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 love s show! It is refreshing to get away from the reality and all the over drama of many shows. This is a great family show. I hope they bring it back.
NBC execs must be fools. This is the only show my husband and I ever watch on NBC and one of the few new shows that is worth watching. Worse yet they manage to replace it with vacuous trash. The NBC staff needs to recognize a winner when they have one.
This is exactly why NBC is failing in this area! They no longer give new shows a chance to find an audience. Maybe if this show were on ABC alongside shows like the middle it would’ve stood a chance. Shame on you NBC!
EVERYONE…….THE TWO UN-AIRED FINAL EPISODES ARE LISTING ON DIRECTV MENU FOR TONIGHT AT 8 pm and 8:30 pm.
I cannot believe this show is cancelled. There are very few that make me laugh out loud and the content was fresh and family friendly. I got everyone in my family hooked on this show. NBC – you really need to work on the shows you cancel. This shouldn’t be one of them!!!!
I was shocked to learn of the cancellation of this show. I don’t watch any comedies because of their content. I decided to try this and just fell in love with it. I love all the characters. Each actor does an awesome job of portraying his/her character. The writing is intelligent. I can’t say that for most other modern day comedies. Please, please bring this fully entertaining series. You seem to cancel good programs without giving them a chance. You’ve made your judgments on 13 episodes only? A season used to be 22 episodes. Really?? You need to give people… Read more »
This was a great show! It was funny and one I could watch with my kids! Come on!
ALERT!!
Growing up.FISHER last two.EPISODES on NBC
WED JUNE 11 from 8 to 9
TELL.EVERYONE!!
This is our chance….get GROWING UP FISHER back in fall!!
Some of the classic sitcoms started with low ratings, this could be a classic if given the chance. This show was very enjoyable and I was disapointed when it wasn’t on and to learn it has been pulled angers me. NBC ececutives making the decisions need to revisit this one and consider giving it a chance. It is truley enjoyable with likable characters. I will watch if it is brought back.
Are you serious? This show was really good. NBC has cut some really great shows this year. Everyone should switch to CBS!
NBC….WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!!!!! This show was one of extremely few that my family and I enjoyed watching together. Sadly, there are far too few tv shows worth watching. Growing Up Fisher was fun, clean and with good plots. Would like to see it back for another season.
I really enjoyed this show. The mix of characters was very interesting and the lessons learned every show were appropriate. It had a Wonder Years feel to it and could of run several years if in the right time slot. Tuesday against the NCIS’s was not a good spot for it.
You really should give another chance. Jenna Elfman was soooo much better than in Dharma and Greg.
I looked forward to Growing up Fisher. But you had it on a bad time slot and that’s probably why it didn’t get much watchers. It was a nice show for a family to watch. There’s not many out there. Please bring it back!
NBC this is a bad,this is one of the only shows l watch! On NBC.
Poor decision this was a quality light hearted show with good values. This show would have had a good run if left on to establish a fan base. Pulled too quickly.
Just stated watching this on-demand. It is such a sweet family comedy. I really hope it gets a second season. As people are introduced to it, they will be hooked. Can’t wait to watch the whole first season.