246 reviews
Many great shows end too early. We cherish them and wonder what could have been. That wonder is what keeps a show in the back of our minds. Even more shows go on too long. This show has gone on too long to the point where the writers don't take the time to progress the characters. They're stuck in the same storylines from 3 years ago and in many ways the characters have regressed from the depth they grew over the first few seasons. The charm and heart is gone. The mother is creepy now. Adam is cringey. His brother is becoming more and more dim witted it hurts. His sister is always mad and the way they represent her relationship with her boyfriend is juvenile. The dad is still good, he's Murray. I just read that Adam F. Goldberg isn't even involved in the show anymore and it all makes sense. Make this suffering stop. My rating for the first 6 seasons is 8. Final two seasons are 1 so it brings down the average.
I believe it depends on what type family you grew up with whether you enjoy this program or not; and although my family was not exactly like this, nor did we grow up in the 80s, The Goldbergs is quite charming and each episode has struck a nerve with this viewer and tugged at my heartstrings.
The fact that Adam F. Goldberg is culling story lines from actual family life experiences gives this series a sense of realism other shows lack. Further, it is driven by sincerity, rather than dependent on trying too hard for a quota of laughs.
The Goldbergs is a winner, which I highly recommend.
A word for The Goldbergs bashers: It's OK, to turn off the intellect and take an emotional ride and enjoy life, rather than looking for flaws in an effort to project your superiority.
The fact that Adam F. Goldberg is culling story lines from actual family life experiences gives this series a sense of realism other shows lack. Further, it is driven by sincerity, rather than dependent on trying too hard for a quota of laughs.
The Goldbergs is a winner, which I highly recommend.
A word for The Goldbergs bashers: It's OK, to turn off the intellect and take an emotional ride and enjoy life, rather than looking for flaws in an effort to project your superiority.
I have to admit, that when I watched the first episode of this show, it reminded me so much of The Wonder Years that it was distracting. That being said, after episode 2 and 3, I hardly notice the narration. I think the first episode had a ton more narration because of character introductions and such, but 2 and 3 have gotten progressively funnier, and all of the 80's nostalgia is very endearing to me.
I grew up in the 80's, and this show hit's the nail on the head! The characters are believable and relate-able, the writing is very cohesive and well thought out, and the acting is very convincing and hilarious. I found myself laughing out loud over and over again.
Don't listen to all the haters. Give this show a shot and you won't be disappointed.
I grew up in the 80's, and this show hit's the nail on the head! The characters are believable and relate-able, the writing is very cohesive and well thought out, and the acting is very convincing and hilarious. I found myself laughing out loud over and over again.
Don't listen to all the haters. Give this show a shot and you won't be disappointed.
- disciple43
- Oct 8, 2013
- Permalink
Its about time we get a great show like this! It reminds me so much of The Wonder Years (One of my favourite shows of all times). It is funny, all the actors are fantastic and have great chemistry together. After 3 episodes it quickly became my new favourite show. At the end of each episode there is a clip of the real family it is based on (Adam Goldberg) which I love. I think this is why the show works so great, is because its based on a real family and real stories. So many shows and movies you watch and there isn't anything realistic about it, so they are entertaining but not something you can relate to. That is not the case with this show, and that is why it reminds me so much of The Wonder Years. It mixes comedy with story telling. I can't rave about this show enough, and I will be FURIOUS if it gets cancelled.
It is quite unusual for me to laugh very hard, when I am watching an episode of a show. But with The Goldbergs I was cracking up by the first half of the first episode, I could not resist to write my first review on IMDb.
You should ignore some early wannabe critics for hating something about this show. It is brilliantly cast, played and written. The timing of the jokes is spot on. After a few minutes you need to pause the episode to get yourself together again.
If you need some references for the style of the show: It's a brilliant mix of Curb your Enthusiasm's angryness and The Wonder Year's nostalgia.
