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?
This was a very enjoyable show! Loved the cast. Finally a show that could allow Jenna Elfman’s “Dharma” character to shine! I want it back!! Please!!!
loved the show, made me laugh every time. we should be seeing this for years to come.
they are crazy this was a good show keep it on!!!
Absolutely loved this show! Finally no sex no violence no drugs.
Fun heart warming family programming. Seasoned actors
And delightful young people.
Figures they would cancel it! That and About A Boy were the
Only programming I was watching on network tv.
Please wrie NBC programming chief Stephen.Burke.and tell him.how much.you.want to.watch GROWING UP FISHER.
This is one of the few shows on TV that is suitable for family viewing. There is no “in your face” sex, violence, or crude language. Growing Up Fisher is funny and entertaining and it certainly should be renewed. Between the reality shows and the crude sex/violence/language programming, we find that watching DVDs of older series and movies is much more enjoyable than watching the garbage currently being offered as “entertainment”. So NBC, I’ll be watching less on your network until you come up with some decent programming!
I think that this network w made terrible mistake. This was a great family show and a lot better than the sexually charged or violent crap they usually serve us ie; Crossbones, Hollywood game night, Grimm, I could go on. What happened to NBC they used to be more family oriented. They need to renew this show if not perhaps another network will grab it up and put it in a better time slot.
This was an amazing and fun show. So many issues of life are covered and so few shows highlight a handicapped person. This show gives inspiration to those who are handicapped and those who are caretakers. My husband and I are such a family. Our children are our support team. Growing up Fisher showed how a family can have fun and joy despite the difficulties they face.
Cancelled! I can’t believe it! This was one of the shows that just had to be on the same time some other show the family likes. This year there were several shows that faced this predicament. Then of course there’s whole days where I don’t find anything on for the whole family to enjoy.
Very sad to discover this show is cancelled. Found it by accident one evening while watching TV with the family (hubby and two boys (11 & 13).
Love the episode we caught so much, that we all went back to OnDemand and watched the entire season, beginning to end.
Bring it back NBC! Great family show!!!
Everyone who has found Growing.Up.Fisher and wishes to.keep it on.NBC, write Srephen.Burke, NBC executive in.charge of programming and express these positive.comments.
my family watches this show it is good I have never missed an episode. they should make a second season and keep it going. it will be the stupidest thing if they CANCELL THE SHOW.
I loved this show! It had great writing, good humor and touched on very heart whelming and touching topics in family dynamics. I hope this returns. Yes it was one of the best shows on TV.
My family loves to watch this show. There Are so few TV shows the whole family can watch. Many times we are laughing out loud. On a serious note, this show emphasizes the that divorced parents CAN work together to raise their children. I sure hope this show is picked up by another network.
Our whole family loved this show. It is funny and smart. I can’t believe it is cancelled! This show made us laugh…it should return.
This was the best show on television or at least top five. How could it get cancelled????