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 this show!!! Why would you cancel it??
This in truly one of the only shows that my husband, daugter and I all watch together, and we all enjoy it. Why can’t the good shows get renewed? What ever happened to wanting to keep on shows that families can enjoy together, instead of everyone in different rooms watching different programs. Disappointed, I think they had a keeper!!!
For GROWING UP FISHER petition look on change.org
This show ABSOLUTELY should have been renewed — one of the sweetest, funniest comedies I’ve seen in a long time. Love the story line and the acting was fantastic. I, too, hope some network picks up this awesome show!
Seriously bring it Back… Start a petition.My whole family watched it.The Executives are Idiots! I am so sick of crime ,horror,or please make me vomit…REALITY TV!!!! Great Family shows like Growing up Fisher are being Cancelled and we are left with absolute Garbage to watch.
Bummer! Get rid of 2 1/2 men instead!
I can’t believe that they cancelled it it was the best tv show ever my kid loved it
Please please NBC bring back Growing up Fisher. An outstanding show. Love JK Simmons and his son. anita Butcher
This show needs to be picked up by someone because it was great. I’m so tired of reality and crime shows. Good acting and writing. Bring it back.
We can’t believe “Growing up Fisher” was cancelled! It was one of our favorite programs! Give it another chance and bring it back!
I thought it was pretty good. I think all these networks are too quick to cancel these comedy series. They don’t give them a chance.
This show is not promoted enough. I found it by accident, referred it to my friends, now it’s our favorite comedy on NBC. This and The Blacklist make NBC worth watching.
WE LOVE THIS SHOW. PROMOTE IT MORE! IT’S A WINNER!
This was a well done, clean, high quality family show and went down too fast. Was on my “must watch” list each week. This was one I could watch with the children. I guess the networks think we need some more of those racy-hot sitcoms during family time, instead.
I’m really pissed! The kids were some of the best actors I’ve seen in a long time. This is a great show.
Bummer. Really enjoyed this show. Funny, fun. What’s wrong with you tv networks?
I cannot believe this show has been cancelled. Great acting, writing! Makes me so sad. I really love this show