Sullivan & Son (2012–2014) User Reviews

It's not THAT bad...

[vandyfan12 · 7/10 · 1 August 2012]

I've read a lot of reviews online that don't particularly like the show. It's been labeled as a generic, recycled version of "Cheers." I say...so what? Cheers was a good show. There's so much crap on TV these days, so it's nice to have a show that hearkens back to the old days. You might not fall out of your seat laughing at the jokes on this show, but they'll give you a good chuckle. The plot may be somewhat predictable, but it's still pretty entertaining.

It's like my mom said a few weeks ago...you don't watch Dumb and Dumber to be intellectually stimulated, you don't go see Magic Mike for some life-changing revelation, and you don't watch Sullivan & Son and expect to be amazed. You watch all those to be entertained. And they are entertaining.

At any rate, this show is a CRAP TON better than "Men at Work," TBS's other original sitcom.

Offensive but Funny!

[Sylviastel · 7/10 · 3 August 2012]

Dan Lauria stars in a sitcom about a bar owner, Mr. Sullivan, who sells the bar to his son, Steven Sullivan, who has given up a lucrative law career in New York City. He goes home to Pittsburgh to see his family and realizes what he's missing. The cast is first rate with a stern Korean mother in a scene stealing role. Other characters include regular barflies played by Christine Ebersole (Carol Walsh) and Brian Doyle Murray who always worth watching. The show has some bumps and needs improvement in some areas but they're really worth watching. I love a good sitcom even with it's faults. You'll laugh, be offended, but you'll enjoy it if you give it a chance to succeed.

Watch it if you have nothing else to watch

[kendrat199-722-128370 · 6/10 · 7 July 2013]

I grew up on Cheers and Sullivan and Son seems like a failed attempt at that. The only focal point is centered on what's going on in the bar, the character that's always there until closing, the dim-witted character, the guy that knows everything, etc). It has all the makings of Cheers without any of the pizazz and well-thought out characterization.This show would be fine if it was a carbon-copy because Cheers is an iconic show and having a modern version would be great, but there's something severely lacking in this rendition. It's either the fact that we have to be reminded of Steve Byrne's biracial identity (literally each episode, the mother or father will say, "oh but you're half"), the flat punchline, the obnoxious laugh track, or the bad line delivery/bad timing that make this show mediocre at best. Bad timing especially is the show's weakest link.

With other shows you get to know the characters and so when they're suddenly forced into a new situation, it's hilarious because it's so alien. In this show however, they skim the surface of every character and then force them into a situation as if we've known them for years (for example, Owen, the not-so bright character does these amazing things when the bar closes down, but it happens all in one episode. It'd be more witty and satisfying for the audience to see him in each episode come in in different attire. Like, one day he's dressed in a suit and says, "I work for the bank now." or another day he's a post-man, another he's working at the homeless shelter, etc. While I appreciate a show that has an interracial setting (the first of its kind, I think), the script seems rehashed and flat.

So far so good!

[lexusnxtc · 8/10 · 23 July 2012]

Just watched the pilot and second episode and we really enjoyed them! We've always found Steve Brynes' standup funny and thought he did really well in a sitcom role as well. Steve's mother, played by Jodi Long, steals the show. She is flipping hilarious and had us cracking up the entire time she was on screen. As a child of the 80s, I was thrilled to see Dan Lauria as his dad (I always loved him as the dad in the Wonder Years!!). Christine Ebersole is fabulous as the slutty, drunk mom of one of Steve's friends. Rounding out the cast is his neurotic, jealous sister and a group of loser friends from his past ;) everyone's got some of those, right? Really looks like it has some potential to be a good new show!!

I'm not impressed

[bishopofbattle · 2/10 · 20 July 2012]

I just watched the pilot and I have to say I am not impressed.

Some of the jokes are good and get a laugh.

But the show has problems. A lot of the acting is bad. Over-exaggerated. Bad timing, bad delivery. It seems like they are trying too hard and going over the top.

