NBC's Parenthood

If you're a fan of the box-office hit movie, "Parenthood," (I am!), then you'll be happy to know that NBC will be airing a new, 1-hour drama by the same name that's inspired by the movie. From Academy Award winners Ron Howard and Brian Grazer ("A Beautiful Mind," "Frost/Nixon") and from Jason Katims, the executive producer of NBC's "Friday Night Lights," "Parenthood" introduces audiences to the very large, very colorful and imperfect Braverman family.

I was able to screen the pilot episode (Emmy Award winner Thomas Schlamme of "The West Wing" is the director and executive producer of the pilot), and though it's cliche, I really was laughing and crying. Even though the show is a drama, there are so many parts that will make you laugh out loud (watch for the uni-bomber joke at the dinner table scene...SO hilarious!)



There are two particular storylines that I found touching, especially as a mother with a son. Sarah Braverman (Lauren Graham, "Gilmore Girls") is a struggling single mother to Amber (Mae Whitman, "In Treatment") and Drew (Miles Heizer, "ER). There is one scene between Sarah, Drew and Drew's absentee father that just broke my heart. You'll know what I mean when you see it.



The other storyline I found most compelling is that of Max (Max Burkholder, "Brothers and Sisters") and his family. I won't give away what happens but the scenes of his father, Adam Braverman (Peter Krause, "Six Feet Under") and Kristina (Monica Potter, "Trust Me") worrying about the well-being of their little boy were so touching to me as a mom. (His teenage sister, Haddie is played by Sarah Ramos from "American Dreams.")



This really is an all-star cast. At the head of the Braverman family is headstrong patriarch Zeek (Craig T. Nelson, "Family Stone," "Coach") and pillar-of-strength matriarch Camille (Bonnie Bedelia, "Heart Like a Wheel"). In addition to Sarah and Adam, their children include Julia (Erika Chrisensen, "Traffic") who is married to stay-at-home husband Joel (Sam Jaeger, "Eli Stone"), and Crosby (Dax Shephard, "Baby Mama") whose old flame Jasmine (Joy Bryant, "Antwone Fisher") shows back up in his life.



I've been a long-time fan of Dax Shepard's so I was really excited to see his character. And he really does deliver. I think he's the most funny character on the show.

In fact, the entire casts delivers and gives an excellent portrayal of a typical American family with all of its quirks and problems, and all of the love and support that carries them through it all.

Check out NBC's trailer for Parenthood below:



You can also see bios, videos, games and more at NBC’s Parenthood Website here. And, of course, be sure to tune into Parenthood on Tuesdays at 10, EST, starting March 2 on NBC!