What To Watch: NBC's 'Parenthood'

The best show you probably aren't watching?  And the award goes to... Parenthood.  The show is now into it's fourth season and still hasn't gotten the traction it deserves.  It is executive produced and written by Friday Night Lights' former writer Jason Katims.  The show follows the crazy lovable Braverman family.  This show has a very similar track record to FNL. It is an incredibly written and acted show, but people aren't watching.  Those who do watch these shows, are so supportive, and they are the reason the shows lasted as long as they have. However, I do not understand how such truly good TV is overlooked. I'm going to try to convince you to watch it.

1. The Characters

This is a common theme with most of my favorite shows, if there aren't strong characters, you won't have a strong show. All of the characters on this show could no doubt carry their own show.  There is enough material for each family to seriously just break-off and have a spin-off.  They are so relatable, that you are bound to connect with one of them.  

If you are grandparent with children and grandchildren, you have Zeke and Camille.  This is the perfect show to watch with your family, because you can either relate to Adam's family, who is pretty much the typical American family.  Then there is Sarah, who's a single mom with two children. Julia who is the successful lawyer with her perfect husband Joel, who I'm obsessed with, and daughter. And of course Crosby the wild child, with his own family.  Even if you aren't a parent, the kids in the show are great too!  My favorite has to be Amber, who is constantly trying to find herself, and makes so many mistakes along the way.  But she doesn't stop trying. There is bound to be a character you identify with. 

2. The Acting

This show has a terrific cast! And amazing guest stars!  I was originally drawn to this show because of Lauren Graham, who I love, I don't know about all of you, but I LOVED Gilmore Girls! One of my favorite shows, and she is just as good in this show!  Dax Shepherd is hilarious and really lightens up the show.  Mae Whitman, who plays Amber, has been in a number of great things, most recently being The Perks of Being a Wallflower.  If you are a FNL fan, which if you are, I love you, they have brought in many of the former members onto this show. And they have all been fantastic, most recently Matt Lauria.  His plotline with Mae Whitman is probably what I am looking forward to most this season.  I mean they are just too cute, I could die. And of course, this season welcomed Ray Ramano, who is just fantastic all around. 

3. The Storylines

There has been so much that has happened these past few years.  The family has gone through quite a bit, and everything they go through together.  Even if you haven't watched the first 3 seasons, I don't think you would be lost if you just started with the current season. Either way, you are jumping right into a crazy family. Throughout the past season the show has covered having a child with Aspergers, losing jobs, high school, relationships, adoption, cancer, moving and so much more.  These don't sound super exciting, but what makes these storylines so great is the authenticity of it.  These are things that really happen, not some fantasy life that you wish for.  

I sometimes wonder if that is the downfall of the show.  Just like Friday Night Lights, the show is SO relatable, that people may be put-off by it because they watch TV to escape reality.  You know what I mean? But, those who watch it rave about the shows and critics love it, but people still don't watch... I don't understand. I know most people started watching FNL after the show ended, and now they are obsessed with it.  It may be the same with this show, people will realize the greatness of it years from now, looking back.  But, I am telling you guys to start watching it NOW! Because it's awesome, and deserves some more attention and credit then it already receives. 

New episode is on tonight at 10PM ET on NBC!

Do you watch Parenthood?