Grounded for Life (2001–2005) User Reviews (65)

Appreciate it in retrospect

[photoe · 8/10 · 21 July 2018]

I remember when this show was one, but I was pretty busy and the world was falling apart when it was on, so unfortunately, it probably suffered a shorter run than it might have had, though four seasons isn't a failure.

What I like about it is that it's a standard heartwarming sitcom, but still original. Unlike Family Guy, which is also original, it isn't going to gross me out or offend me constantly. It's a comfortable show to watch, the female lead is gorgeous but the girl next door, and the dad is a putz, but still likeable, and not a total idiot. There aren't too many political agendas creeping in either, but issues of the day are addressed in a funny, light manner. There aren't any duds in the cast either. The lothario friend is a bit weird, but he offers chances for dark humor in the show, and the kids and the father add in their respective bits.

It was a good show and it seems to be aging fine. I'm watching it on the LAFF channel, but it could probably succeed in higher level syndication if there is such a thing. It's tightly produced as well, a truly professionally shot and fast moving show.

Wicked Nice Show

[cmobrien84 · 8/10 · 3 June 2015]

I really liked this show back in the day and I think it's still good today plus I think the mom is really fit for an older bird! The show follows a lower/medium income urban family of 5 with a witty renegade uncle and jovial aloof grandfather making constant appearances. Originally airing on fox in 2001 it last for a few seasons then canceled and picked up by ABC family for the last of the series. Good acting for laugh track comedy, it kind of reminds me of a modern, more slap stick version of Roseanne. Ground for Life hits on all the stereotypical family dilemma but does it with pretty high production value given the nature of the show. Plus Donald Logue is a top notch character actor in his own right!

I love the show. It's sometimes getting noisy and loudly

[marthadtv · 8/10 · 25 February 2021]

I love the show. It's sometimes getting noisy and loudly.. but the stories goes smoothly and the actors are genuine. Glad it continued to the 5th season

Tasty Treat

[lorist · 20 April 2001]

There aren't many sitcoms worth watching on TV, but 'Grounded For Life' is the exception. A fresh approach, an intelligent look at family life, and a wry sense of humor bring 'Grounded' head and shoulders above the other lame competitors in the field.

Are there other original sitcoms out there... yes, if you search long and hard. But this brings together elements that haven't seen the little screen and leave you screaming with laughter.

The buzz is low but good on this one. I encourage everyone to watch it, otherwise another bright, intelligent bit of TV will bite the dust.

One of my Favorite Shows!

[lalaloggins · 10/10 · 19 December 2022]

Most. Authentic, Depiction. Of a Teenage Daughter EVER. I would know because I was an obnoxious screaming stubborn know-it-all, like Lily. Casting Kevin Corrigan in ANYTHING elevates the product. Uncle Eddie is both loveable and despicable. Brad, the boy next door with a crush on Lily, is both heart-breakingly pathetic and hilarious. Even the later casting of Dean only made the show better. It's one of those shows you really wish the network didn't cancel.so soon. They just bought a bar! There was so much left to tell. It didn't get much love or appreciation. Ignored and Underrated, there was something deeper making it stand out. This show FEELS real. Critics couldn't see beyond the family sitcom formula to recognize the hilarious-because-its-true writing. I wish they would bring this show BACK, so we can follow the Kid's lives with Sean and Claudia now young GRANDPARTENTS! Who do I talk to to make this happen? I want to see 40-year-old Lily married to Brad or Dean, with THEIR kids. With perfect casting and clever writing, this show is still incredibly relevant. 20 years later. It has stuck with me more than any other sitcom.

One of the best sitcoms ever.

[13Funbags · 10/10 · 25 February 2019]

Although this show used some of the bad sitcom cliches like a sibling who is always at the married people's house and buying a business halfway through the series, it had one thing that most sitcoms don't, comedy. This show makes Friends look like Joanie Loves Chachi.

I really enjoy this show

[jpapanone · 7/10 · 11 July 2021]

It is by no means great...and has a TON of problems.

It both is and isn't a typical sitcom.

I'd put it in the Rosseanne / Marries with children category.

It isn't a sitcom family.