Pleas watch the first episode to see it for yourself. The Goldbergs could be the next big thing in comedy.
You should ignore some early wannabe critics for hating something about this show. It is brilliantly cast, played and written. The timing of the jokes is spot on. After a few minutes you need to pause the episode to get yourself together again.
If you need some references for the style of the show: It's a brilliant mix of Curb your Enthusiasm's angryness and The Wonder Year's nostalgia.
Pleas watch the first episode to see it for yourself. The Goldbergs could be the next big thing in comedy.
- jakob-rogalski
- Oct 3, 2013
- Permalink
A late (2nd season) quick review.
This is a very good family sitcom based on the actual life of its writer when he was a teenager. The presentation of the show is using the narration of an older version of himself with emphasis in the specific characteristics of the 80s that leaves a nostalgic feeling for the era.
No fake laughs (live or prerecorded) here.
Exceptional casting. True to life situations. Funny in a good way (without being ridiculous or vulgar like other comedies out there). Honest to the heart.
In a sentence: Watch it and you wont be disappointed!
This is a very good family sitcom based on the actual life of its writer when he was a teenager. The presentation of the show is using the narration of an older version of himself with emphasis in the specific characteristics of the 80s that leaves a nostalgic feeling for the era.
No fake laughs (live or prerecorded) here.
Exceptional casting. True to life situations. Funny in a good way (without being ridiculous or vulgar like other comedies out there). Honest to the heart.
In a sentence: Watch it and you wont be disappointed!
I haven't seen a single commercial for this show, but I recognized the mom from Reno 911 and figured I would give it a shot. It's actually pretty good. Having grown up in suburban Philly in the 80's, they have pretty much nailed a typical Northeast Philly suburb. The writing is good, and the plot is fun to follow. I think you will really enjoy this show if you like smart, funny comedies you can relate to. The clothes are dead on for 1985. The house is exactly like every house I ever went into in our neighborhood, and just as tacky. The family dynamic is very familiar, and accurately represents a typical Philly family. I urge you to give this show a chance. You will more than likely see a lot of your own family in these characters.
- jakemorran
- Sep 23, 2013
- Permalink
I came to this show because of Jeff Garlin from Curb.
And I thought a show like the wonder years but closer to my decade would be awesome.
And I enjoyed it.
It is not the most hilarious show ever.
I definitely had a few laugh out loud moments. But its not just that. This show is something nice to watch without having violence or disturbing themes like many shows today.
This is one of those shows that can give you a break from shows like the walking dead, which are awesome, but can sometimes do your head in.
The 80's references don't annoy me like they have other viewers because I grew up in the 90s. And that is why I think they have so many, because it is not made just for people who were there.
I think people who grew up in the 80s enjoy this show the least.
But everyone should give it a go.
I am glad I did.
And I thought a show like the wonder years but closer to my decade would be awesome.
And I enjoyed it.
It is not the most hilarious show ever.
I definitely had a few laugh out loud moments. But its not just that. This show is something nice to watch without having violence or disturbing themes like many shows today.
This is one of those shows that can give you a break from shows like the walking dead, which are awesome, but can sometimes do your head in.
The 80's references don't annoy me like they have other viewers because I grew up in the 90s. And that is why I think they have so many, because it is not made just for people who were there.
I think people who grew up in the 80s enjoy this show the least.
But everyone should give it a go.
I am glad I did.
- charlottehighton
- Oct 14, 2013
- Permalink
This was written at almost the end of the first season. I can't speak for more than that. But so far, It's really, really funny.
If you did not experience the 80s, you may not 'get it.' But if you are old enough to remember the 80s at all, this show is hysterical. It's pretty funny anyway, but being a part of that decade and remembering everything that this show has gotten so RIGHT makes it extra special.
