Parenthood (NBC 2010-2015, Lauren Graham, Peter Krause)

Drama series Parenthood details episodes in the lives of the members of the extensive Braverman family especially single mother Sarah who returns home to Berkely from Fresno in bid to be closer to the rest of her family. Sarah’s father is the head strong Zeek and her mother is Camille, whilst her sister is corporate attorney Julia. Also in the family are brothers Crosby and Adam.

Of course all the family have their own issues to deal with, Adam and his wife are struggling to come to terms with the fact that their youngest boy Max has Asperger’s Syndrome whilst Crosby (who is notoriously commitment shy) is keen to get back with old flame Jasmine when she re-shows in his life somewhat unexpectedly with a young son in tow whom she says is his. Julia seems to have it all with her high flying career and a stay at home husband but she too is struggling to deal with the double whammy of work and being a mother. Meanwhile all is not overly rosy on the parent front with Camille and Zeek having issues of their own to work through.

Parenthood which is based on the 1989 movie of the same name offers up some strong drama, like a modern day Waltons it explores relationships across several generations. The series was supposed to premiere in 2009 but leading actress Maura Tierney was stricken down with cancer, eventually Tierney pulled out of the series and she was replaced by Lauren Graham.

In 1990 another version of Parenthood also aired, however this met with a lukewarm critical reception and only last 11 episodes.

production details
USA / NBC – Universal Media Studios – Imagine Television / 103×45 minute episodes / Broadcast 2 March 2010 – 29 January 2015

Executive Producers: Ron Howard, Brian Grazer, Jason Katims, David Nevins / Theme Tune: Forever Young by Bob Dylan

cast
LAUREN GRAHAM as Sarah Braverman
PETER KRAUSE as Adam Braverman
CRAIG T. NELSON as Zeek Braverman
BONNIE BEDELIA as Camille Braverman
MONICA POTTERMAN as Kristina Braverman
SARAH RAMOS as Haddie Braverman
MAX BURKHOLDER as Max Braverman
DAX SHEPARD as Crosby Braverman
MAE WHITMAN as Amber Holt
MILES HEIZER as Drew Holt
JOY BRYANT as Jasmine Trussell
TYREE BROWN as Jabbar Trussell-Braverman
ERIKA CHRISTENSEN as Julia Braverman-Graham
SAM JAEGER as Joel Graham
SAVANNAH PAIGE RAE as Sydney Graham
ERINN HAYES as Racquel
MARGUERITE MOREAU as Katie
MINKA KELLY as Gaby
JASON RITTER as Mark Cyr
TOM AMANDES as Dr Pelikan