They're working class...trashy-ish...cheaters...liars etc. But of the pg13 variety. Not R or x rated. It isn't that raunchy. It is as raunchy as you can get and still be acceptable....like a lot of Fox shows.

It wasn't on that many seasons...and that was probably perfect for it. Better than churning out more and becoming Friends in the later seasons.. Just unwatchable garbage.

I like to rate the individual episodes and reserve 8's 9'a and 10's for increased quality...with 10's reserved for as close to perfection as I think is possible.

So. This show is akin to Frasier ratings wise.

I don't think I rated a single episode of Frasier 10. Maybe a handful, and I don't think I've done them all yet. But the overwhelming majority of Frasier episodes are 7 and above. Easily rewatchable.

There are some that I'll never watch again. But they have to be pretty bad for that.

Grounded for life is like that.

I don't think there are any 10's or 9's. Maybe an 8 here or there.

And I rate my 10's vs other 10's. Not of the show.

I have maybe 5 episodes of It's Always Sunny that I rate a 10. So I don't think any episode of Grounded for Life comes even close to IAS.

Now...the best Grounded For Life may be an 8, so I'd have to compare it to an IAS 8.

And honestly...an IAS 8 isn't that common...and really...I don't think I'm gonna have a GFL 8.

I'd have to compare a 7 to a 7.

So GFL at it's best is probably just a 7.

And the entire series is a 7 too.

And as I'm approaching finishing the series for probably the 5th time or so...I don't think I'm gonna have any 1 2 3 4 or 5's.

It will be whole bunch of 7's and 6's. There may be a 5 in there.

So...GFL is a solid player. Not gonna win the game...but not gonna lose the game.

Friends...has some 10's....also has some 2's...but those are on the 2nd half of the series when the whole thing unravels. Just like Modern Family. .just like IAS eventually did too (last 5 seasons have been pretty unwatchable).

So...there isn't an episode of the show that's a must see. It's a bingeable show.

Always liked Donal Logue.

The oldest daughter actress was the worst choice. Just wish they went in a different direction with her.

But lot of guest stars...lot of future stars pop up.

Megyn Price was excellent.

Richard Riehle was very good...like the 2 sons.

One of my all time favorite characters is Edsie played by Kevin Corrigan. Anything he is in, I watch because of this show. His acting...timing...delivery. His subtle mannerisms, comments, etc are just absolutely amazing.

I think the show was and still is massively underrated. Just looking at how many ratings episodes here have. And no reviews.

Not sure if its anywhere...netflix etc. And if there are reviews there. I'm watching it with commercials via amazon prime.

Again...the show is ny no means great ..but I enjoy the heck out of it. It entertains me.

I get why people don't like it...but it ain't Seinfeld, or Sunny, or Modern Family, or Friends, or News Radio or Parks N rec or Arrested development or Curb.

But it is definitely better than 2 broke girls and garbage like that.

Big bang theory? Ehh...probably closeish to something like that. Maybe HIMYM. But again. HIMYM had higher highs ..but definitely lower lows.

This show probably would have found a home years later where a smaller audience would have been fine. Of course.... FX keeps canceling stuff that when I finally get into, they cancel. Jim Jefferies, the one with Jay Baruchel.

Anyway...I'm going on and on. Sorry.

I like the show. Maybe from my ramblings, you can see if it seems like something for you.

An absolute FOX classic!

[Catherine_Grace_Zeh · 9/10 · 25 July 2006]

"GROUNDED FOR LIFE," in my opinion, is an absolute FOX classic! I haven't seen every episode, but I still enjoyed it. It's hard to say which episode was my favorite. However, I think it was always funny when a mishap occurred. I always laughed at that. Despite the fact that it was a short-lived series, it was nice that all of the main characters had stayed with the show throughout its entire run. It seems that no one stays with a show throughout its entire run. Everyone always gave a good performance, the production design was spectacular, the costumes were well-designed, and the writing was always very strong. In conclusion, although it can currently be seen on FOX Family Channel, I hope you catch it one day before it goes off the air for good.

