Reed Between the Lines (2011–2015) User Reviews

Famiy Values - Finally a show that depicts REAL REALITY!

[stunnazfashionz_inc · 9/10 · 8 November 2011]

The problem with most reality shows is that they LACK REALITY! The problem with viewers is that they LACK THE PATIENCE FOR REAL IN-DEPT ACTING that is not overly dramatized, in other words if the show is not paced to provide a full hour of laughs over irrelevant stuff they will turn away from it! What makes this show so entertaining is that the family is portraying an REAL AVERAGE lifestyle of a REAL FAMILY. The Cosby show featured a black family with a income of at least $400K a year, whereas this show is based on a family with incomes of $200K down to $35K a year; any family can relate to this show and its setting. The cinematography of this show is very good, writers for this show presents the audience with situations that can be related to by the average American, black and any other race.

Of course this type of show rarely survives past one season, because, as I stated earlier; viewers have been spoiled into laughing over shows that depict irrelevant issues. Today's viewers do not have the patience or training to watch and support, or find entertaining, a show that deal with real life situations and teaches moral lessons.

Props to all who help produce this show, it is a wonderful tool to teach the young children, even teenagers to young adults, about life and lessons to learn from it. It is a wonderful FAMILY VALUES SHOW, and that is something that we are missing on television today and something that we desperately need.

Happy to see positive images of blacks

[On-a-lark · 6 November 2011]

I've only seen two episodes but plan to watch more! I grew up with the Cosby show and have lamented the lack of positive images of blacks on TV since it went off the air. People should really give it a try. It's subtle, but fun. I know I'll grow to love it even more! Good start and nice to see our favorite black stars get cameos! I had grown weary of the offerings on network TV, especially since we have such a beautiful black family in the white house. I think now there will be more attempts at shows like this. Before it was reincarnated as the CW, WB had some nice shows: Girfriends, Half and Half, and One on One... My kids and I enjoyed the lineup! The writing was clever and the acting superb. We've missed those shows. Well done BET!

No Comparison

[girly63 · 2/10 · 29 November 2011]

Please stop comparing this show as, "Finally another all American black family like the Cosby show", this isn't getting the job done. Ross and Warner are not the ideal parents and not only that they don't match. Ross seems twice the age of Warner and having the oldest children call Warner "Dad" doesn't make it any better. Youngest isn't always the funniest. This show just isn't on my must see list. I would set my DVR if I knew that I was going to be out when it aired here, no longer is that the case...if I miss it that's fine and if I catch it it's because there isn't anything else on. I'm trying to stay tuned but the more I try to watch the more tuned out I become. Is it me or do the parents seem to favor the youngest child over the other two children. I'm disappointed but I'm going to try to keep supporting it as long as I can stand it...Season II anyone.

Reed/Lines

[willied4 · 10/10 · 4 February 2012]

I really liked and enjoyed the show. I just love the two main characters and how they related to each others. I hope you will bring it back. The writing is also fantastic. Good job!!!!!!

The children are pretty good and I love the office workers the secretary and other professional in the office. I didn't see all of the episodes so I'm getting ready to watch it now on entertainment on Demand. I don't understand why anyone would put it down as I enjoyed the three that I saw and I spoke to others who enjoyed Reed/Lines. I especially enjoyed the visits from the parents and the "Save the date episode. So true as to relating to the ex-husband.

What ELSE is on!?!

[jporter7814 · 3/10 · 27 November 2011]

I was highly disappointed with this show. Everyone keeps saying this brings a "new" or "more appealing" light to African-Americans but I disagree. Shows like, My Wife & Kids, The Bernie Mac Show, Everybody Hates Chris and The Parkers have a positive influence even though they are re-runs. Even very old shows like Good Times and yes The Cosby Show had a positive light but also depicted REALITY!

The Reeds are unrelatable, not because they are classy but DRY. They ALL lack a sense of personality and I think that may be because of the writers. Still, I'm a fan of Tracey Ellis-Ross because of her old show Girlfriends but...it has got me thinking was her success based on her acting, the writing or her co-actors?

I recommend this show if you need a good nap though!!!

Pretty Good So Far

[joemoe116 · 10/10 · 30 November 2011]

I have watched every episode of Reed between the lines. I really like the show. It is a positive family sitcom about a family headed by two doctors Dr. Alex Reed is a NYU English professor, and Dr. Carla Reed is a psychologist. They have three children. Carla's twins Keenan and Kaci from a previous marriage, and Alex and Carla have seven-year-old Alexis together. oh, and the family just happens to be black. That will yes, remind you of The Cosby Show. Tracee Ellis Ross and Malcolm Jamal Warner have very good chemistry. The show is very funny. Tracee Ellis Ross is a very good comedic actress. And Malcolm Jamaal Warner is very good as the straight man. Ana Maria Horsford is very funny. Melissa De Sausa is funny. The show is well-written. Another thing I like about Read between the lines is how they are able to squeeze in a positive messages without being preachy. Reed between the lines does have its flaws. For instance, the blended family storyline needs to be explained better. I agree with one of the posters who said they could have found more seasoned child actors to play Keenan Kaci and Alexis. Other than those flaws. If you haven't seen the show, I highly recommend it.

