Just binged the two seasons on HULU. The writing is very good. I found myself laughing out loud a lot, which is rare for me. The jokes don't pander, and contain many cultural references. Started watching because of Martha Plimpton. Who is always brilliant. The rest of the cast is wonderful, and the plot lines are inventive. As a gay guy, I appreciate all the cameos and references (Gus Kenworthy, Jane Lynch, Cheyenne Jackson.........).
36 Reviews
A Real Good Show
dventuretme7 January 2017
Warning: Spoilers
The Real O'Neals is a really funny, entertaining show that can be enjoyed by many, whether they're part of the LGBT community or not. The show is not an emmy-award winning work of art. It's just a moderately likable show with some good jokes and interesting stories. I'm saying this because this show has a history of being negatively criticized by organizations such as The Catholic Church and One Million Moms just because of the obvious political standpoint it has. The show should be judged by it's actual content as opposed to its messages.
The Real O'Neals mainly focuses on Kenny O'Neal, a homosexual teenager coming out of the closet in a highly religious family. This is a very relatable character, especially in this day in age. Many people are coming out of the closet and some at the age Kenny is. As a bisexual, I think that Kenny is a wonderful character. He may act kind of stereotypical at times, but in a minor way. It's not really offensive, it's just kind of a tacky way. However, it can be argued that the reason for this is because he takes great pride in his sexuality and wants to go around, letting everyone know what he is.
Aside from that, the other characters of the show and the situations they're in are very interesting. Pat and Eileen's divorce is dealt with in a funny and lighthearted way. However, the two of them seem to have absolutely no conflict with each other. The only negative interactions they have are minor arguments that a happily married couple would have in the exact same way, so it's hard to believe that they're getting a divorce. Some divorced couples can tolerate each other like this, sure, but if they're forced to live in the same house and take care of the kids the same way a mother and father would, it would seem unlikely that they're doing so well at not being reminded of their problems.
Shannon and Jimmy, while being cliché characters, a dumb jock and a smart girl, are given a new twist, when put into situations involving Kenny, a character with a trait that's relatively new to television.
The show relies on a lot of stereotypes on Catholics, but they do a good job at avoiding the satire technique, where they make the opposing point of view look like an evil, hateful idiot, by giving Eileen (the Catholic who's mainly against Kenny's homosexuality) an actual personality, good reasons to feel the way she does, and also having her change her ways in a meaningful and realistic way so she's not just a static antagonist.
So, the show is not nearly as bad as people make it out to be. Not in the slightest. It's not fantastic either. It's just a good show and one would enjoy watching it whenever a new episode comes out. It's a good show and it deserves a little more decency.
The Real O'Neals mainly focuses on Kenny O'Neal, a homosexual teenager coming out of the closet in a highly religious family. This is a very relatable character, especially in this day in age. Many people are coming out of the closet and some at the age Kenny is. As a bisexual, I think that Kenny is a wonderful character. He may act kind of stereotypical at times, but in a minor way. It's not really offensive, it's just kind of a tacky way. However, it can be argued that the reason for this is because he takes great pride in his sexuality and wants to go around, letting everyone know what he is.
Aside from that, the other characters of the show and the situations they're in are very interesting. Pat and Eileen's divorce is dealt with in a funny and lighthearted way. However, the two of them seem to have absolutely no conflict with each other. The only negative interactions they have are minor arguments that a happily married couple would have in the exact same way, so it's hard to believe that they're getting a divorce. Some divorced couples can tolerate each other like this, sure, but if they're forced to live in the same house and take care of the kids the same way a mother and father would, it would seem unlikely that they're doing so well at not being reminded of their problems.
Shannon and Jimmy, while being cliché characters, a dumb jock and a smart girl, are given a new twist, when put into situations involving Kenny, a character with a trait that's relatively new to television.
The show relies on a lot of stereotypes on Catholics, but they do a good job at avoiding the satire technique, where they make the opposing point of view look like an evil, hateful idiot, by giving Eileen (the Catholic who's mainly against Kenny's homosexuality) an actual personality, good reasons to feel the way she does, and also having her change her ways in a meaningful and realistic way so she's not just a static antagonist.
