Movie/TV Show Being Reviewed:
Parenthood

Reviewer:
Sarah Buchanan

Genre:
Drama

Movies/TV Shows:
TV Show

Suggested Age Range:
Parental Guidance

Age Range Explained:
Not appropriate for all ages, some mature themes including sex and drugs

Subject Headings:
Elementary school, Family dynamics, High school, Learning disorder, Multicultural/cross-cultural issues, Relationships

Review:
The television comedy-drama Parenthood appeals to a wide audience and can be used to explore family, adolescent, gender role, and disability issues. The show is about three generations of the Braverman family, anchored by mother Camille and father Zeek. Camille and Zeek are currently in marriage counseling to process infidelity and separation. Their four children, Adam, Sarah, Crosby, and Julia, all have very different family environments and live close to home. Adam is a successful businessman with a wife, 16-year-old daughter, and 8-year-old son with Asperger’s Syndrome. Sarah is divorced, unstable in her career, and has a 16-year-old daughter and 14-year-old son. Sarah and her children have moved back in with her parents due to her unstable financial status. Crosby did not know he had a son until his son was five years old. Crosby is now engaged to the mother of his child but they are having second thoughts about marriage. Julia is a very successful lawyer with a stay-at-home husband and a 5-year-old daughter.

As the show highlights family struggles within different structures and children of different ages, it might be useful when working with adolescents, parents, or committed partners. Adolescent issues featured include conflict with parents, romantic relationships, and social norms. Gender roles can be addressed by looking at Zeek’s beliefs about being the man of the family and considering the role of Julia’s husband as a stay-at-home dad. Disability issues are emphasized through the struggle of Adam’s family as they learn about their son’s Asperger’s diagnosis.