It's not 100% dead-on as far as a perfectly written, directed or acted show goes, but there are so many moments during every episode that I laugh out loud, due to something the perfect cast does to bring back such great memories. There are some things that will vary from this family and yours. If you want it to mimic your family, go make your own show. But this family is FUNNY. It's obviously a very 'Jewish' type family, and my family is not. That is the only part I can't relate with. But everything from the clothes, the games, the toys, the furniture, the chords on the big phones, the electronic gadgets we though were 'sooo coool,' the cars and the movie references - - and so many other things -- are all so endearing. The way they twist these things into a funny dialogue is great.
You can't help but try and remember yourself or one of your family members doing something very close to what the characters are doing. Every episode I find myself saying, "I remember when I did that," or "My Dad said that same thing!" Although my Dad did leave his pants on. Sometimes I'm remembering myself as the little kid, other times I'm the older brother. What good times.
I sincerely hope this show sticks around because I'll watch them all. If you are a child of the 80s or if you raised children during them, you'll dig this show.
If you did not experience the 80s, you may not 'get it.' But if you are old enough to remember the 80s at all, this show is hysterical. It's pretty funny anyway, but being a part of that decade and remembering everything that this show has gotten so RIGHT makes it extra special.
It's not 100% dead-on as far as a perfectly written, directed or acted show goes, but there are so many moments during every episode that I laugh out loud, due to something the perfect cast does to bring back such great memories. There are some things that will vary from this family and yours. If you want it to mimic your family, go make your own show. But this family is FUNNY. It's obviously a very 'Jewish' type family, and my family is not. That is the only part I can't relate with. But everything from the clothes, the games, the toys, the furniture, the chords on the big phones, the electronic gadgets we though were 'sooo coool,' the cars and the movie references - - and so many other things -- are all so endearing. The way they twist these things into a funny dialogue is great.
You can't help but try and remember yourself or one of your family members doing something very close to what the characters are doing. Every episode I find myself saying, "I remember when I did that," or "My Dad said that same thing!" Although my Dad did leave his pants on. Sometimes I'm remembering myself as the little kid, other times I'm the older brother. What good times.
I sincerely hope this show sticks around because I'll watch them all. If you are a child of the 80s or if you raised children during them, you'll dig this show.
My husband and I are "kids of the 80's" and we freaking love The Goldbergs!! It's great to see the outfits, hear the music, etc... What a great time that was. I can relate to Adam a little, my dad also sat around in his underwear!!! I will admit that we weren't too sure about the show after the first episode, but we decided to keep going and are very happy that we did!! These people hating on the show can easily remedy their problem by CHANGING THE CHANNEL!! I don't get the hateful comments, if you don't like it just say that. You don't have to go postal and just be really nasty. I hope they come back with a 2nd and 3rd season of this show. Adam is my favorite, that kid is too funny! Go Goldbergs!!!
- leather-angell
- Dec 3, 2013
- Permalink
The original premise of the Goldbergs was great, a standard family sitcom based on some semi-autobiographical family info from the show runner. The 80's nostalgia was great as it was generally non-specific regarding chronological release of products and events which also added to the fun of the show.
Anchored by veterans such as George Segal and Jeff Garlin, it introduced us to a number of up and coming young actors and we've been able to watch the grow-up in their characters.
Fast-forward several seasons and the gags are becoming tired and the innovation has left the writing. Season 8 was lackluster and you hopped that season 9 might wrap-up some loose ends but instead we see "fresh" story lines that are not fresh and take away from the original uniqueness of the premise.
Combine that with the sad passing of Segal, which wasn't handled very well, and the dismissal of Garlin because someone accused him, even though he's not been charged or found guilty of a crime shows that this program has truly indeed jumped the shark.... The Fonz would be proud.
Full disclosure: S01-S04 we're great television, the downward spiral of each subsequent season has spoiled the entire enterprise.
Anchored by veterans such as George Segal and Jeff Garlin, it introduced us to a number of up and coming young actors and we've been able to watch the grow-up in their characters.