So, the show is not nearly as bad as people make it out to be. Not in the slightest. It's not fantastic either. It's just a good show and one would enjoy watching it whenever a new episode comes out. It's a good show and it deserves a little more decency.
traditional sitcom with non-traditional family
SnoopyStyle13 May 2017
The O'Neals are a traditional Irish-Catholic family in Chicago. Eileen (Martha Plimpton) tries to keep up appearances but her marriage to Pat (Jay R. Ferguson) falls apart. On top of that, their son Kenny (Noah Galvin) comes out of the closet. The brutish oldest son Jimmy (Matt Shively) reveals his anorexia. The youngest Shannon (Bebe Wood) is smarter than all of them and questions her faith. There is family friend Jodi (Mary Hollis Inboden) and Eileen starts dating Vice Principal Murray (Matt Oberg).
This is structurally a traditional sitcom except it piles on all the non-traditional elements. I like almost everyone except sometimes Kenny gets whiny. His effeminate manner only accentuates that aspect. It keeps me from fully embracing him. Sometimes, I really like him and root for his struggles. Other times, I want him to be above it and be the bigger person. This was canceled after two seasons.
This is structurally a traditional sitcom except it piles on all the non-traditional elements. I like almost everyone except sometimes Kenny gets whiny. His effeminate manner only accentuates that aspect. It keeps me from fully embracing him. Sometimes, I really like him and root for his struggles. Other times, I want him to be above it and be the bigger person. This was canceled after two seasons.
Very funny, entertaining and thought provoking
eventpix10 March 2016
We just saw the first and fourth episodes of this at a screening and since the audience loved it and were laughing like crazy I have to say that I am suspicious of a few of the eleven revues I see here. It seems that the Catholic League and the Hundred.....er... 'Million Moms' have a problem with it so I can't help but wondering if they are using IMDb to try to scuttle it.
It's a very funny comedy which deals with timely and serious issues. If you think that a young gay character should not be depicted on broadcast TV or that the Catholic Church is a sacred institution about which nothing humorous can ever be said or even implied than I suggest you steer away from this show.
However, I have to say that I thought the pilot one of the best I have ever seen. If I had any problem with the show it was that the Catholic School that he was attending wasn't dealing with him the way that the Catholic League is dealing with this show, in other words going on the attack with reckless abandon.
All five members of this family were a bit over the top but I liked them all. The relationship between the mother and the son was especially unusual in my experience with sitcoms so I'm not sure where the notion that this series is 'nothing new' is coming from?
Looking at the five 1*star reviews that are present , as I am writing this, two were from members who have never reviewed anything before, one from a reviewer whose only recent reviews were "Trash" and "Terrible" and one from someone who loved "Paul Blart: Mall Cop II" saying "This is the kind of film we need more of in America. No profanity, no homos"..... So if that's where you're coming from stay away from The Real O'Neals. Otherwise, I suggest you give it a try.
It's a very funny comedy which deals with timely and serious issues. If you think that a young gay character should not be depicted on broadcast TV or that the Catholic Church is a sacred institution about which nothing humorous can ever be said or even implied than I suggest you steer away from this show.
However, I have to say that I thought the pilot one of the best I have ever seen. If I had any problem with the show it was that the Catholic School that he was attending wasn't dealing with him the way that the Catholic League is dealing with this show, in other words going on the attack with reckless abandon.
All five members of this family were a bit over the top but I liked them all. The relationship between the mother and the son was especially unusual in my experience with sitcoms so I'm not sure where the notion that this series is 'nothing new' is coming from?
Looking at the five 1*star reviews that are present , as I am writing this, two were from members who have never reviewed anything before, one from a reviewer whose only recent reviews were "Trash" and "Terrible" and one from someone who loved "Paul Blart: Mall Cop II" saying "This is the kind of film we need more of in America. No profanity, no homos"..... So if that's where you're coming from stay away from The Real O'Neals. Otherwise, I suggest you give it a try.