The "Korean" mom has the worst accent ever. it is not remotely Korean. It sounds like she is attempting a generic Asian accent and it is hideous to listen to. Very forced.

Nonetheless, I can't help but get this strange, familiar feeling when I watch the show....like it is a faded copy of another famous bar I know...but what could it be? When Steve, the main character walks in the bar, everyone shouts his name...there is an older lady with a rep for sleeping around...a character in a public service uniform...an older, simple-minded man....a whiny female character. Even the set looks oddly family. It's on the tip of my tongue...but I just can't place it.

Oh well, I recorded both premiere episodes so I will watch the next one.

Cheers, B. B.

Love it

[SanteeFats · 9/10 · 9 June 2013]

I can not figure out why this show only gets 5.7 from reviewers. I think this is one hilarious series. Steve Byrne is great as the son. He delivers his lines like he was still doing his comedy routine. He is really funny. The customers are really humorous. The insensitive white racist who doesn't seem to know he is being racist. There is a diverse mix of ethnicities that are regular customers. The give and take between these customers gets very funny. I love the mom with her cold, serious face she shows to the world but she does care for her family, possibly. I am waiting too see if they allow the relationship to develop between Steve and the EMT. It could enhance this series if done right.

Missing something

[OptimusPrime2 · 3/10 · 3 September 2012]

I really wanted to like this show. I am a fan of Steve Bryne. He is a very funny guy if you have not seen his stand up check it out on youtube...but I just could not get into the show. I gave it three episodes and gave up. Here is the problem with this show the writers are missing the second act. There should be a first act, a second act, and a third act but with Sullivan and Son there is no second act. They completely skip it sometimes there is not even a third act. For example there was an episode with Steve's best friend where the bar is shut down and he goes off to get a real job. This could be interesting if you actually see him actually working and trying to be a real adult but you really don't see any of that. This is pretty much what happen... hey guys I have a real job now and end of the show hey guys that job was not for me......whats the point of even having that as a storyline if you are going to go in detail with it. Just so you can use it to have a few semi funny one liners? The show does not do enough or involve you enough with the characters and the story for you to enjoy the show.

Give it a try!

[snapdragon1010 · 9/10 · 19 July 2012]

You should give this show a chance. There are harsh critics, yes, there are those who are downright haters, but they are not me and doubtfully, you! I know that some say that it reminds them of Cheers, even calling it a Cheers ripoff, but this is a new decade and many that will love it never even knew Cheers! Besides, I love it, and Cheers was a TV icon so what would be wrong with that?! It is a very decent show! I love when new shows are funny! Give it a try, you might love it, too! Pittsburgh, where this show is produced, is a very underrated city, at times. They have a fantastic city to share with the world. TBS is giving the USA an opportunity to see some of what Pittsburgh has to offer. Watch it and see for yourself.

should be called a shitcom

[gregjake · 1/10 · 5 September 2012]

Tries to be offensive but doesn't have the teeth to follow through. Not weird, not offbeat, not offensive, not cutting-edge, not silly, not absurd, not observant, not new, not good.

This is corporate comedy at its worst. Some TBS exec sees a stand-up who fits their demographic strategy and puts him into a concept that cannot succeed.

I watched two episodes and felt embarrassment for everyone involved. TBS really needs a scripted comedy exec with some talent. What they've put out the last few years (with the exception of Conan) is completely immemorable garbage.

Awesome!

[risdonroberts · 10/10 · 11 June 2012]

I was in Austin and saw an advance screening of the pilot. And it's hysterically funny, and it's nice, it's a family run bar, so it has real emotions and laughs. Found myself rooting for all the characters, laughing, and even teared up a little in the end. Great show.

Steve Byrne as the lead, is charming, and one of the better stand-up actors I have seen, when he says, "I want a good life," you believe him and it's moving, rare for a sitcom these days. It has Dan Lauria, the father from Wonder Years, who is great in this, he's the dad you'd want, if he ran a bar. The mother, Jodi Long, is priceless as the Korean mother. Her and the sister Susan get some of the best laughs.

