Parenthood - the new kid on the block

And I just love it - NBC's new drama Parenthood airs on Tuesday nights at 10/9 C. The show tracks the life of The Braverman family and is set in the Bay area. The show follows the trials and tribulations of the 4 Braverman siblings - Sarah (Lauren Graham), Adam (played by the delectable Peter Krause), Crosby (Dax Shepard) and Julia (Erika Christensen).

Sarah is a single mother of 2 who has moved back with her parents bringing her 2 children (Mae Whitman plays the daughter - I remember her from One Fine Day) in tow. She basically has to restart her life and build a stable home for her teens who are dealing with a lot themselves. What I love about her character is that she is not afraid to fight for her kids - she goes head to head with her brother when he fails to be there for her son. It's a little hard to see her as anything other than Lorelai Gilmore but I am glad to see her on the small screen again.

Adam and his wife (played by Monica Potter) have 2 kids - one of whom has been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. As they slowly get over the shock of Max's diagnosis and learn to deal with his needs, their 15-year old daughter Haddie is discovering first love and all the tumultuous feelings that go with it much to the horror of her father. Peter Krause is as handsome as ever - I really really like him :) (no offense hubby). The casting director did a good job casting this family - for example the daughter Haddie actually does look like a mix of Peter Krause and Monica Potter.

Crosby, the happy go lucky sibling, has to grow up quickly when he discovers his long lost 5 year old son Jabar. As Crosby gets over his initial misgivings related to his son, it's fun to see him embrace fatherhood with somewhat comical (at times heartwarming) results.

Julia (probably my least fave of the cast) is the complete opposite of Sarah - there is some sisterly rivalry there. Her husband is a stay at home dad to their daughter - the main thorn in Julia's life is another stay at home mom who she suspects is interested in more than just friendship with her husband - this would not normally be a big problem except for the fact that their daughters are best friends and constantly thrown together.

The Braverman grandparents (played by Craig T Nelson and Bonnie Bedelia) provide loving support to their family while at the same time dealing with their marital troubles...

What I love about this show, aside from the fabulous cast, is the warmth and strong family ties this series portrays. The family is there for each other come what may - they are the best of friends but at the same time sibling rivalry exists in the relationships especially between the 2 sisters. There's something about large close-knit families that is universally appealing (especially perhaps because I am so far away from my immediate family) and I love being an onlooker as the Braverman family ploughs through challenges and enjoys good times together. So if you find yourself with an opening for a TV show on Tuesday nights this is it. Set your DVR or watch it live and enjoy!! It's only a few episodes old, so if you want to catch up you can watch full episodes at www.nbc.com