A complete package
sharan5312 March 2016
When I first saw the trailer few months back, i was too excited. Now i can't wait for the next episode. Its funny, subtle and hilarious with stereotypes. I loved every bit of it.
Noah's acting, voice modulations, dance, expressions are damn near perfect. No wonder he is in theater.
Bebe wood is all grown up since i saw her in the new normal.
Sarayu rao in guest role is icing on cake. Princess Panjali has actually become a women.
Everybody else has put great amount of acting. I just don't want to give any spoilers.
Well done!!! Bravo!!!
Noah's acting, voice modulations, dance, expressions are damn near perfect. No wonder he is in theater.
Bebe wood is all grown up since i saw her in the new normal.
Sarayu rao in guest role is icing on cake. Princess Panjali has actually become a women.
Everybody else has put great amount of acting. I just don't want to give any spoilers.
Well done!!! Bravo!!!
Good Start
trtsf-3943316 March 2016
This show is off to a good start. Outstanding cast; very happy to see Martha Plimpton on TV again and the kid playing the Gay son is very funny and talented. I hope they explore more family situations involving a Gay family matter. Too bad the Catholic League can't see how much love there is in this family and how supportive they are of each other. THAT is what family is all about! I have watched all three episodes aired and have enjoyed all of them. The writing is good and should keep getting better. This show is funny and I'm very happy its on an early hour so families can watch together. Check it out. I'll keep watching!
Very good, be sure to check it out
hipo-753-277933 April 2016
While the show has many sub themes, the primary story of the show is the relationship between a teenage boy and his family. The boy, Kenny (Noah Galvin) is gay and the show is mostly told through his point of view. But this is not a show made for a niche audience, it is a show made for all viewers.
My only criticism of the show is they seem to mock Christians, Catholics in particular, for no reason. For instance, they have a stature of the virgin Mary on the toilet tank. Jesus shows up in a few episodes, and has a few lines that do not really add to the plot. Hopefully there will be less of this as the show matures.
The show has a solid cast. Noah Galvin in particular does a great job of making the gay teenager relatable, serious and funny. All the cast is quite good.
Be sure to check this one out.
My only criticism of the show is they seem to mock Christians, Catholics in particular, for no reason. For instance, they have a stature of the virgin Mary on the toilet tank. Jesus shows up in a few episodes, and has a few lines that do not really add to the plot. Hopefully there will be less of this as the show matures.
The show has a solid cast. Noah Galvin in particular does a great job of making the gay teenager relatable, serious and funny. All the cast is quite good.
Be sure to check this one out.
Noah Galvin
box-7069015 March 2016
Noah Galvin reminds me of a young Matthew Broderick, circa "Ferris Bueller's Day Off". In fact even the use of self-narrations are similar. I'm surprised more people haven't noticed or mentioned this as they both are quite similar.
It would have been better casting to see Broderick as the father, would have looked more like Galvins dad. Their similar comedic mannerisms and expressions would have played off one another very well. Martin Short would have made a hilarious school principal.
Anyway I like this series so far. Will see how it goes as its too early to tell.
It would have been better casting to see Broderick as the father, would have looked more like Galvins dad. Their similar comedic mannerisms and expressions would have played off one another very well. Martin Short would have made a hilarious school principal.
Anyway I like this series so far. Will see how it goes as its too early to tell.
Welcome Back, Martha
Harry-2214 April 2016
I have been a long term of Martha Plimpton, from her early dramas to the hilarity of Raising Hope, so I am happy she is back on TV. Fortunately, she again picked a great vehicle to display her talent. I don't understand the negative reviews since aside from writing that is several notches above many sitcoms, it actually displays characters who are warm, affectionate, and compassionate in spite of their flaws. To suggest that the show reflects negatively on all Irish Catholic families is tantamount to suggesting that "Psycho" reflects negatively on all motel owners. And on top of that, the show is often quite funny. Who could ask for more from network TV!
I hope you will ignore the negative reviews and watch it to decide for yourself.
I hope you will ignore the negative reviews and watch it to decide for yourself.
