'Grandfathered' Review/Recap: "Pilot"

Nora Dominick ‘17/Emertainment Monthly Assistant Stage Editor

John Stamos in the new Fox comedy, Grandfathered. Photo Credit: Erica Parise/FOX
John Stamos in the new Fox comedy, Grandfathered. Photo Credit: Erica Parise/FOX
John Stamos has returned to prime-time television and if you are expecting just a reincarnated version of Full House you will be pleasantly surprised. Grandfathered manages to take the heart of a Full House-esque sitcom and add in grittier, laugh out loud comedy. Grandfathered will be the new comedy you will want to tune into this fall on Fox.
Created by Daniel Chun (Happy Endings, The Office), Grandfathered is a new sitcom that focuses on Jimmy Martino (John Stamos), a handsome, sexy bachelor who runs a successful restaurant. His single life is perfect, or so he believes. One day Gerald (Josh Peck) shows up at Jimmy’s restaurant proclaiming that he’s Jimmy’s son and if that wasn’t enough of a shock for Jimmy, Gerald also announces that he has a daughter. This new comedy dives straight into a healthy mix of physical comedy and incredible one-liners.
John Stamos and Josh Peck in the new Fox comedy, Grandfathered. Photo Credit: Erica Parise/FOX
John Stamos and Josh Peck in the new Fox comedy, Grandfathered. Photo Credit: Erica Parise/FOX
John Stamos shines in Grandfathered as Jimmy Martino. Coming off a string of guest-spots on television shows, Stamos is back and may have gotten better with age, if that was even possible. From the moment he steps on screen, Stamos brings his incredible comedic timing to the forefront. Most people know Stamos as the loveable Uncle Jessie on Full House and the role of Jimmy might be the next best thing. Stamos doesn’t try to steer away from the aspects of Uncle Jessie that made him so lovable in the 90s, instead he embraces them and adds updated, adult humor.
At first glance, Jimmy Martino appears to be an older version of Barney Stinson from How I Met Your Mother and that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. If Grandfathered puts its own spin on the sexy, perpetual bachelor and steers away from traits Neil Patrick Harris made so iconic with Barney Stinson, it will create another iconic character. Grandfathered plays effortlessly into Stamos’ strengths and from this pilot alone, fans cannot wait to see what he will deliver as the season progresses.
Josh Peck is a perfect actor to go toe-to-toe with John Stamos’ humor in Grandfathered. Peck is mostly known for his work in the hit Nickelodeon comedy, Drake & Josh. Once fans get over the initial shock of Josh Peck playing a father, his comedy suits this sitcom flawlessly. Gerald is a quirky, down on his luck 26 year old who just needs a father figure to help him navigate fatherhood. The love-incompetent Gerald creates the perfect foil to sexy, pretty-boy Jimmy and it will be interesting to see Stamos and Peck play this dynamic as Grandfathered continues. Grandfathered has creates a perfect outlet for Stamos and Peck to showcase not only their comedy, but also their lovable and more serious sides.
John Stamos in the new Fox comedy, Grandfathered. Photo Credit: Erica Parise/FOX
John Stamos in the new Fox comedy, Grandfathered. Photo Credit: Erica Parise/FOX
Paget Brewster’s character of Sara Kingsley, Gerald’s mother and Jimmy’s estranged girlfriend, helps add another hilarious dynamic to this unconventional family. Her one-liners to Jimmy create another layer of comedy that isn’t needed but is definitely celebrated. Another highlight in Grandfathered is Annelise (Kelly Jenrette), Jimmy’s sassy assistant. Jenrette shines in the pilot of Grandfathered and here’s hoping she will be utilized more as the season progresses.
Of course Grandfathered isn’t perfect. This first episode definitely had a “pilot episode” vibe. The show will hopefully expand as the show continues to grow. Grandfathered also rides heavily on John Stamos, without him Fox might have had a completely different comedy. The ensemble for Grandfathered has very strong elements when each of the characters stands alone. The ensemble needs to become a cohesive unit and needs to be fleshed out in order to balance out the larger-than-life character of Jimmy. John Stamos will need to bring his A-game week after week in order to keep Grandfathered afloat this fall TV season.
Grandfathered helps usher in a new night of comedy on Fox this fall. John Stamos shines in his new role and is on the verge of creating another iconic character for the beloved actor. Josh Peck and John Stamos create an entertaining comedic duo and Grandfathered will hopefully play into their strengths and beloved fanbases as the show continues. Put Grandfathered on your must-watched list because you will not want to miss it.  

Grandfathered airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on FOX.

Overall Grade: B+

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