The Goldbergs: Discussion Thread

The Goldbergs

Before there were parenting blogs, trophies for showing up, and peanut allergies, there was a simpler time called the ‘80s. For geeky 11-year old Adam (Sean Giambrone) these were his wonder years and he faced them armed with a video camera to capture all the crazy. The Goldbergs are a loving family like any other, just with a lot more yelling. Mom Beverly (Wendi McClendon-Covey) is a classic “smother,” an overbearing, overprotective matriarch who rules this brood with 100% authority and zero sense of boundaries. Dad Murray (Jeff Garlin) is gruff, hot-tempered and trying to parent without screaming. Sister Erica (Hayley Orrantia) is 17, hot, terrifying and not one to mess with. Barry (Troy Gentile) is 16, a grade A spaz with classic middle child syndrome. Adam (Sam Giambrone) is the youngest, a camera-wielding future director who’s crushing on an older woman. Rounding out the family is beloved grandfather Al “Pops” Solomon (George Segal), the wild man of the clan, a shameless Don Juan who’s schooling Adam in the ways of love. When Pops buys a new sports car and offers his Caddy to middle child Barry, it’s enough to drive this already high-strung family to the brink of chaos. “The Goldbergs” stars Wendi McLendon-Covey (“Bridesmaids”) as Beverly, Jeff Garlin (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”) as Murray, George Segal (“Don’t Shoot Me”) as Pops, Hayley Orrantia (“The X Factor”) as Erica, Sean Giambrone as Adam, and Troy Gentile (“Good Luck Chuck”) as Barry.

“The Goldbergs” was written and executive produced by Adam F. Goldberg (“Breaking In,” “Fanboys”) and executive produced by Doug Robinson. The pilot was directed by Seth Gordon (“Identity Thief,” “Horrible Bosses”). “The Goldbergs” is from Adam Sandler’s production company Happy Madison and is produced by Sony Pictures Television.

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This looks like the Wonder Years, but set in the 80s.

I know most people won't but when I see this title I think of the old radio and early TV show.

I know most people won't but when I see this title I think of the old radio and early TV show.

Opening this thread, I assumed this was a new adaptation. Not that I would have watched either way.

I know most people won't but when I see this title I think of the old radio and early TV show.

Yah, when I first started watching the promos that was the first thing that jumped into my mind. Wasn't it serialized?? Also wasn't that considered the first sit-com or was that "Mary Kay and John"??

At any rate. I enjoyed the show.

Wonder how many people tuned in just to see that line about "erasing Luke and Laura"?! Lol

This looks like the Wonder Years, but set in the 80s.

That is what I got out of it but this is much campier whereas The Wonder Years was darker. Even the first episode of Wonder Years had death....

That said, I don't think the tone that was used in Wonder Years would work for this show but they could make the characters a little bit more darker/grayer. I can see the character becoming grayer in the future though.

Edited September 25, 201312 yr by allmc2008

I like this show because I am a big fan of shows like "Radio Day's", "Brighton Beach Memoirs", "Wonder Years", and "A Christmas Story".

The show isn't totally focused on one point similar to wonder years. Both shows had a balance, from what I remember of, of Liberal/Conservative. You would see Karen's Boyfriend telling it how it is regarding women rights and Vietnam war and saying the Korean War was for nothing one moment then the parents would interfere and put the guy in his place by telling him to STFU because he doesn't know what it was like in Korea.

I don't think this show will show the parallels between the social aspects between the 60s/70s and the 80s/70s in the same way as The Wonder Years BUT it will show them. Just not as philosophical.

I watched the premiere and while I didn't find it to be hilarious, I thought it was a sweet show, one that I'll check out again next week. It helps that I love me some Wendi McClendon-Covey.

I watched some of this as I was bored with New Girl. It actually made me chuckle a couple times which is rare for me with most comedies. I agree it is very sweet show which I really like. It reminds me of The Neighbors which I love. I might watch it again next week before Mindy.

Edited September 25, 201312 yr by Ann_SS

This looks like the Wonder Years, but set in the 80s.

exactly what I've been thinking. Out of all the major networks, ABC really seems to like nostalgia shows (the failed Pan Am was the last show I can think of).

This show is my new 'The Middle'... in fact, the show reminds me of the Middle, but set in the 80s .

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Edited September 26, 201312 yr by allmc2008