Parenthood

Why is NBC's Parenthood the best show on TV?

After viewing the latest episode of Parenthood and having been a loyal viewer since it's inception last spring, I feel compelled to share why this show is head and shoulders above any other program on television in terms of quality and depth.

A. It's an Hour-Long

I've developed deeper plots during 10 minute power naps at the office than some of the half-hour sitcoms on TV these days.  In order to really develop a story line and connect with the viewer it takes more than 22 minutes of content + 7-8 minutes of commercialism.  You need at least an hour.

B. The Music is Second to None

Any show who's lead character equates Ray LaMontagne to a musical genius has taste.  A sample of music from the latest episode included Adele's "Make You Feel My Love" and JBM's "Going Back Home," two songs that force you to drop whatever it is you're doing and listen with your mind, body, spirit and soul.  Did I mention that Bob Dylan's "Forever Young" is the theme song?  Yes, the most legendary singer-songwriter of all-time opens and closes every episode.

C. The Characters have SUBSTANCE

Not to be confused with substance-abuse as in Charlie Sheen's character in both real life and CBS's "Two and Half Men."  The characters in Parenthood each have flaws that are not hidden or sensitized.  They are in full-view, yet the characters draw you in because each is a genuinely good person simply facing the challenges that life brings upon us.  Challenges that many of us can relate to such as raising a child with a developmental disorder, reconnecting with your divorcee, living under the same roof as your parents as a 30-something single mother of two, dating a recovering alcoholic of a different race as a high school student (okay these last two may be a stretch but make for good drama), working under the demands of today's economic climate and repairing a broken marriage.    

D. The Show is Family-Friendly

The language and situations are appropriate for even the youngest of "kiddies."  The show even features several promising childhood actors with prominent roles.  The show's plot revolves around The Braverman Family, which consists of Zeek and Camille's four children, who each have families of their own.  There are some recurring characters that make a splash every now and then, but for the most part, the show is centered on the unity of the modern American family, despite it's complexity.

E.  Each episode leaves you feeling refreshed...

After all shouldn't that be the purpose of television when you tune-in after a hard day's work?  True, family tension boils every week.  Words are rarely, if ever, minced when conflict arises within The Braverman network.  Yet as each episode draws to a conclusion order is restored (for the most part) and the viewer is left with a peaceful, easy feeling just like The Eagles sang about in "Take it Easy."  No doubt, life can be chaotic when you live in close proximity to such a tight-knit family, but at the end of the day, it's nice to know you have someone that loves you that you can lean on when life leaves you reeling.

I encourage you to tune in to NBC's Parenthood on Tuesday evenings so you, too, can experience the spills and thrills of being a parent in today's times.  Because at the end of the day, it's worth it.