This series has grown on me over the past two seasons
Ed-Shullivan8 March 2016
When a producer is competing to capture their fair share of a television viewer audience with a new comedy series they either have to create a whole new comedy genre stratosphere such as the huge success of The Big Bang Theory and/or Modern Family accomplished, go back to an earlier era of simpler times such as the 1974 Happy Days series that ran for 11 years, or they will choose to piggyback off of the success of a defunct series that had previous success for many years. I think what ABC is attempting to accomplish with their new TV comedy series "The Real O'Neals" without leaving themselves open to any legal challenges that have the word "piracy" or "copyright infringement" in the lead statement was to utilize one of their own former successful TV series namely the 1988-1993 The Wonder Years.
Of course ABC is attempting to modernize their comedy series for a more acceptable and approving 2016 audience than what was expected from the then wholesome 1988 Arnold family of five starting with the then 13 year old Kevin Arnold played by Fred Savage in his breakout role. There are similarities such as the Arnold family was comprised of a gruff dad who holds a senior management position at NORCOM a defense contractor, and the loving wife, two sons and one daughter. Sound familiar?
Why I am making the comparison between the 1988 ABC TV series The Wonder Years, and the current 2016 ABC TV series The Real O'Neals, is both are comprised of a family of five with two sons and one daughter living in a middle income home and both have a narrative style where the families issues are described to the audience by a family member in the third party style of describing their actual feelings and circumstances/experiences.
Where I personally see the major difference in these two ABC series that are close to 30 years apart is that I could relate to the issues and events that evolved in the 1988 series The Wonder Years, but The Real O'Neals smacks of absurd shock value in the pilot episode by showing us how dysfunctional the Real O'Neals actually are. First of all, mom Eileen and dad Pat (played by Martha Plimpton and Jay R Ferguson) who pretend to be devout church worshippers and the epitome of good parents have secretly been going to therapy for marriage counselling for the past year and have decided to divorce. Older son Jimmy played by Matt Shively has admitted to being anorexic. Daughter Shannon played by Bebe Wood, has admitted that the charity she has been aggressively raising funds for is actually just a front to allow her to keep the money and buy a car off of Craigslist since as long as you pay by cash (the donations she wrongfully has been collecting) the seller doesn't care if he is selling a car to a 14 year old girl. The only family member who doesn't seem to have any personal problem is the younger son Kenny played by Noah Galvin, who comes out of the closet that he is gay. What TV show in this century does not have representation from the LBGT community? What is the shocker there? This whole supposedly dysfunctional family unit on the inside who portrays a devout religious and perfect family unit on the outside in a comedic atmosphere just does not work for me. Just because all of their deep secrets are revealed in the church hall kitchen to each other for the very first time and revealed to the entire church congregation via speaker phone supposedly unbeknownst to the Real O'Neal family is not funny, nor a shocking revelation. How they get out of this mess was even more absurd.
I give the series a 4 out of 10 rating and predict there will not be a season 2 unless the storyline and characters develop significantly to more realistic characters than the shallow shells they currently are portraying.
January 29, 2017 update
I have to come clean and admit that this series is deserving of a second season and also a third. My review above was based solely on the pilot episode that aired and I still believe that first episode was attempting to divulge way too much information about the five (5) O'Neal family members to the point of being absurd. Through subsequent episodes, although the series comedy level is inconsistent there definitely are enough above average episodes that are worth watching. I have upgraded my original rating from a 4 to a 6 and I am optimistic that the series is progressing in the right direction. Which means it is well worth watching. It has grown on me.
Of course ABC is attempting to modernize their comedy series for a more acceptable and approving 2016 audience than what was expected from the then wholesome 1988 Arnold family of five starting with the then 13 year old Kevin Arnold played by Fred Savage in his breakout role. There are similarities such as the Arnold family was comprised of a gruff dad who holds a senior management position at NORCOM a defense contractor, and the loving wife, two sons and one daughter. Sound familiar?