Grounded for Life

[q-snow · 6/10 · 24 March 2010]

"Grounded For Life" was probably the best sitcom since Seinfeld wrapped. The family was funny as hell.

Kevin Corrigan rocked as always as Eddie. "Grounded...." reminded me of "Married with Children" a lot. OK, not as funny as MWC but a close second. It really cracked me up a lot. The way it was made with all the flashbacks was a pretty innovative approach to keep it interesting. It was really different from other series because of that. I wish they had continued the show longer!! It was way too short-lived as a series. All the performances were pretty good all around. Of course, with Megyn Price and Kevin Corrigan as stand-outs for hilarity. A must have in your DVD collection especially seasons 2 and 3.

Ouustanding Watch it

[Leonboss · 9/10 · 27 April 2007]

I have just watched this again as it plays on Trouble channel in the UK I think it is very different to anything else around it deserves respect, Everyone in the show is perfect for their roles. Honestly I thought it was tacky, crap when I first watched it but it grows on you and whoever writes it is a genius. Clever and original if you ask me. I love the original writing its real and very funny, Sean is hilarious but believable, Claudia is very attractive and holds her own whilst acting as the mom of three kids, Lily the little Ginger does great as well as the loud mouth nutter, Jimmy the little pervert plays his role good as well, he is believable. I cannot fault this sitcom, it makes the likes of the War at Home look like crap. And do not forget Eddie. Dry sense of humor love it

fun working class family sitcom

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 14 October 2018]

Sean Finnerty (Donal Logue) and Claudia Finnerty (Megyn Price) are a Staten Island Irish-Catholic married couple. They had their oldest child Lily (Lynsey Bartilson) in high school. She is now a self-obsessed boy-obsessed teen living in the shadows of her hot mom. The dorky next door neighbor Brad O'Keefe (Bret Harrison) is obsessed with her. There are the two younger sons, Jimmy and Henry, the grumpy patriarch Walt Finnerty (Richard Riehle), and uncle Eddie (Kevin Corrigan) who always seems to be connected to all the shady people.

This is a working class family sitcom. It started on Fox and continued on WB. The two younger brothers starts out more as props than characters. They become bratty kids. The middle child Jimmy does get an upgrade into a hormone driven teen but the younger brother Henry does not make it for the fifth and final season. Sean buys a bar for the third season which is a bummer for the show. It's never anything more than a money pit and a bit of downer injecting money problems into the family. That location rarely produces more comedy than frustration. The grandfather comes and goes. The show could have done more with the character. If Sean's work could include his father, that's one way to keep the character more involved. The romance of Lily and Brad is funny. She screams in frustration every other line and he's a fun hormone-filled dork. This is a solid white family sitcom.

Totally Awesome Show

[fairuza-noire · 10/10 · 1 July 2006]

I am a HUGE fan of this show. It is hilarious with very well developed characters. Sean, the tries-hard-to-be-cool-but-really-hasn't-got-a-clue father, and husband to Claudia who is always one step ahead of Sean and the kids' antics. Sometimes she can be fooled, only to figure it out (or have it made blatantly obvious to her through inconsistent stories.) Lily, the ticking teenage time bomb about to explode any second. Just trying to be cool, she is forever getting herself into embarrassing situations. (Unknowingly falling drunk on alcoholic apple cider and calling up a boy and inviting him over. Only to meet him at the door in hideously applied makeup while her Uncle Eddie comes home and upon seeing Lily's state kicks the boy out, thinking he got her drunk to take advantage of her.) The two youngest members of the family, Jimmy and Henry are constant trouble makers. With their naturally inquisitive minds, trouble seems to follow them wherever they go. In later seasons, puberty brings a whole new set of problems for the boys.

Then we have the happy go lucky mooch Uncle Eddie, Seans' brother. He always has far fetched ideas on how to make money, or how to get his brother and family out of a predicament. These ideas always go totally wrong and fail miserably through misjudgment and miscalculation. He constantly takes advantage of the family by using their home for wild parties while they are away, or living in their basement for 2 weeks without them knowing.

Brad the next door neighbour and Lily's on again off again boyfriend is not very intelligent, and totally clueless. He is quite immature which gets him into awkward situations. Even though he is dating Lily, he has a crush on Mrs. Finnerty, which he at one point believes she wants him too, only to find out he is completely wrong.

