Parenthood

"I'm becoming pretty obsessed about parenthood right now," said my wife yesterday. Was she referring to the all-consuming, late night feedings, or the constant stream of laundry, or perhaps the way a baby takes over your entire schedule? An involuntary obsession with parenting might be a good way to characterize our lives right now. But that's not what she was talking about...she was talking about the show Parenthood on NBC.

We've watched it from the beginning (it's in the second season now) and I have to say that it is without a doubt one of the best shows on television. It follows the lives of four very different siblings and their children as they navigate the crazy world of parenting. One of the siblings is a single parent, another has just recently met his 6 year old son for the first time, yet another has an autistic boy and the last struggles to balance her high-powered career and her family.

It sounds a little formulaic, right? Maybe a little cheesy...well, it's not. Check out this video clip:



Parenthood has an authenticity to its writing and a depth of talented acting that is rare on television, especially on NBC. Nevertheless, the show has underperformed in ratings. So, watch it. The multiple plot lines and large cast mean that it migh take an episode or two for you to really get everything that's happening, but it will most definitely be worth it. Parenthood has all the ingredients for a good, solid show with talented actors and excellent writing. But it also has the intangible that takes the show from good to great; it has a moment. The drama draws you in an compels you to continue watching...you will laugh, cry, struggle along with the characters. It really is a great show. Check out Parenthood at 10pm Tuesday nights on NBC.