Why I am making the comparison between the 1988 ABC TV series The Wonder Years, and the current 2016 ABC TV series The Real O'Neals, is both are comprised of a family of five with two sons and one daughter living in a middle income home and both have a narrative style where the families issues are described to the audience by a family member in the third party style of describing their actual feelings and circumstances/experiences.
Where I personally see the major difference in these two ABC series that are close to 30 years apart is that I could relate to the issues and events that evolved in the 1988 series The Wonder Years, but The Real O'Neals smacks of absurd shock value in the pilot episode by showing us how dysfunctional the Real O'Neals actually are. First of all, mom Eileen and dad Pat (played by Martha Plimpton and Jay R Ferguson) who pretend to be devout church worshippers and the epitome of good parents have secretly been going to therapy for marriage counselling for the past year and have decided to divorce. Older son Jimmy played by Matt Shively has admitted to being anorexic. Daughter Shannon played by Bebe Wood, has admitted that the charity she has been aggressively raising funds for is actually just a front to allow her to keep the money and buy a car off of Craigslist since as long as you pay by cash (the donations she wrongfully has been collecting) the seller doesn't care if he is selling a car to a 14 year old girl. The only family member who doesn't seem to have any personal problem is the younger son Kenny played by Noah Galvin, who comes out of the closet that he is gay. What TV show in this century does not have representation from the LBGT community? What is the shocker there? This whole supposedly dysfunctional family unit on the inside who portrays a devout religious and perfect family unit on the outside in a comedic atmosphere just does not work for me. Just because all of their deep secrets are revealed in the church hall kitchen to each other for the very first time and revealed to the entire church congregation via speaker phone supposedly unbeknownst to the Real O'Neal family is not funny, nor a shocking revelation. How they get out of this mess was even more absurd.
I give the series a 4 out of 10 rating and predict there will not be a season 2 unless the storyline and characters develop significantly to more realistic characters than the shallow shells they currently are portraying.
January 29, 2017 update
I have to come clean and admit that this series is deserving of a second season and also a third. My review above was based solely on the pilot episode that aired and I still believe that first episode was attempting to divulge way too much information about the five (5) O'Neal family members to the point of being absurd. Through subsequent episodes, although the series comedy level is inconsistent there definitely are enough above average episodes that are worth watching. I have upgraded my original rating from a 4 to a 6 and I am optimistic that the series is progressing in the right direction. Which means it is well worth watching. It has grown on me.
Hardly groundbreaking
andismyth15 November 2018
I think that if this show would have had the older brother jimmy coming out as gay that this would have been groundbreaking. As with the younger effeminate brother being gay is very stereotypical in a lot of straight people's view of what a gay man is.
Don't get me wrong I did enjoy the casts portrayals of their characters, but wish that Hollywood and tv execs would be more inclusive to the wider community. But instead they go straight(no pun intended) to the camp side.
I know a lot of gay men who don't identify as camp or effeminate, and surely that if jimmy would have been the gay brother there would be a lot of younger men struggling with their sexual identity would see that being gay isn't a one size fits all situation.
Don't get me wrong I did enjoy the casts portrayals of their characters, but wish that Hollywood and tv execs would be more inclusive to the wider community. But instead they go straight(no pun intended) to the camp side.
I know a lot of gay men who don't identify as camp or effeminate, and surely that if jimmy would have been the gay brother there would be a lot of younger men struggling with their sexual identity would see that being gay isn't a one size fits all situation.
Love it!
tashawnawelch9 March 2016
I love this show.I laughed through the entire episode. After a long stressful week, it's nice to have something that makes me laugh. I won't leave any spoilers so that other people can enjoy it for themselves. :)
I just worry that the show will get canceled because of all the complainers. :( That happened to quite a few shows that I watched. If you don't like it, move on. You don't have to ruin it for the rest of us.
It's nice to see something other than drama and reality shows once in a while. Give it a chance.
I just worry that the show will get canceled because of all the complainers. :( That happened to quite a few shows that I watched. If you don't like it, move on. You don't have to ruin it for the rest of us.
It's nice to see something other than drama and reality shows once in a while. Give it a chance.
Ground-breaking For Network Television...