Fast-forward several seasons and the gags are becoming tired and the innovation has left the writing. Season 8 was lackluster and you hopped that season 9 might wrap-up some loose ends but instead we see "fresh" story lines that are not fresh and take away from the original uniqueness of the premise.
Combine that with the sad passing of Segal, which wasn't handled very well, and the dismissal of Garlin because someone accused him, even though he's not been charged or found guilty of a crime shows that this program has truly indeed jumped the shark.... The Fonz would be proud.
Full disclosure: S01-S04 we're great television, the downward spiral of each subsequent season has spoiled the entire enterprise.
- warnerdang
- Dec 31, 2021
- Permalink
This show is great. Being a child of the 80's, I enjoy all of the references to the 80's such as roller rinks, Ghostbusters, ugly knitted sweaters, windbreakers, and the like.
But the show has something more to it than 80's flashbacks, the family seems genuine and there are plenty of laughs to be had. And there's heart to it as well. If you watch all the way to the very end, you get to see a real clip from the show's creator's real family videos which are the inspiration for the show.
This show gives me the warm and fuzzies. And not the kind from wearing one of those ugly 80's sweaters.
But the show has something more to it than 80's flashbacks, the family seems genuine and there are plenty of laughs to be had. And there's heart to it as well. If you watch all the way to the very end, you get to see a real clip from the show's creator's real family videos which are the inspiration for the show.
This show gives me the warm and fuzzies. And not the kind from wearing one of those ugly 80's sweaters.
- princessage117-829-840726
- Nov 10, 2013
- Permalink
Honestly I really didn't like the first season or two, but hung in there and the show grew on me. Seasons 5 and 6 are much better... and then the downhill rollercoaster ride.
Season 10, sucks. Season 9 was meh.
Really, the show should have ended at Adams graduation or, when he created the video to replace the messed up football video. That was a crowning achievement of his schooling; and would have been a good ending.
At this point, just kill it. It's done. You know it is done when they stopped putting the video clips at the end. This was a clear indication that they ran out of source material and were just making things up; and it is not working. Getting rid of the Dad was stupid (even in reality it seemed that way) and really just plunges the show into obscurity.
If it had ended earlier; my rating would have been higher, but I have to cover the entire show, not just what I enjoyed.
Season 10, sucks. Season 9 was meh.
Really, the show should have ended at Adams graduation or, when he created the video to replace the messed up football video. That was a crowning achievement of his schooling; and would have been a good ending.
At this point, just kill it. It's done. You know it is done when they stopped putting the video clips at the end. This was a clear indication that they ran out of source material and were just making things up; and it is not working. Getting rid of the Dad was stupid (even in reality it seemed that way) and really just plunges the show into obscurity.
If it had ended earlier; my rating would have been higher, but I have to cover the entire show, not just what I enjoyed.
- katiecarsi
- Oct 5, 2022
- Permalink
- aaronredis
- Apr 23, 2018
- Permalink
Despite the fact that I'm not a child of the 80's, having been born in the 90's, I have to say I freaking love this show. The main reason it has quickly become my favorite thing to watch is because of its characters. All of the main Goldberg family are likable and relatable in their own ways and this really helps the show, also in a rarity for these shows, the supporting cast are equally as interesting, I'm a massive Dave Kim fan. I also find that the stories in each episode are great because they are also relatable and have a meaning behind them, it truly captures the heart of growing up in a way that not many shows do and this is a major bonus. I find that its very rare nowadays to find a sitcom that has as much heart as this one, largely due to the fact that they decide to focus on characters like the young bachelor dating a supermodel, but what helps it is the fact that everybody can relate to having a family that annoys them. For me this is one of the best shows on the air and I would highly recommend it to anyone thinking about watching regardless of age. A fun filled show about a realistic everyday family that has clearly been made with a lot of love.
