Family Tree (2013) User Reviews (14)

Really funny

[djadamson0104 · 8/10 · 28 June 2013]

As a family genealogist and lover of British humor, I love this show. I actually found out about it from our local genealogy library's newsletter. It is truly a mockumentary of the popular genealogy shows. It doesn't need the foul language or sex, but it isn't that bad considering this is Hollywood.

Some of the funniest parts relate to DNA testing, immigration from the New World to the Old World, Civil War soldiers and re-enactments, ancestor occupations, the fact that the current cousins have the same disagreements as the ancestors, fear of cats. As this is a series, it keeps you wondering what is coming next in the journey to know one's relative

Who are we and why not?

[bobkathuds-2 · 9/10 · 21 June 2013]

Stumbled onto HBO's half-hour comedy "Family Tree" and watched the first three (of 8 ordered so far) on demand last night. VERY funny, especially 1 & 2. 3 slipped just a bit. Am looking forward to 4 later tonight. I believe they are showing all shows to date tomorrow. Catch up. May not be your cup of tea, but o man, if it is you are in for a treat. In some ways this may be pure comedy but I suspect it is a takeoff on the couple of genealogy shows that were popular the last couple of years. The humor is the usual Brit TV humor but given an original boost by reminding us how convoluted our current life is by having us go along on the journey as "facts" about our ancestry are uncovered leading first one direction and then abruptly swinging away at 90 degrees or 180 degrees leaving us no more informed about the "reality" of our past but thoroughly amused by the commingling of what is, what might be and what might have been. Highly recommended for anyone but especially those engaged in ancestry study at any level.

Great Show!

[wiggityp · 9/10 · 7 August 2015]

Just finished watching this on Amazon and thought it was great! Very funny dry humor and exceedingly watchable acting from loads of familiar faces from the Christopher Guest pool of talent. In particular ventriloquist/actor Nina Conti is impressively hilarious.

The show has a nice quietude to it which is akin to the vibe in other Guest productions but also never loses it's comedic steam. It's got a lot of mockumentary style cringe-humor through word-play, cross-cultural fire and general quirkiness. And there is even a fairly compelling romance which takes a back seat to the main character's genealogical quest but is still a warm element of the show.

Here's hoping that HBO gets off their fat arses and makes Season 2!

love the unique vocabulary

[suede-65 · 9/10 · 29 July 2013]

I love some of the vocabulary Chris ODowd uses and the low key way he says them. That's a shocker for example. The manner in which he speaks is brilliant and different. The Irish accent adds more flavour as well. He is a brilliant actor and I really enjoy this show after giving it a go. Wasn't so sure at first. The plot lines are very interesting and comical too. Michael McKean almost convinced me he was British. He has the British accent spot on. I just love the low keyed character of Tom Chadwick and the way he speaks. He seems to avoid hurting other peoples feelings and is so gracious, maybe not with his close buddy though. The scene in the restaurant with the salt woman was so funny and an example of Tom Chadwicks unique personality. I wish I could remember his lines. He looked so embarrassed and shocked at her. LOL. Love him! And the show and its premise etc.

Quirkily cute.

[Growlyted · 9/10 · 4 September 2013]

Chris O'Dowd is an extremely lovable actor and simply perfect for the role of Tom. He carries each episode well, being charming to almost everyone, even when embarrassed. He shows enthusiasm for each new branch discovered and participates willingly in all family activities. The scene stealer, however, is Monk, the constant puppet companion of Tom's eccentric sister, Bea. Nina Conti is delightful. I also enjoyed Tom Bennett as his daft best friend, Pete. The show gently mocks the "Who am I?" documentaries, plus other genres via characters' televisions. The script-less format means there is some miss, but mainly it works well. The actors are creative and are having fun with each other. The relationships between everyone, especially Tom and Bea, are touching. I hope this can get renewed.

The funniest Brit / American collaboration

[erinruth75 · 10/10 · 31 August 2018]

The subtle use of language and play on life's uncertainties make this show one of HBO's greatest. Chris O'Dowd and Nina Conti are superb throughout the eight episodes, illustrating a sense of humour that is both nuanced and delightfully absurd. This show is a pleasure based both in London and Los Angeles, with vivid eccentrics who transcend cultural contexts. If ever there were a show that deserves a second season, it is this one.

A family tree that is easy to log off

[Prismark10 · 4/10 · 10 September 2013]

Christopher Guest is a legend in the world of mockumentaries beginning with the sublime 'This is Spinal Tap' and it continued with movies such as 'Best in Show.'

Not everyone gets the joke in this genre of comedy and some of it is rather subtle.

It helps that Guest has a bank of actors that he can rely on.

So with great fanfare the BBC unveiled Family Tree. A mockumentary of genealogy shows such as 'Who do you think you are?' which has been successful for the Beeb.

Chris O'Dowd plays Tom very charmingly. He embarks on a search for his roots which takes place both in the UK and the USA.

The USA segment gives us the chance to encounter the Guest regulars such as Ed Begley Jr and Fred Willard.