Valerie Azlynn is so cute, sweet, and tough, nice strong woman combination, and she's hysterical. The jokes are funny, and it's daring comedy with the barfly Christine Ebersole as the former groupie, and Brian Doyle-Murray as the old white racist.

All of the friends and patrons of the bar are great too, can't wait to see more.

First To Be Cancelled

[jbarnes-10 · 1/10 · 6 September 2012]

How Sullivan and Son got out of the box and actually on the air is beyond me. With Shows like Modern Family, Raising Hope, The Big Bang Theory and The Middle (to name just a few)riding the wave these past few seasons, this low budget throw back is full of stereotypes, bad writing and no chemistry between the actors. Even the talents of Christine Ebersole (who I love) can't save the lame scripts. This show is just a bad rehash of Margaret Cho's "All American Girl" of 1994. It didn't last and Sullivan and Son won't either. The whole show feels like it was thrown together on the back of a wet napkin at a Hooter's. Every joke falls flat, the character of the mother is just a horrible Asian stereotype that is painful to watch. Ebersole seems to know she is already doomed and hopefully she is looking at other offers. The show breaks no new ground, and the assortment of one dimensional supporting characters reminds me of every failed sitcom I can't remember.

Very good show, just need to give it a chance

[stateofthunder · 10/10 · 16 August 2012]

This is a very good and funny TV show, you just need to give it a chance. I think a lot of people just watched the pilot episode and came to conclusions based on that.

You'll need to watch at least 3-4 episodes before making a conclusion on it and I'm more than positive most people will like it and find it amusing like me once you do give it the chance.

I wasn't too much of a fan of the pilot either although it was alright to me, but all the other episodes have been very good.

I also like the fact that this show takes place in Pittsburgh which isn't too common in TV shows. Most shows either take place in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, main stream cities but this show takes place in an overlooked city in Pittsburgh which gives it originality. I know that a lot of people have criticized this show for not being original but I think it has a decent amount of originality in it.

I really hope TBS renews this show for season 2.

How did it stay on 3 seasons

[cristos21 · 3/10 · 12 September 2023]

I watched about 3 or 4 episodes and i thought they all were bad. I dont thinl i laughed once. I just noticed that it stayed on for 3 seasons and i just want to know how?

Some shows they keep on and they know theyre not good. I mean how i met your mother was pretty bad. The only thing that saved it was the gay guy( sorry, i forgot his name). I watch episode after episode because friends were telling me its so good. Far from good.

Sullivan was trying to be so much like cheers, it was annoying. I only watched episodes from the first year. I try a couple from the second season. Maybe it was alot better.

A really funny show.

[G-Joshua-Benjamin · 8/10 · 30 July 2012]

I saw a preview for this show and decided to give it a try. I am glad I did. It is really funny. It may be more of a dry humor, but that is the best kind. It reminds me of something from the 90s. I see some people saying it was politically incorrect, who cares? Everything can't be sugar coated. So, if you didn't like it, you have no reason to watch. But I am glad it's on. I hope it stays one!

All I can say is give the show a chance. It really is a funny show. It has a fun cast and goofy characters. This is one of those shows that I think would be perfect to get on DVD. It seems like a great show to watch when you do not want to or feel like thinking. It's just funny. So, as I did, try it out!!!!

Cheers . . . it ain't.

[cr-1761 · 4/10 · 2 August 2012]

Nice ensemble . . . pleasant cast . . . nice characters . . . BUT . . . it's kind of tame/lame. Nice idea . . . just not all that funny. What's on next?

Above is all I have to say.

IMDb requires at least ten lines of . . . text . . . so, I'm typing this stuff to fill it out.

Sorry to have to do this but . . . I have nothing more to say about this show.

Is this enough?

Apparently not . . . it only counted what I wrote as six lines.

Well, the above . . . hopefully counted as seven.

Here goes eight: The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog.

The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog . . . again.