- amywigsmoen
- Oct 5, 2013
- Permalink
I'm way too late to the party on this show as INot since Home Improvement have I enjoyed a good family sitcom like I have, The Goldbergs. Not just because I'm a child of the 80's and can relate, but because I'm growing tired of big networks trying to shock an audience rather than simply offering to entertain them. Good, honest humor with a great cast and awesome music. Please make more shows like this one.
Oy vey this show is just not okay, each episode stands on its own merit, and with the young quirky Adam Goldberg's (Sean Giambrone) nasal voice narrating for the audience what he is going through (besides puberty) inside and outside the Goldberg family home in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, is sheer entertainment each and every week.
Let me clarify, I am not Jewish but I am a practising Catholic, and based on the entire Goldberg family experiences I don't think they even know if they are Jewish either. As the Goldberg family story recants life in the 1980's for the three Goldberg children, Adam (Sean Giambrone), older brother Barry (Troy Gentile) who is the biggest Philadelphia Flyer fan ever and leader of his own pack of bro's, and last but not least his oldest sister Erica (Hayley Orrantia) who in season 5, is just entering university and living in a school dorm to get as far away from her smothering mother Beverly (Wendi McLendon-Covey) as she can. Between mom Beverly with her over the top fashion faux pas colorful sweaters emblazoned with her embroidered initials (remember Laverne and Shirley's 1970's sweaters?) and son Barry who is oh so loud and proud. Let's just say the Goldbergs are all extroverts and leave it at that. Rounding out the eclectic Goldberg family is dad Murray (Jeff Garlin) who owns and manages a furniture store, and all he wants to do when he comes home from work is to be left alone, sit in his favorite reclining chair in his boxer shorts and watch TV. Last but not least is the wise old grandfather who Adam continually runs to for the best (?) advice is his grandpa Albert 'Pops' Solomon (George Segal).
The great cast does not end there either. There are far too many supporting characters that come in and out of the Goldberg family lives to mention here who are integral to the shows continuing success. Suffice to say that each of the six (6) Goldberg family members interact with a great ensemble cast and their stories bring back memories of some great 80's songs and vintage television shows, classic 80's films (since young Adam Goldberg fancies himself as a young Steven Spielberg) and of course some key 1980's events and recently introduced technologies such as the Video Cassette Recorder (VCR's) and the first compact (yeah right) mobile 8 pound cell phones.
I especially like the closing scenes in many of the weekly episodes when one of the Goldberg family members explains that even though this episode may have ruffled some feathers, and could have been handled more eloquently, the Goldberg family always sticks close to one another and everything will always come out peachy keen and leave their audience wanting more of the Goldbergs and their unique story telling of life with the Goldbergs in the 1980's.
It is a great show and that is why it is entering into its fifth season now. I give this television sitcom a strong 8 out of 10 rating and I want more of The Goldbergs. It is great family entertainment.
Let me clarify, I am not Jewish but I am a practising Catholic, and based on the entire Goldberg family experiences I don't think they even know if they are Jewish either. As the Goldberg family story recants life in the 1980's for the three Goldberg children, Adam (Sean Giambrone), older brother Barry (Troy Gentile) who is the biggest Philadelphia Flyer fan ever and leader of his own pack of bro's, and last but not least his oldest sister Erica (Hayley Orrantia) who in season 5, is just entering university and living in a school dorm to get as far away from her smothering mother Beverly (Wendi McLendon-Covey) as she can. Between mom Beverly with her over the top fashion faux pas colorful sweaters emblazoned with her embroidered initials (remember Laverne and Shirley's 1970's sweaters?) and son Barry who is oh so loud and proud. Let's just say the Goldbergs are all extroverts and leave it at that. Rounding out the eclectic Goldberg family is dad Murray (Jeff Garlin) who owns and manages a furniture store, and all he wants to do when he comes home from work is to be left alone, sit in his favorite reclining chair in his boxer shorts and watch TV. Last but not least is the wise old grandfather who Adam continually runs to for the best (?) advice is his grandpa Albert 'Pops' Solomon (George Segal).