The shows format is very unique with the telling of the story in a series of flashbacks through different points of view. Usually the point of view of the person it happened to in the way they THOUGHT it happened originally. Usually these flashbacks are very far fetched, which makes for a comedic scene. Then as the story is talked out more and details are figured out the flashbacks are shown in the way the situation REALLY happened.

I enjoy the show because it shows an American family in the new millennium going through situations that can happen to anybody but usually are embellished by the characters. I also like seeing that they picked characters that look real and not supermodel types. Someone said before about Claudia "finally TV has a beautiful woman that is not under 106 lbs." This goes for Lily too. She is not a rail thin size 0 which is refreshing. Both actresses are absolutely beautiful. Also, Sean is not some totally ripped, Calvin Klein underwear model type guy. He has a bit of a beer belly and a (major) 5 o'clock shadow thing going on. These people are real. I love how each character has their own brand of humour. From facial expressions, to tone of voice and diction. I rate this show a 10 and recommend it to anyone.

Trash !

[elshikh4 · 1/10 · 30 March 2008]

I believe that working as a creator for TV shows is such a very easy job sometimes. Just look at this one to understand the picture. I think pitching its idea went exactly like this:

"Let's fill the air with anything. But what could be that 'anything'? Ok, the audience loved (Seinfeld), it was a great sitcom about bunch of people who don't try to learn from their own mistakes, so let's make them a family with some of the gross-out taste of (Malcolm in the Middle). And we've had a lot of shows about a middle class family's dairy, so what about a family with a little bit poorness. Then let's make them some losers. And for something totally different, let's use a strange technique for the narration; it's the flashbacks style to present the comedy. And as a family show, it'll be about family's moralities and stuff, however with sexuality and dirtiness. YEAH, let the mature stuff be written by adolescents this time, to be adolescent show that alleges being mature in the same time! So how about the casting? Hey, put anyone, as when the audience hears the recorded laughing voices, they'll gonna crack all over anyway! They desperately need a pastime not a serious anything!!".

So the result was that trash sitcom. It's not well grounded. It's hastily grounded, as they were unserious, but with making their show, NOT through it. Let alone that uncle; OHH he is so bad, not the character, but I mean the character of its actor. Actually (Kevin Corrigan) has no idea about acting, so not to mention acting a comedy! He is so pathetic with that totally indifferent performance, being capable of destroying any possible nice situation or even good line. You would feel it too with (Griffin Frazen), and that unfunny grandfather (Richard Riehle), maybe it was the direction that left everybody do whatever they want, and to tell you the truth.. What they wanted turned out to be so silly thing!

Despite some comic efforts from (Donal Logue), I felt that there is nothing here to entertain or to watch. Even the opening credits were awful!

One of the good shows

[thiu · 3 February 2004]

This is one of the few shows that i really look forward to. its really funny and the characters seem so real. Not only because of how they act but also the way they look. They look like people not super model types.

The show is so refreshing and it doesn't try to emulate any other show that it just makes me feel happy watching them and their antics.

Brilliant Humor

[tonybrennan-04481 · 10/10 · 29 April 2021]

This is easily one of the best sitcoms ever made. The characters are realistic, everyday types that anyone can relate to. Alas, because it wasn't some formulaic piece of plastic crap, it didn't make it big. I"m thankful for WB network for helping get 5 seasons made.

Check it out. Great laughs.

Hilarious and unique comedy

[meliajane19 · 9/10 · 29 June 2008]

"Grounded for Life" has to be one of my favorite comedy shows of all time, just because of the random and hilarious situations that the various eccentric and unique characters seem to always wind up in. The youngest son Henry swallows a lizard. The father Sean dresses up as an old grandmother because he can't change a flat tire. A cat gets buried in the grave designated for the mother Claudia. All this is normal for the dysfunctional Finnerty family, an Irish-Catholic family living in Staten Island, NY.

