Parenthood

Not everyone is going to "approve." The characters make mistakes, sometimes behave irresponsibly, and are full of self doubt. In other words, this is great storytelling. Even if this show is slow to get its start, I hope the network has the foresight to keep it running, because programming of this emotional and moral complexity is a rarity.

Beyond the top notch writing, the acting is superb. These roles are demanding of actors. There are moments of comedy mixed in with real pathos, which requires a cast that has range and depth. Every single casting choice is pitch perfect, and creates a wonderful dynamic on the screen.

This series is well worth watching.

The pilot started slow . . . but I stuck with it and now it's one of my FAVORITE shows. I LOVE the characters and I actually watch it twice a week. I know . . . I'm a weirdo. I make my husband watch it.

I think the writer did a very good transition from the movie Parenthood to the TV series. Although they have some similarities, it does contain the spirit. It's just a charming and funny family drama. I relate to the circumstances between the siblings. Reminds me of the challenges my sisters and their kids go through. This group of actors have incredible chemistry. This is sort of like the OUR THIRTYSOMETHING.

My only fear is every time I love something it gets canceled.

I wonder why this program hasn't received the Emmy or Golden Globe nominations it deserves. The family members aren't perfect, which is one reason I love this show so much.

Even the "good guys (or gals)" make mistakes, just like we all do in real life. Each of the story lines is interesting, and every week I wonder where the writers will go with each story.

The younger actors in this series are impressive. Their acting is often subtle, which must be difficult for those who are so young to accomplish. The way they are portrayed is realistic, in that they are all likable in some way, but not so likable in others. As a mother, I appreciate the parenting difficulties which come along in this series, but I can also relate to the teenagers as they try to make sense of life. The character "Max" is truly remarkable.

Others who have commented have mentioned the high quality of the adult cast. I agree that they are all good, but I particularly like the work of Dax Shepard.

Stick with this show. These multi-dimensional characters will only get better with time.

I actually was very skeptical of this show- at first glance, I didn't see how all these different people were possibly going to mesh with one another on screen (the last time I was this skeptical was seeing the teasers for 30 Rock... that should have been a clue!). After watching the first episode, I was impressed. Granted, there was a lot covered in the pilot, but that's how it is: they have to introduce everybody and what their story lines are in the first 60 minute episode. The "too much" feeling will undoubtedly calm down as we get wrapped up in individuals instead of the mass family group.

Each individual family deals with their share of parenting problems, including Grandma and Grandpa, and they hit every single parenting problem right on the head. We see good teens, bad teens, a kid with a developmental disorder (my son was diagnosed with a developmental disorder in 2009, and I gotta tell you, they absolutely nailed the feelings during the first 48 hours after the diagnosis), single parents, working parents, etc.

It's a good show, and you WILL see something of you or your family in it somewhere.

A new show with Peter Krause and Craig T. Nelson in the cast demanded at least a look, though if it weren't for the DVR I might have passed on it since it's on at the same time as the excellent "The Good Wife". Fortuitous indeed that I did because it strikes me as pure genius in writing and casting.

This show makes me laugh. This show makes me weep. Most important, it makes me smile in recognition of so many scenes that I recognize as things that happened to or around me. Of particular note along this line are the times in family "discussions" when everyone is talking and no one is listening. I don't recall another show that has done this, and it's sooo true to life.

The casting matches the writing so well that I can't imagine another actor in any of the parts. This show is definitely in my all-time top 10; maybe even top 5. Do yourself a favor and watch "Parenthood".