yes, averybody should tune in!
There is something for everybody to like!
I started watching because of the fabulous Lauren Graham, but all the actors keep me watching every week!
Amazing!
And thank you for writing this article to bring awareness of this great show!
Parenthood Sucks!
This show would be canceled on any other network other than NBC!
This show is not real life, and is all gimmicks.
Zapit should be embarrased for having such a bad writer like Carina. She must be taking the same drugs as Charlie Sheen.
Look at the ratings for Parenthood. If Zapit keeps putting out bad articles like this, they will have the same poor viewership as Parenthood.
Parenthood = Seventh Heaven.
They are essentially the same show. They are both geared for old people.
Both badly written and unrealistic.
People in their teens, 20's and 30's hate both of these shows!