This NBC Series With A 94% RT Score Is The Ultimate Feel-Good Family Drama

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Lots of family shows focus on a specific type of relationship, like mothers and daughters (think Gilmore Girls) or found families (The Fosters). But Parenthood really showed family life in all its complexity, and audiences loved it – it has a 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes! The show skillfully portrayed the large Braverman family without feeling cluttered, and it explored different kinds of family dynamics in a realistic and heartfelt way.

Though the title Parenthood might make you think it’s just about raising children, the show actually explores all kinds of family connections and the love that binds them. Inspired by Ron Howard’s movie of the same name, the TV series takes the story in a more complete and realistic direction, offering something relatable for just about everyone.

Parenthood Is A 10/10 Family Drama

What makes the show Parenthood so engaging is its focus on four adult siblings and their lives, all connected by their parents, Zeek and Camille. The series does a great job of developing each character – from Crosby, who unexpectedly finds out he has a five-year-old son, to Adam, a devoted father of three, to Sarah, a single mom navigating the challenges of raising teenagers, and Julia, who’s trying to have another baby.

The show features wonderfully complex characters. They’re all relatable, with both admirable qualities and flaws, encouraging viewers to have their own opinions about them. Just like real people, some characters will resonate more with certain viewers than others. The series doesn’t shy away from showing characters’ frustrating sides, and this, combined with their strengths, makes every situation feel realistic and mirrors the dynamics of family life.

Despite its excellent character development, Parenthood truly shines when it delivers on the promise of its opening sequence. The show begins with scenes of a large family dinner, and at its heart, Parenthood is about the warmth and comfort of having a big, connected family – parents, siblings, cousins, grandparents, aunts, and uncles all together.

Parenthood Showcases People’s Differences With Love

Despite sharing a family history, the four Braverman siblings each have very distinct families. Crosby is focused on connecting with his son, Jabbar, and his ex-wife, Jasmine. Meanwhile, Sarah returns to live with Zeek and Camille, and her and her children initially add a bit of a rebellious vibe to the family dynamic.

Julia and Joel faced challenges in their marriage and with starting a family, which led them to consider adoption. Meanwhile, Adam’s family appears conventional, but they navigate their own complexities. His son Max is diagnosed with autism, his wife Kristina battles breast cancer, and their daughter Hattie later comes out as bisexual, each adding a unique layer to their family dynamic.

Despite dealing with relatable conflicts, the show Parenthood avoids being critical or lecturing its audience. It presents a diverse cast of characters as fully realized individuals, inviting viewers to connect with them personally rather than seeing them as representatives of a larger group.

Even Zeek and Camille, the show’s older couple, warmly welcome the expanding family. A particularly touching episode shows Zeek connecting with his adopted grandson, Victor, through their mutual love of car repair. Throughout the series, Parenthood doesn’t preach lessons; it simply offers a beautiful example of family life.

Parenthood Is Full Of Familiar Faces

The Braverman family includes several recognizable faces. Lauren Graham, famous for her role as Lorelai Gilmore in Gilmore Girls, plays Sarah, while Mae Whitman and Miles Heizer, known from Boots, portray her children, Amber and Drew. Dax Shepherd plays the charming Crosby, and Peter Krause, of Six Feet Under, takes on the role of Adam.

The cast of Parenthood is consistently excellent, featuring memorable guest appearances by actors like Michael B. Jordan, Ray Romano, and Minka Kelly (known from Friday Night Lights). With its talented performers and relatable characters, Parenthood is a show you won’t want to skip.

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2026-02-21 19:18