The acting is also very good--the actors all act believably like a real family. The characters all have their own personalities and quirks, from the brooding Uncle Eddie to Sister Helen who seems to show up in the strangest spots. This is sounding pretty old, but I also like the fact that the actresses who play Lily and Claudia are both really pretty and are not a size 2. These are REAL people, not just skinny stereotypes. My personal favorite happens to be Brad, the son of the Finnertys' next-door neighbors the O'Keefes and Lily's boyfriend for part of the series.

Also, GFL is plain FUNNY. The dialogue is witty, and watching all the characters talk and interact on screen is hilarious. The episodes are also presented in clever ways--they usually start off with the family members discussing some type of problem, and then the events leading up to this are revealed through flashbacks. It is a refreshing and interesting way to watch a show.

GFL is still one of the few shows that can make me laugh out loud, and will always remain one of my personal favorites. Definitely check it out on ABC Family. :) Love it!

Very very funny

[JonanthanNewOrleans · 9/10 · 17 March 2021]

Really funny, light and entertaining show, great writing and interactions between the characters.

9/10

awesome

[tatlicupcake · 10/10 · 3 June 2006]

SUMMARY This show is excellent. It's about a Catholic couple who got pregnant young and their dealing life.

REVIEW This show is hilarious because they talk about real things like when teenagers have sex and horny parents. Most of the episodes have several flashbacks told by a character explaining a dilemma in the present.

CHARACTERS It works because of the diversity of the characters. There is an Irish irascible horny dad, a sexy horny mom, a shady naughty player brother, a spoiled stubborn daughter, a smart nerdy brother, a weird brother (like DJ on Roseanne), a geeky boyfriend who is devoted to his girlfriend, a strict grandfather, and a strict nun who sometimes doesn't act very saintly.

Life is controlled by one thing for young parents: their kids!

[seancbarrett · 10/10 · 19 August 2006]

Grounded for Life is the funniest show on television. My favorite character is Eddie Finnerty (Corrigan). He portrays the role of a care-free uncle perfectly. I also love the kids and how they are challenged by new obstacles every day, even though they turn the situation from bad to worse! Sean (Logue) and Claudia (Price) both show that being a young couple of three isn't an easy path to go down. Each episode was different and was laugh-out-loud funny. I watch the re-runs every chance I get and I still laugh at the same jokes. I loved the newer episodes and I wished that the sitcom hadn't ended so soon. Overall though, it was a great show and I enjoyed every minute of it!

I love this show!

[ktblanche · 30 January 2002]

This show is hilarious. All the characters are funny!! Sean and his brother crack me up. I enjoy the format of the show, which starts at the end and then tells back the story of what happened earlier. I hope it does not get tossed off the network any time soon, but I am sure it won't last for more than a few more seasons.

The year I spent watching this show put a smile on my face and it is the best show you can see! If you want a good show, this is for you. I give it a 11 out of 10!

[JesseEJohnston · 10/10 · 17 May 2006]

I love it where Uncle Sal is in the Mofia! (We are family) I love this show so much. Or where sister Helen says the wordy dird. (Swerin' to God) And she didn't say "Foget you!" And when she flicked him off! lol! Or on super bowl Sunday (Don't fear the reefer). I loved it when he gave the tree CPR. "NURCE! A WOODPECKER HAS ATTACK THIS TREE! I NEED 7 LITERS OF SAP STAT!" - Sean Finity It was hilarious!!! I must say, the year I spent watching this show put a smile on my face and it is the best show you can see! If you want a good show, this is for you. I give it a 11 out of 10! I mean it's not everyday you can find kids smoking oregano! (Don't fear the reefer) or see nuns flick off and cuss out people. Or see the confession box, violated! (Swearin' to God) Or find out your favorite uncle is in the mob! (We are family) It's on ABC family 3-4pm.

Very Good Show

[beckyandcutie · 10/10 · 26 June 2006]

I really like " Grounded for Life." It is a very simple comedy, which thanks to talented script writers and actors, is totally hilarious. I love this show because of how realistic and UN-PC it is. With a lot of sitcoms or shows the children are not realistic, the parents way to soft, the situations ridiculous and then the horror of sitcom horrors . . . ALL PROBLEMS ARE ENDED WITH A HUG!!!!!!! You know how stupid that seems when absolutely NO sane households are that sensitive? The strictest Mormon will even find that bizarre. That is why " Grounded for Life" is such a great show. The situations are so hilarious and perfect, and the message comes across clearly in identifiable situations that regular people can associate themselves with. I applaud the actors, director and anyone who was involved with this. It makes my afternoons from 4-5 PM (and my parents' afternoon) much more entertaining.

