Note: This is not a review, merely our first impression of an unfinished product. A show can go through many changes between the pilot stage and its official broadcast debut.
'Parenthood'
Premise: Struggling single mom Sarah moves her two teenage children back home to Berkeley, Ca., where she's welcomed back into the fold by her big, imperfect but loving family. Meanwhile, her three adult siblings all parenting issues of their own in this drama that is loosely based on the 1989 Ron Howard-directed film of the same name.
Cast: Peter Krause, Maura Tierney, Craig T. Nelson, Erika Christensen, Dax Shepard, Monica Potter, Mae Whitman
What Works: The powerhouse cast, led by MVP Tierney as Sarah, is impressive, and the characters feel lived-in and real. It's also a pleasure to see a true, grown-up family drama on television again.
What Doesn't: The pilot feels a bit heavy on the drama. Let's hope things lighten up now and again down the road.
Our Excitement Level (Out of 10): 8
Premiere Date: Wed., Sept. 23 at 8PM ET on NBC Now midseason due to Maura Tierney's undisclosed illness
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Reader Comments (2)
taras1dz at 9:08AM on Jul 7th 2009
Thanks for the preview, really looking forward to this show! Even without having seen the pilot, I have no doubt that Maura Tierney is already the MVP.
Penny at 4:30PM on Jul 7th 2009
I'm with taras1dz. Interesting concept and a great cast to boot.