The oddest character is his sister, Bea who carries with her Monk, a puppet monkey which allows her to state her feelings. Tom's best friend Pete accompanies him in his search and he can best be described as a pillock.

Another Guest regular, Michael McKean plays Keith Chadwick, Tom's father who loves old British situation comedies and they are gently parodied in the early editions of the show.

McKean and the comedies he watches are the real scene stealers in the programme. In a way he parodies the characters in sitcoms such as The Royle Family.

What is amazing is that McKean looks like a stalwart of British comedy and drama. An actor whose face is familiar but you cannot put the name to it.

So it was a shock when I told people that he is an American actor who has appeared in films such as 1941 and shows like Star Trek: Voyager.

The problem with Family Tree it was just not that funny and when Tom's father was missing it lost a vital spark.

The USA segment did not work and made the show less funny. At times it was a humour free zone.

Nina Conti and Monkey GREAT; Tom Bennett AWFUL

[TheFearmakers · 9/10 · 5 March 2019]

Good show. It's like a celebration of director Christopher Guest's style of mockumenting people who shouldn't be documented being they're so mundane. The secret sauce here is Nina Conti with her Monkey puppet. Like on the series Soap, the dummy says all the politically incorrect things a human can't, and she's drop dead hilarious. More than a reason to watch this series. The lead character's best friend Tom Bennett sucks the life out of main character Chris O'Dowd and the rest of the family that is discovered. All in all, it's Monkey's ride.

Quirky and bingeable!

[danecelyman · 9/10 · 15 April 2023]

As a fan of mockumentaries, Chris O'Dowd, British humor, and genealogy, this show was the perfect cup of tea! Every episode had me chuckling at one part or another, thanks to one of the elements above. It definitely targets a very specific niche, which is perhaps why it missed the mark with some viewers. What some find too absurd and silly others live for in a series, myself included. Each episode ended with some quirky twist, coaxing me to continue on to the next one-I ended up watching four in a row! It is lighthearted, witty, and spontaneous. You truly feel like you're a part of Tom Chadwicke's heartwarming journey. I could have gone without some of the more coarse content/dialogue, but it also makes the show what it is. Very sad that this unique series wasn't renewed for a second season!!

Nearly perfect series!

[jawinston · 10/10 · 2 March 2024]

I love all of Christopher Guest's films, so eagerly anticipated the premiere. I watched this when it originally aired on HBO, then re-watched several times On Demand, and finally purchased the DVD set. I've lost count how many times I've watched it since. The cast and story line are brilliant. This was the first time I saw Nina Conti and Monkey and fell in love with them! The series ended the season with plenty to fill a second season but alas it was not to be. I lament not knowing what happens to Tom, Bea, and Monkey, and was hoping to meet their mother. Was it too expensive to film? Only a niche audience for HBO?

Disappointing

[viviendoparajesus-375-589261 · 1/10 · 6 June 2014]

The plot sounded interesting getting a chest from a deceased relative and uncovering family treasures and secrets going on journeys to find more information. Also, since he is unemployed and searching for a new job he could find wisdom from learning more about his family and hence who he is. However, the actors are boring and not convincing. Finding out the aunt died and they sound like they are just talking about the weather. The characters are strange and not funny as I expected given that it is a comedy. The one woman talks through a puppet which could be done in a funny way however it comes off weird and disturbing. I am not an expert on British movies, so maybe that is the issue, but it is from HBO not BBC so I thought it would appeal more to the US audience.

what a terrible shame

[princessmelea · 1/10 · 16 September 2017]

I stumbled upon this series when looking up Chris O'Dowds filmography and decided to give it a go. Watched the first episode, not bad, the second one, boring but kept my interest then 15 minutes into episode 3 I thought to myself, what am I wasting my time for. Decided to stop there. I did have a flick through all the episodes on fast speed but it all looked incredibly dull. I guess that's proof that every show/film that an actor you like appears in will not always be good.

Not that funny

[pmpmn9 · 2/10 · 11 February 2019]

I thought I would enjoy this, since I've done some genealogy of my own and it's been no great thrill, but after enduring about 2-3 episodes, I'd had more than enough. I don't get the whole puppet thing...I think the sister should keep her thoughts to herself because they don't add anything to the series. The parts where the characters break the fourth wall and talk to the audience as if they're being interviewed also don't work. In fact, nothing really works in this show. I can't remember laughing during any of this. I get British comedy and I've laughed at a lot of it, but this really just isn't that funny and I can't be bothered watching the rest of it.

Tries to be very "awake", but ends up very "woke"!

[qui_j · 3/10 · 2 August 2020]

This is the most boring and silly series I have ever tried to watch. It goes nowhere fast. The dialog is somewhat (or maybe totally) improvised. It's not at all funny. I stuck through a couple of episodes, gritting my teeth and using the fast forward feature as often as I could (very often), and still could not be bothered to finish it....not even to go straight to the end. It is a totally lifeless series with poor acting and too much bad humor and silliness.