Great Show

[hary_the_actor · 9/10 · 3 July 2006]

Grounded for Life is one of the few really good sitcoms around today. The show centers around Sean and Claudia Finnerty, a married couple who got married and pregnant when they were 18 (just not in that order). They are now in their thirties and raising their three children Lily, an emotional and rebellious teenager; Jimmy, a shy and somewhat dorky kid about to enter his teenage years; and Henry, the youngest and always causing trouble. Joining the fun is Eddie, Seans brother, who always seems to "know a guy"; Walt, Sean and Eddies father; and, starting season three, Brad, the dorky kid next door who always had a crush on Lily, and begins dating her at the end of season three.

Two things make this show unique. The first is that it is actually funny. The second is its way of storytelling. It starts in the middle, after all the major events have taken place. The full story is told in flashbacks as one character tells others. There is often conflicting points of view between two people about one scenario. Usually by the end the character has resolved his/her problem.

Other great things about the show are the recurring guest stars, such as Sister Helen, the nun at the school the children attend; Dean, Lilys boyfriend, who she leaves for Brad; and Claudias father.

This is a great show, with good plots, interesting character and interesting storytelling. If you don't watch it, do so. You can catch it on ABC Family, Monday-Fridays at 4:00 and 4:30.

DVD Information

Season / Episodes / Release Date

Season 1 / 20 / Already Released

Season 2 / 17 / Already Released

Season 3 / 13 / August 8th, 2006

Season 4 / 28 / TBA 2006

Season 5 / 13 / TBA 2007

Cast

-----

Donal Logue- Sean Finnerty

Megyn Price- Claudia Finnerty

Lynsey Bartilson- Lily Finnery

Griffen Frazen- James "Jimmy" Finnerty

Jake Burbage- Henry Finnery

Kevin Corrigan- Eddie Finnerty Richard

Riehle- Walt Finnerty (Seasons 1-2)

Bret Harrison- Brad O'Keefe (Seasons 3-5)

Watch this great show. IT ROCKS!!!

Inspired

[seantdoolan · 10/10 · 8 September 2006]

"Grounded for Life" is quite simply one of the most insightful - and funniest - sitcoms since "Seinfeld." Its target audience is primarily the "contemporary married with children" sect and their offspring (rather than the ratings-intensive, teen to twenty-something audience that govern so much of the so-called "creative" content of contemporary television). If you didn't appreciate it during its run, do yourself a favor and catch the reruns. Sean, Eddie, Claudia, and Lily make the series not only true-to-life, but consistently entertaining in the process. Without exception, each episode addresses the gaps that exist between generations, infusing each one's inevitably skewed perspective with equal doses of self-deprecation. Multi-talented Lynsey Bartilson and Donal Logue (whose credits include the vastly underrated "The Tao of Steve") provide star quality lead performances, while the undeniably alluring Megyn Price and wry Kevin Corrigan offer compelling comedic characterizations that make "Grounded for Life" nothing less than one of the unrecognized gems of its time.

One of the Better Family Comedies!

[Sylviastel · 8/10 · 17 July 2008]

I like this show. It is set in Philadelphia about an Irish Catholic Finnertys. There are so Catholic that the kids go to Catholic school and have to deal with a strict nun played wonderfully by Miriam Flynn from the Vacation films. Megyn Price who is now on another sitcom was perfect as the wife and mother of this crazy household. Her husband is also great but I forget his name. I love Richard Riehle who is probably better known for his role in Office Space. He plays the Grandfather Finnerty. The family doesn't always get things right with the kids but they try anyway. THe show is funny and tries to be different which it succeeds in doing as one of the few family comedies in television anyway. It lasted four seasons which can get it into syndication for those of us who missed it in prime time.