MovieHoliks3 March 2016
Warning: Spoilers
I just saw the two-episode premiere last night of this new ABC sitcom, and this has got to be somewhat of a ground-breaking thing for network television. In every way, this is your traditional family sitcom about your average Irish-Catholic American family, except for one little detail- the main character (the youngest son) is gay. Martha Plimpton (who just ended on another family sitcom, "Raising Hope" a couple years ago) and Jay R. Ferguson play the parents. It's funny seeing Jay R. play the dad, since I remember him as Burt Reynolds' son on that early '90s sitcom, "Evening Shade"! Well, so far so good on this show. It's nice to see for a change a gay character in a leading role on national television, especially a teenager who is coming of age and dealing with everything for the first time.
Terrible
icebutter1602 March 2016
It's just a cheap ripoff of the the "The McCarthys". Why would ABC launch the exact same show as CBS?
It feels like all the jokes that were too terrible for "The Middle" got put here. The middle was also just a Malcolm in the middle ripoff.
Its tries to be like Modern with parents being cheesy. The kids are dumb jock, gay kid, and weird smart girl. We have seen this before and it has been executed WAY better by other shows.
Is ABC ever original? Well when they are they cancel their shows. the only good show in recent years was "don't trust the B in apartment 23" and they canceled that.
Just avoid this show, its crap and very mediocre.
It feels like all the jokes that were too terrible for "The Middle" got put here. The middle was also just a Malcolm in the middle ripoff.
Its tries to be like Modern with parents being cheesy. The kids are dumb jock, gay kid, and weird smart girl. We have seen this before and it has been executed WAY better by other shows.
Is ABC ever original? Well when they are they cancel their shows. the only good show in recent years was "don't trust the B in apartment 23" and they canceled that.
Just avoid this show, its crap and very mediocre.
Funny and Sweet
iseeyou-126429 March 2016
After watching three episodes of this series, I want to support this show and see more. Having a an almost teenage daughter I want her to feel loved and supported. All the characters in the show have their "secrets" and are figuring out how to deal with their new changes and yet still love and support each other. The mom with her religious beliefs working it out with the dad who she is divorcing and "secrets" she found out about her kids, the dad still trying to be a dad to his kids, the older brother being supportive of his younger brother and of course Kenny, dealing with his "coming out". This is probably the least interesting to me. I like the family dynamics and overall the warmth and love of the family.
Before it's time
innerspace0030 November 2021
Watching this show now and it's hilarious. Not sure how it was canceled, but reading other reviews leads me to believe people just weren't ready. Does it follow the ABC sitcom playback, yes, can it get redundant, yes. Does it ever stop being funny? Absolutely not.
Too many haters out there
doublejranchfh8 March 2016
We are 2 old gay guys-together 27 years and married 2 years. We love the show. It is handling the subject matter in a funny and subtle way. Everything gets covered and no one is offended. Maybe we're too old to be offended or think EVERYTHING is just too boring, but there is a audience out here for QUALITY and WELL WRITTEN shows- like The Real O'Neal's. The subject matters covered are topical and written in an intelligent way and not talking down to it's audience. You expect us to understand what is going on also, which is refreshing. Thank you to the cast and crew for all your hard work. We are enjoying it. Jim and Jack
(our email didn't come through fully. It is doublejranchfh@hotmail.com
(our email didn't come through fully. It is doublejranchfh@hotmail.com
Good concept but limited execution
alv79026 May 2017
The central idea is interesting, but once in season 2 the limitations of the show are evident.
There's not much that works beyond the gay jokes that seem repetitive by now. The secondary character are too conventional, too stereotypical sitcom material.
There's not much that works beyond the gay jokes that seem repetitive by now. The secondary character are too conventional, too stereotypical sitcom material.
Wanted to see more of this family
nancerella56-249-89760230 November 2023
This was a cute show with good actors and entertaining writing. Would have enjoyed seeing more about this family, growing and changing as each of them began to get more "real". Fortunately the actors went on to other roles.
Knowing that the Catholic Church had some complaints about the show makes me wonder if people were turned away from the show because of it.