The great cast does not end there either. There are far too many supporting characters that come in and out of the Goldberg family lives to mention here who are integral to the shows continuing success. Suffice to say that each of the six (6) Goldberg family members interact with a great ensemble cast and their stories bring back memories of some great 80's songs and vintage television shows, classic 80's films (since young Adam Goldberg fancies himself as a young Steven Spielberg) and of course some key 1980's events and recently introduced technologies such as the Video Cassette Recorder (VCR's) and the first compact (yeah right) mobile 8 pound cell phones.
I especially like the closing scenes in many of the weekly episodes when one of the Goldberg family members explains that even though this episode may have ruffled some feathers, and could have been handled more eloquently, the Goldberg family always sticks close to one another and everything will always come out peachy keen and leave their audience wanting more of the Goldbergs and their unique story telling of life with the Goldbergs in the 1980's.
It is a great show and that is why it is entering into its fifth season now. I give this television sitcom a strong 8 out of 10 rating and I want more of The Goldbergs. It is great family entertainment.
- Ed-Shullivan
- Feb 19, 2018
- Permalink
- adamcfletcher-243-707764
- Mar 18, 2023
- Permalink
Don't get me wrong, I religiously LOVED this show, I loved everything about it as it brought back so many memories of the 80s. Absolutely adored it. The sad passing of George Segal could have been endured but the firing of Jeff Garlin was ridiculous. The producers should have stopped this woke rubbish and gotten on with the show! As they say in Australia, they threw the baby out with the bathwater. He was a major presence on the show. I don't know who 'accused' him, but let it be knows he was never charged and should be treated as innocent until proven guilty... unless of course you're in a banana country where you are guilty first and have to prove your innocence...
definitely season 10 is a waste of time. The best years where up to season 6 but the following few could have been endured.
I'm much happier watching the reruns than the new episodes. Pull the plug.
definitely season 10 is a waste of time. The best years where up to season 6 but the following few could have been endured.
I'm much happier watching the reruns than the new episodes. Pull the plug.
- Top_Dawg_Critic
- Jan 27, 2016
- Permalink
This show was great, but can somebody tell me why Adam now looks like he's 30 and talks and acts like he's 12. Would have been fine to let the character grow with the actor. Looks ridiculous that the family and friends are fighting the fact that they are aging. Erica is the only one that has moved forward in her life. Also, with the dad dying, they just past over that with one episode and no real emotions, would have been ok to grieve, instead focus on a chair, and there you have the jumping the shark moment. I think this show is over, probably should have ended rather then write bad episodes ...
- marksola-75924
- Dec 19, 2022
- Permalink
At the start this was a fast-paced, fun half-hour. Especially with the presence of George Segal. Like many successful sitcoms, they just don't know when to bring the curtain down. I think I just watched my last episode today. It is now just become boring and obnoxious. And they have tried to fill in the gap left by the expulsion of Jeff Garlin. My hope is that they will take a bow and end this thing now. Ale a time slot for the next hit show.
I just cannot even. The Goldbergs is comedy gold and it's made all the more hilarious since it's actually based on a real family. I love watching each episode and then seeing the real life clip which inspired the episode. The family is nutso crazy but in a good for TV way.
I'm sure most families aren't as bad as this but everybody can relate to the show. Some scenes are absolutely cringe worthy but it's never not funny.
It's got an incredibly talented and funny cast who really have immersed themselves into their characters. They make the show brilliant and really feel like a family.
If you aren't watching The Goldbergs then you better start. You're missing out.
I'm sure most families aren't as bad as this but everybody can relate to the show. Some scenes are absolutely cringe worthy but it's never not funny.
It's got an incredibly talented and funny cast who really have immersed themselves into their characters. They make the show brilliant and really feel like a family.
If you aren't watching The Goldbergs then you better start. You're missing out.
- Shopaholic35
- Mar 11, 2016
- Permalink