Network: NBC
Episodes: 13 (half-hour)
Seasons: One
TV show dates: February 23, 2014 — June 11, 2014
Series status: Cancelled
Performers include: J. K. Simmons, Jenna Elfman, Eli Baker, Ava Deluca-Verley, Lance Lim, and Jason Bateman.
TV show description:
This single-camera comedy series was inspired by the real life experiences of executive producer DJ Nash and tells the story of an unusual family that’s drawn closer together after a divorce.
Mel Fisher (J.K. Simmons) chops down trees, teaches his daughter to drive, and plays football with his son. He could be considered a typical father — except for the fact that he’s blind. He’s a lawyer who prides himself on not letting his limitation limit him. He and his wife are getting a divorce.
In some ways, Joyce (Jenna Elfman) is like a typical immature teenager — she’s self-obsessed, busy with school and devoted to fashion. The only trouble is, she’s a full-grown wife and mother who has a young son and teenage daughter.
Joyce often seeks advice from her teenage daughter Katie (Ava Deluca-Verley) and also borrows her clothes, much to Katie’s dismay.
Son Henry (Eli Baker) is 11-years-old and has always been his dad’s eyes and wingman. The kid is less than thrilled when his job is outsourced to Mel’s new guide dog, Elvis.
While the boy is at first reluctant to accept the changes that Elvis brings, adult Henry (voiced by Jason Bateman) realizes upon reflection that his parents’ split finally allowed the Fishers to become one happy (divorced) family.
Episode #13 — Growing Up Fairbanks
Despite the fact Mel and Joyce are two signatures away from their official divorce, the Fishers take their annual vacation to Catalina Island together, with one minor addition: Jenny, since her mom’s out of town. Mel also vows to keep calm in the face of any strife in an effort to tone down the possibility of aggravating the whole family (which is what usually happens on vacation).
So when the hotel clerk sees Elvis and lies about losing their reservation, Mel shocks everyone by allowing it slide. But Joyce refuses to stay in the alternative hotel and, by working together, she and Mel manage to trick the hotel clerk into making a new reservation. The ruse pays dividends after the clerk realizes they know plenty of rooms exist at the hotel – not only does the clerk upgrade them to a suite, but she comps them drinks, food and massages.
Henry, Katie and Jenny opt for a more adventurous route – horseback riding, one of Henry’s biggest fears. The girls insist he give it a try and he does… only to immediately slip off and fall face first into a trough. He complains to his parents and eventually convinces himself to try one last time.
With the kids occupied, Mel and Joyce enjoy the relaxation long enough for a bittersweet revelation – they should probably sign those divorce papers. Their calm feeling of moving on morphs into total terror when they find the hotel room trashed by Elvis. Unable to face the desk clerk’s inevitable wrath, they sneak out of the hotel and snag the kids along the way – except for Henry, that is. He picks that very moment to pull himself onto the horse… and ride it right up to Jenny! His confidence soars and he makes his boldest move yet – Henry kisses Jenny, and she kisses him back! Mel and Joyce grin with pride – looks like everyone’s entering a new phase.
First aired: June 11, 2014.
What do you think? Do you like the Growing Up Fisher TV series? Do you think it should have been cancelled or renewed for a second season?
The Dad is a terrific role model; he shows that disabilities don’t have to hamper an individual’s intellect or sense of humor! However, I think it’s in the wrong time slot. It’s a wonderful show for families, and would be more appropriate at 8 or 8:30 than at 9:30.
Give it a chance it an earlier time slot; I bet it will thrive.
I do not watch much TV but this is one show that I did not want to miss and have even re-watched them on HULU because the show is that good!! This needs to be renewed for a second season! Please!
Please, please renew! We love this show! This is my favorite!
love this show – please renew
Renew! Unique and refreshing…give it a chance to build an audience!!
This is a great family comedy! I love to laugh and forget the bad news of the world. I enjoy the young boys since I raised 3 of my own. The father certainly shows his determination with his disability that doesn’t get in his way while he teaches his children life lessons. He is a wonderful role model for his children. Please don’t cancel.
A Fan
I think this show is so funny. I also like that the family really cares about each other and are nice people. The kids aren’t snotty and the family members enjoy each other. Would love to see more shows about families like this.
It should be renewed. It is a feel good family show.
I love that show, Growing up Fisher. The funniest thing on TV anymore. Of course it went off tonight just after it started & I didn’t get to see it. CRAP! I hate I missed.
I also love Jenna Elfman. I love her on Darma & Gregg
I really think the show is funny – EXCEPT the mother’s character.. All of the other characters are cute ( especially the neighbor little boy) – but the mother is just ridiculous and annoying. Tone her down or she is going to wreck the entire show…
To “mystmass”…. what do you consider NORMAL? Every family is different. What’s normal at your house wouldn’t necessarily be normal at someone else’s house. I thought the show was great and the boy was very charming!
I thought it was a really cute show. Sure, the characters are a little “over the top”, but that’s part of the charm, in a Gilligan’s Island kind of way.
Sure enjoyed this show! Was worried it would have a laugh track which ruins every sitcom and can’t watch it. The previews of upcoming Growing Up Fisher shows look even better than the pilot. As this show develops, it’s going to be GREAT! Now will NBC even give it a chance?
we have two many weird family shows on tv as is.Never a normal family always strange.
We watched the Pilot last night and we (Hubby and me) both really liked it. The family programs always do a great deal for “families”. This should be one of the best if the Pilot is a good example of what’s to follow. Modern Family, The Goldbergs, The Millers, etc. give everyone a chance to laugh and forget the “blues” of the day. Keep it coming and advertise so people know it’s here and will watch and enjoy the pluses in life. Thank you!