There was a lot of potential for this show to continue to explore the themes it began with and for viewers to be educated on them.
It was never a hilarious comedy, but it was funny and heartwarming. Wondering what really caused the drop in ratings...
Knowing that the Catholic Church had some complaints about the show makes me wonder if people were turned away from the show because of it.
There was a lot of potential for this show to continue to explore the themes it began with and for viewers to be educated on them.
It was never a hilarious comedy, but it was funny and heartwarming. Wondering what really caused the drop in ratings...
I identify with Kenny
davidagnino9 March 2016
Warning: Spoilers
-spoilers from the first two chapters- I love this series! As a gay man my coming out of the closet to my family so many years ago (In a country not as progressive as the US) was very much like Kenny's was. His mother telling him to "try with a woman" or that "it is just a phase" is typical father homophobic response. Adding on top of that that the O'Neals are an actual conservative catholic family puts on top of that a pressure over Kenny with all the church morale. I love that the core of this show is about a gay boy born in a homophobic family being raised with religious century old rules, and trying to find himself in the world. The fact that it is loosely based on a real gay person's life is what makes it so real and allows for gay people to identity with the main character, and even more so, putting a comedic spin on all these situations is so good! I wish I had seen this show when those stuff were actually happening to me. It is not easy to cope with all the family and community pressure to go back to "being normal". Other shows have tried to make this but when they go the Drama way, like Desperate Housewives or Glee did, it is very good for people outside of that situation but for the actual gay kid it is more depressing for people on those situations. This show instead treats those things with humor and shows that deep down, Kenny's family still loves him, and at the end of the day they are beginning to accept him. It is an unexpected and welcome message that this first homophobic reaction from his parents is not the end of the world and that the rebuilding of the relationships with his family are not as hard as they seem to. All young men coming out as gay should watch at least the first three chapters of the show. It will teach these boys coming out that whatever they are going through, it will get better, which is the message of the It Get's Better campaign, whose founder is the person this show is based on.
By the way some reviews just jump to one star and homophobic remarks pretty much shows that this show is doing something right. Those religious conservative homophobic people are as ridiculous as Kenny's mother is and I applaud that a show is willing to show on regular TV that their speech of hate is something we must change with love and (as this show does) with laughs. Thar hatred for gay community is what drives so many gay young men to suicide. We need to change that.
Other reviewer said it could go without the imaginary bits but I'm saying otherwise, for me they are the best part of the show, specially that on on chapter 3, because those imaginary bits really compare how we think things are going to be in contrast to how things really are, and comparing with other shows and musicals where things seem more easy. In real life, those flashy things don't happen as much as we love to, but instead we have the little moments.
By the way some reviews just jump to one star and homophobic remarks pretty much shows that this show is doing something right. Those religious conservative homophobic people are as ridiculous as Kenny's mother is and I applaud that a show is willing to show on regular TV that their speech of hate is something we must change with love and (as this show does) with laughs. Thar hatred for gay community is what drives so many gay young men to suicide. We need to change that.
Other reviewer said it could go without the imaginary bits but I'm saying otherwise, for me they are the best part of the show, specially that on on chapter 3, because those imaginary bits really compare how we think things are going to be in contrast to how things really are, and comparing with other shows and musicals where things seem more easy. In real life, those flashy things don't happen as much as we love to, but instead we have the little moments.
So so at best
avalonjoyous8 March 2016
Warning: Spoilers
I already wrote a review apparently that wasn't considered worthy enough to post .
My verdict though is this show needs a lot of work don't make the son a stereotype ,lose the talking to imaginary people schtick,and actually make the humor funny instead of bland, unfunny, and boring.
It's no shocker but apparently still considered a spoiler that the youngest son is gay a stereotype but gay nonetheless.
Try harder and make an effort.
I was hopeful by the previews that this would have been good as The Goldbergs or The Middle but alas so far not even close.
My verdict though is this show needs a lot of work don't make the son a stereotype ,lose the talking to imaginary people schtick,and actually make the humor funny instead of bland, unfunny, and boring.