Wasting its potential

[Billy D.-2 · 3/10 · 29 December 2011]

Reed Between the Lines is a quality program, once you take into consideration it is on BET. That being said, the show is just OK. This show has the potential to be on the level of shows like the Cosby's or My Wife and the Kids. The first thing that is apparent is you have Malcolm playing a grown up Theo and Traci is recycling Joan from Girlfriends who just changed careers again. The weakness of the show can be traced back to its writing and direction. Why would you have, Traci play a psychologist who in the workplace acts goofy and silly when she should be a serious professional and let her co-stars get the laughs. She picks the wrong times to be channeling Lucy/Carol Burnett. I do not mind her being silly when she is at home but not in the work place. Another concern is the youngest daughter is at times the smartest one the show. That does not fit when one parents is a MD and the other a PhD. That is the fault of the direction the show when it goes for cheap laughs instead of good humor, but the show is on BET I guess they are doing the best they can do. I hope they realize it before it is too late.

Falls Flat

[askhawkins · 3 November 2011]

I have watched 4 episodes of this show and I just don't like it. The characters have no chemistry, it's like the none of the actors met before the first rehearsal. The children, who should be the highlights of the show, are dreadful to watch. Even the youngest daughter has no real appeal, as cute as she is. The blended family choice was a stretch and serves no purpose, especially if it's going to be swept under the rug like a dirty secret (I didn't watch the pilot episode so until IMDb had no idea that it was supposed to be a blended family). This show seems too forced and even all the celebrity guest stars can't save it. Nice try but the image of this show needs to be revamped if they want to survive.

I hope this show stays on forever!

[shenicab-214-654585 · 10/10 · 15 November 2011]

I love this show! It reminds me of the warmness that I felt when I watched the Cosby Show in the 80's. I normally do not watch sitcoms, but I make sure that I record this show on my DVR. I watch it along with my fiancée and three boys. It is a good wholesome family show that I am surprised to see on sleazy BET. Great job BET for bringing people in their middle thirties, with families, a show that they can be proud of because I get tired of seeing black people depicted as sexual objects, money hungry monkeys that want to fight all the time, wanna be gangsters, drug addicts, and junkies etc. It is about time we had a show that showed that the sane blacks are nothing like those images that we see on reality shows or other sitcoms.

Finally, BET offers its viewers something new and exciting.

[ja-191-280465 · 8/10 · 6 December 2011]

"Reed Between The Lines"is one of the most refreshing and entertaining sitcoms to premier on BET in a very long time. Airing on Tuesday nights at 10pm, Tracee Ellis Ross and Malcolm Jamal Warner star as Carla and Alex Reed, both doctors (one a psychologist) the other (a college professor)as a loving, devoted married couple raising three children. Melissa DeSousa ("The Best Man") also stars as the pretty acupuncturist and friend of Carla Reed along with Anna Maria Horsford ("Friday" and "The Wayans Bros") as Ms. Helen, Dr. Reed's witty and sassy receptionist. Malcolm Jamal Warner and Tracee Ellis Ross have wonderful screen presence and chemistry that makes them stand out as a believable husband and wife couple. So far, the show touches on very important issues such as family values, discipline, love, commitment, etc. "RBTL" is a cool t.v. series that is unique and original in its own way. The writing is fairly decent and the acting is done well, especially by the adorable Reed children. Although there are no real surprises to the show, it is still definitely worth the watch. It is a fun show that depicts African American family life in a positive and genuine way and is also a step up from most of the ridiculous programming that's shown on BET. I rate this show an 8 out of 10.

I absolutely love Reed Between the Lines

[rapple-78818 · 10/10 · 17 April 2023]

I just finished watching all episodes of " The Neighborhood" with Cedric the Entertainer. I was looking for another show to watch and I stumbled across "Reed between the lines".

I love the actors in this new show and I can definitely relate to each episode so far. This show reminds me of the Cosby Show back in the 80's. Not every actor on the Cosby Show was talented (most of them were) but subjects discussed in the episodes kept me tuned in. It's extremely nice to see a positive new show where the parents love one another and care about the well being of their family. I even love the office staff and the office chatter which add to the show. It's a clean show with substance.

I had such high hopes................

[tallen452002 · 26 October 2011]

I love Tracee and who doesn't love Malcom...but this show is horrible. They could have at least used seasoned child actors or at least used some kids that attended acting school. The acting is horrible and Tracee and Malcoms characters I don't see the average couple relating to. Tracee and Malcoms characters relationship on screen is too plain and boring. They are not believable as a couple thats been married for 4 years! The storyline is so flat, that I fell asleep on this show twice. Maybe new writers are needed. Try hiring the writers from past successful family shows. I don't see this show lasting one season. Sorry.

nice job

[Vincentiu · 29 December 2014]

after so many series about family , it is a real challenge to discover something new. parents, children, friends, nice dialogs. at first sigh - only versions of same thing . again and again. in this case the secret ingredient is the honesty. not the humor, not the dialogs, maybe not the performances. family problems in cruel light. few drops of irony, usual situations, great problems and easy answers, the love not in pink nuance but comfortable to discover everyday crisis. a modern series who has the art to use old recipes in wise style. and that does it an adorable TV series. because it has this kind of charm useful for every viewer not only as entertainment but as inspired reflection of his life.

nice

[Kirpianuscus · 28 October 2017]

for many family series , "nice" is the best word when you do not know say something more. but in this case the word is more than a form to save appearances. "Reed Between the Lines" is nice because it gives a precise picture of every day reality. this represents its first virtue. the second virtue the use of "spices". humor, jokes, the war between parents and children at different ages, the relations with family, colleagues and the others, the link between husband and wife, the wise choices for create an ordinary universe using the most inspired tools. short, a series about family. remembering many others series about same subject. but, more important, proposing a real useful perspective.