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?
I am so mad that they canceled “Growing up Fisher”. Of course they cancel a show that was family friendly and didn’t have disgusting jokes! I will miss it. 🙁
Why does Fox have to cancel every family friendly show that is good! I love this show. It makes me laugh! I enjoyed this show so much and looked forward to watching it every week. I guess I learned my lesson, don’t watch Fox because if I like the show they will just cancel it! Heaven forbid we have a show that we can watch with our kids and laugh together!
Once again nbc finds the show with potential and drops it, hope another network has the sense to pick it up.
wholesome show they never survive. I enjoyed
We’re disappointed and shocked that Growing Up Fisher has been cancelled. The show has a lot of heart, somewhat reminiscent of The Wonder Years. It’s well acted, and there is a message in every episode. It’s great family fare and an inspiring representation of working around a disability. We hate to see a nice, fresh show disappear way before its time. We urge NBC to give it another shot–at the very least, consider bringing it back to replace a show that flops next season.
I love this show. It’s humorous, a great fun family show AND it shows that the handicap can deal just fine in the world with determination and a sense of humor. PLEASE STAY !
This is why I don’t watch new shows. You watch and actually invest yourself and look forward to it…and poof…gone! This year I actually did and almost EVERY one I really enjoyed is now CANCELLED!! I love this show and it wasn’t even given a chance. That is a shame. I’m sure what we need is another reality show or dance show instead of a program that the family can watch and enjoy right? Is that what it’s coming to? No room for comedy as we either get to watch America singing or dancing badly or another cop show. This… Read more »
Please don’t cancel this show! It is amazing and a great family show, it really has potential just give it a second chance it’s better than most shows on the air nowadays.
Please don’t cancel this show it is such a great family show.Kids love it adults love it makes us all laugh.People are just starting to watch it give it another chance please
This is a great show and very good for family viewing! Why would this kind of show get cancelled and yet so many disgusting shows are kept on the air? It is a shame to see how the values are becoming in our society in this great country! At least give this show a chance to have a 2nd go round.
This was one of the few shows we really enjoyed. It was actually a good family show, even though the family characters were divorced. I also loved the fact that it showed having a disability does not have to be limiting.
It is quite disappointing that it was cancelled.
My entire family enjoyed this show. We were able to sit down altogether and watch the show together. This was probably the only show on this network, besides maybe parks and recreation that I was actually enjoying. Now that revolution is gone, just move growing up fisher to Wednesday night where it won’t have much competition and will get a lot more viewers. In fact, parks and Rec, which was renewed, averaged around 2.6 million viewers, while growing up fisher averaged closer to 6 million. I see no logic in why fisher was cancelled, and I think that it should… Read more »
Growing Up Fisher is the best show. THe cast is amazing. Please give it another try.
Please do not cancel this show. This show is so well done. It just needs time. The entire cast is refreshing. Remember Seinfeld. Didn’t take off at first.
I will stand on a street corner with a sign to get people to turn in.
Take a chance.
So disappointed to hear Growing Up Fisher is cancelled. This is the only show our whole family looks forward to watching together.
Please renew. Put in a different time slot that will serve it well. This is the one show my entire family will sit down and watch together. And it makes us laugh.
Continue this series please. So funny and even teaches lessons in life.