And, for the tenth time, the quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog . . . who was . . . really lazy!!!!

great show, just give a chance

[megamanemp · 10/10 · 23 August 2013]

one of the best shows I've ever seen. after watching one episode i was hooked! more people should watch this show. it really is amazing and deserves a better rating than 3 out of 5. i really enjoy the shows diversity and characters. not many show out there have a half Asian and half American main character and shows the life of their family and friends. by far the best character is probably Owen! the humor and jokes are fresh and funny. each character is very unique and the creators have put in a lot of work to give them depth. believe me when i say this, you will love Sullivan and son, just give it a chance. you will see what an outstanding show it is.

Sullivan and son

[eoconnor217 · 3/10 · 25 July 2013]

I have tried many times to watch this show.One of the main reasons is the fact that Vince Vaughn was a part of this production. The show is awful. The Korean Mom is a major spoiler. There is nothing funny about her, nor attractive. She is just not a match for the show. The man that has the really rough voice is also hard to listen to and understand. He comes across as unhealthy and again the reason why I turn the TV off. The cast just doesn't click. The bar is ugly. This show needs to really study The Big Bang Theory, Friends, Seinfeld and King of Queens. The cast, the sets and jokes are beyond amazing. Poor Sullivan and Son tries to be like these shows but fall so short. Tell Vince Vaughn that he has the ability to come up with an amazing show but this is the one.

Edgy it's not. Funny it's also not.

[fredcdobbs5 · 2/10 · 23 July 2014]

Forced comedy about a Korean family that owns a bar and the "characters"--for lack of a better word--who hang out there. Obviously a rip-off of the infinitely better "Cheers", this show isn't even in the same league as the one it copies. Although it had its share of jokes, "Cheers" was mainly character-driven, and the cast worked together like a well-oiled machine. The cast here doesn't connect at all, especially the woman who plays the shrewish, money-mad Korean mother, who's the most offensive Asian character I've seen since Charlie Chan. The writing consists mainly of poorly written sex and fart jokes and tired--and gross--toilet "humor" (a guy comes out of the men's room and announces "Watch out, I did a number three!") and the characters are a cardboard collection of types you've seen a thousand times before in a thousand different sitcoms (the hip black guys, the aging blonde who's desperate for a boyfriend and will sleep with anybody, the nerdy white guy who has trouble with women, the crotchety, heavy-drinking horny old guy, ad nauseum), most of which were funnier than this one. This thing is so bad I didn't think it would finish out its first season, but as of this writing it's back for a second one. Go figure.

Warning: 2 scenes about impending cock-fighting.

[lisakay1303 · 27 July 2012]

This show is not for children. Very adult-themed humor.

I enjoyed the politically incorrect humor. But there is nothing funny about animal abuse! The second episode shows 2 chickens brought in the room in cages. That made me uncomfortable. Couple scenes later two of the actors are holding the chickens and nudging them together, simulating the start of a fight. I almost puked.

I had to delete the rest of that show and the other episodes off my DVR. I wish there was more outrage in the media about this. If one person gets an idea to start animal fights because of that show, it will be a mortal sin.

I rate the show about a 7 before those scenes came on. minimum of ten lines of text to post a review huh? Well, I think all the actors are funny enough and the characters each have their dysfunctions to provide the humor. If the actors, director, writers, producers, and/or network don't issue an apology for crossing the line,I'll never watch this show again. I like the Korean actors and the EMT lady; I'll have to find out what other things they've done. Doesn't Christine Ebersole's character look just like Sharon Gless's from Burn Notice?

Alright Series For Viewers To Watch

[RECB3 · 5/10 · 18 March 2024]

This is an alright enough series. This series could have been a lot better and stronger if the crew had added some extra effort and strength. The storyline of this series may have been simple and straightforward but it was fine enough and still watchable. The cast selection could have been a lot better and stronger. They did not exactly fully commit nor connect to the storyline nor to their respective characters. The chemistry that was displayed between the cast members was weak which did not work for this series. There were some parts throughout this series that did not make sense. This is an alright series that could have been better.