It's no shocker but apparently still considered a spoiler that the youngest son is gay a stereotype but gay nonetheless.
Try harder and make an effort.
I was hopeful by the previews that this would have been good as The Goldbergs or The Middle but alas so far not even close.
Oh so funny...
bsant5428 February 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Yes, yes, stereotypes galore, camp as all heck with a lot of great one liners in it and a lot of them delivered by the Mother played by the more than competent Plimpton (whom I loved in the Good Wife).
All the characters in the family are very good in this, the gay son is hilarious and can he dance (and gay ham it up when need be). The dance scene after realizing he has a boyfriend was pretty awesome and they played it right up for him with multiple dance themes using each rainbow color.
They have added other characters to the show to add more spice to it and has worked very well.
Unless you are anti-gay, as some early posters here clearly are (this is not a venue for your personal bigotry disguised as a review), this show is hilarious and the cast are very good comedic actors. Whomever selected the cast knew what they were doing.
One funny, funny escapist show that is light-hearted and never takes itself too seriously (they even lampoon gay conversion therapy camp, they camped that up as well...too funny). Thank you for that. There is enough "preachyness" on TV nowadays.
All the characters in the family are very good in this, the gay son is hilarious and can he dance (and gay ham it up when need be). The dance scene after realizing he has a boyfriend was pretty awesome and they played it right up for him with multiple dance themes using each rainbow color.
They have added other characters to the show to add more spice to it and has worked very well.
Unless you are anti-gay, as some early posters here clearly are (this is not a venue for your personal bigotry disguised as a review), this show is hilarious and the cast are very good comedic actors. Whomever selected the cast knew what they were doing.
One funny, funny escapist show that is light-hearted and never takes itself too seriously (they even lampoon gay conversion therapy camp, they camped that up as well...too funny). Thank you for that. There is enough "preachyness" on TV nowadays.
Pretty Dull Stuff Here
danajoy-092108 January 2017
This doesn't rate as a comedy in my book. This show plays in Istanbul so I am a little bit of a hostage in what is available on cable. I'm not homophobic, so my dislike is not based on this. Drab, boring characters that aren't interesting or particularly likable. I feel like the good reviews are probably mostly from people that are homosexual, so they have a vested interest in this show succeeding. I don't have anything else to add but I am forced to write more. I would be surprised if this show isn't canceled. I wonder why they make the straight brother dress like he is a wife beater in tank tops and come across as a dimwit. The gay son is the most annoying character on the show, except for the mother. I can't say I've laughed one time after watching the many episodes that have played here.
Bittersweet and beautiful
Three-Thirds26 May 2016
This show is so bittersweet to me. We thoroughly enjoy the antics, his just-camp-enough-without-being-fake mannerisms, the supportive big bro, the cool dad, the surprised and eventually embracing mom... It's everything we wish we had when we came out of the closet 20 years ago. I'm so happy that shows like this can not only be made, but thrive.
I say bittersweet because, just like Troye Sivan's music & videos, it makes me feel happy for teens struggling with those questions, to have secular touchstones, but also makes me think... where were shows like this when I grew up?
I really hope we'll be able to join Kenny (Noah Galvin) and his family for many seasons to come!
I say bittersweet because, just like Troye Sivan's music & videos, it makes me feel happy for teens struggling with those questions, to have secular touchstones, but also makes me think... where were shows like this when I grew up?
I really hope we'll be able to join Kenny (Noah Galvin) and his family for many seasons to come!
the best 1/2 hour on TV
a-0017931 January 2017
a slice of real life with all its funny , quirky pitfalls and pleasures. We Love this show and gather as a large group for it weekly....it fills the soul with laughter at the perils of modern life, adult children and the day to day trails that in retrospect seem to echo real life, both funny, and thought provoking. The cast is well rounded and the ability to work the humor into every thing is a gift few ensemble cast can pull off theses days.....I suggest you grab a friend or two, sit down and enjoy this half hour slice of modern Americana at its very best. Leave your preconceived notions and pent up fear at the door, I promise you will find this more like a walk thru your own family album than you might have realized.
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