Peter Krause
Craig T. Nelson
Lauren Graham
Bonnie Bedelia
Erika Christensen
Dax Shepard
Monica Potter
Sam Jaeger
Joy Bryant
Mae Whitman
Max Burkholder
Miles Heizer
Savannah Paige Rae

Developed by:
Jason Katims

2010-2015
Drama
NBC
TV-14

“Parenthood” is an NBC TV show that was adapted from the 1989 Ron Howard film of the same name; but its first episode is closer in tone to ABC’s “Brothers & Sisters.” However, “Parenthood” is much crisper and lighter on its feet than that show. Jason Katims (former executive producer and head writer of NBC’s “Friday Night Lights”) developed the show for TV (it’s actually the second attempt at a TV adaptation of the film by NBC) and produces it along with Howard and Brian Grazer.

The acting ensemble is very strong from the beginning, and the first episode’s writing is pretty good – despite being uninspired, at times. While “Parenthood” starts the way you would expect any TV drama about an American family to start, it’s executed rather well. Its dynamics are spot-on, and it doesn’t get bogged-down by any of its fairly serious subject matter – a notable accomplishment. I look forward to seeing where things go from now on. …

The second episode is even better than the pilot. The acting is superb, and the writing supports that. These characters seem like real people, which distinguishes “Parenthood” from “Brothers & Sisters.” In “Brothers & Sisters,” the characters seem like, just that, characters – poorly written ones at that.

As I watch “Parenthood,” I’m interested in all of its story lines: a remarkable achievement given the sheer number of them. A lot of ensemble shows have at least one story line that’s a weak link. At this point, this show doesn’t have one. Impressive. …

After watching every episode of “Parenthood,” it has become one of my favorite TV series. The characterizations, even when the characters are annoying, are simply beautiful to watch. And the story lines develop beautifully. This show just gets the fundamentals right; it doesn’t have to be perfect. Solid writing and acting work every time. I’m going to miss it.

Verdict: Great

About: (Source: parenthood)

“Parenthood” is the critically acclaimed one-hour drama inspired by the box office hit of the same name. This reimagined and updated Universal Television/Imagine Entertainment production follows the trials and tribulations of the very large, colorful and imperfect Braverman family.

Sarah Braverman (Lauren Graham, “Gilmore Girls”) is a single mother with two kids – the bright but rebellious Amber (Mae Whitman, “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World”), who is living on her own, and sullen and sensitive Drew (Miles Heizer, “ER”), who returns to Berkeley this year.

On the home front, Sarah’s larger-than-life, headstrong father, Zeek (Craig T. Nelson, “Family Stone,” “Coach”), and pillar-of-strength mother Camille (Bonnie Bedelia, “Heart Like a Wheel”) are adjusting to a smaller house and the perils of getting older.

Meanwhile, Sarah’s sister and complete antithesis, Julia (Erika Christensen, “Traffic”), goes back to work and learns to adjust to life without a spouse. Her estranged husband Joel (Sam Jaeger, “Eli Stone”) continues to be a supportive dad to Sydney (Savannah Paige Rae) and their adoptive son Victor (Xolo Maridueña).

Crosby (Dax Shepard, “Baby Mama”), Sarah’s younger brother who once struggled with commitment issues, is now married to former flame Jasmine (Joy Bryant, “Antwone Fisher”). Together, they are raising their young son, Jabbar (Tyree Brown) and new baby Aida.

However, it’s Adam (Peter Krause, “Six Feet Under”), the oldest Braverman sibling, who has had to relinquish his expectations about what constitutes a “normal” family as he and his quietly forceful and resilient wife Kristina (Monica Potter, “Trust Me”), more devoted than ever having recently battled and defeated her breast cancer, continue to cope with their eccentric son Max (Max Burkholder, “Brother & Sisters”), who has Asperger’s syndrome, while raising a toddler and supporting their daughter in college.

Although each sibling and family has its own share of life and everyday challenges to grapple with, they still manage to be there for each other in their hours of need.