Finally something that is absolutely funny and completely identifiable, and they decide to cancel it! I loved this show...it took me back to my HUMMMMM parenting days where i thought I was doing a great job,,,First time I laughed out loud while watching great TV in a long time. What a shame. I guess not enough blood and gore for the TV decisions makers.... Totally believable, Frankie's friends are kids that I grew up (or like the ones I grew up with) OR were friends of my children's (scary but true) . The writers are in total tune with the era and I am very sad to see it go. The cast of characters worked perfectly together and I could not wait for the next plot to see how Jack would instill a life lesson in his family.
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pemcgovern520 May 2014
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face-819-93372627 March 2014Nice new show. Christopher Meloni the Patriarch of this nuclear family of four and a more perfect hard ass with a heart of gold we haven't seen in quite some time. The basic old story of Mom going back to school so now it's Dad's turn works well set in the early Nineties, and the cast has been selected well ( You can really see the age difference of the older boy who was held back that no one fails to remind him). Rachael Harris plays a caring Mother who knows she deserves her crack at the bat, and it is good that they do not make her a week mess at the sudden separation from her daily routines with the kids; you can tell that she is ready for the changes. The kids are very good, and since today we are in 2014 sex talks on TV are much more up to date (well up to date with the 90's) so the humour is very solid, and there is a freshness to the entire show that gets it over the starting line strongly. I have Enjoyed this first episode, and even for network TV they run the edges as close as they can get. I recommend this one, and think that anyone who ever smiled, or still does when they hear Red call Eric a dumbass will enjoy the dynamics of these characters who look to have a bright future(at least until the internet bubble busts, but don't let them know about that yet).
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ockraz30 March 2014NOTE: This review is based solely on the pilot episode.
The basic formula for the show seems to be that you take the wistful 'looking backwards at my youth' narrator from 60's nostalgia show The Wonder Years and the family that was at the center of That 70's Show, and then set them down in the 1990's with a Top 20 period soundtrack. Then you cast Christopher Meloni (Law & Order: SVU and Oz) as Red Forman and force him to step up his parenting of his son (the narrator) and daughter while his wife goes to law school.
Surviving Jack is based on the book, I Suck at Girls, by Justin Halpern, so the titular Jack wasn't actually inspired by the character Kurtwood Smith (currently starring in Resurrection) played on That 70's Show. Of course, that wouldn't have been a bad thing, given that he was one of the best things about the show and was woefully underutilized in the early seasons. No, the character of Jack Dunlevy is based on the real life Samuel Halpern, M.D., who is Justin Halpern's father.
This is the second time that the relationship between Justin Halpern and his father has been adapted for the small screen. $#*! My Dad Says cast William Shatner (Star Trek and Boston Legal) as the father, and depicted the time when the adult Halpern was forced to move back into his father's home. Surviving Jack focuses on Halpern's high school years.
As Frankie Dunlevy, the Topher Grace role, Connor Buckley is appealing, but as with $#*! My Dad Says, it's really the father's show. Meloni's turn as Jack is closer to Smith's deadpan than Shatner's over the top hamminess, and that bodes well for the series. The writing is crisp and pretty funny. The supporting roles are all played adequately, with Rachael Harris doing an excellent job as the mother. It looks good so far, and I'm planning to watch again next week. -
Flik-Off17 April 2014The first thing that drew me to this show, was the fact that Christopher Meloni stars. I've always been a fan of Law & Order SVU, and after seeing him do Man of Steel, I was wondering where I'd see him next. I saw the commercial for Surviving Jack. At first, I was disappointed that he had moved on to do a sit-com. I was definitely skeptical coming in.
However, I then found out that this series would be set in the early 90's. That got my attention even more, being someone who grew up in those times. I still was expecting a low quality show doomed for cancellation, because the advertisements looked like it was a show that had been done many times over.
I was pleasantly shocked at how great the pilot was. The acting is good, the storyline is funny, and there are enough references from the 90's that will bring joy to anyone looking for some nostalgia. There's a certain book in the pilot which might really bring home how well the crew conveys the 90's setting. The music is also perfect! All in all, I loved the pilot, and will keep watching. This will most certainly be MY replacement for the recently finished How I Met Your Mother.
If you're looking for a relaxing show to relieve stress, and bring a smile to your face, and maybe even some strong nostalgia, then this is the show for you. -
jacobhadley7027 March 2014I just got through watching the Pilot episode and I must say WAY better than I thought it was going to be. I loved it. I liked it. I want some more of it. Totally got cheesy right there, but oh well. It was funny and totally not played out like most shows now-a-days. A good comedy show that has the camera angles you like, the dialogue you can laugh at and the entire feel of the show is just way better than what you thought it was going to be. I really hope this show last. I am scared this show might not last because of viewers but I promise that if you at least give this show one episode you won't regret it in the least bit, it's that show that reminds you of the older days of your youth while at the same time keeping a good comedy feel of modern age.
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davethevol22 April 2014Disclaimer up front: I find myself in similar circumstances (wife going back to school, multiple kids with HS freshman son, taking greater responsibilities at home) and remember the 90s (my late 20s) fondly. And I have been known to parent in ways similar to the titular Jack.
This show should be a huge hit. It captures 90s life fairly accurately without going to far and becoming cartoonish (hello 70s Show, talking to you). Yes, there are structural similarities. If the show had centered on Red and Eric, those cursory reviews would have a point. But it is that difference that begins the conversation.
This is a coming of age comedy. But as the son comes of age, dad has to reveal more about himself in order to form the connection with his kids (primarily the son) necessary to be the one that is "taking over the parenting" as mom goes back to school. Son Frankie has the requisite friends (if you don't recognize Mikey among your kid's friends, guess what-your kid is it) that are well cast and deliver well in support. The sister and mom are perfect. But the stories center on dad and son and they shine. This is a comedy played straight and without a laugh track, and is so much the funnier for it.
4 episodes into the run and I have a new favorite sitcom. I can't stop telling people about this show. I see that it only has a run of 8 episodes and find myself intensely nervous about its future. This show makes me laugh out loud. Consistently and often. My son actually fell off the couch laughing as Jack dropped the kids at school in episode 1. Watch this show. You will soon set the series record on your DVR so you can watch it over and over. -
nannep195610 April 2014SurvivingJack is bringing back many of my childhood/teen memories....that is a good thing! If my children were still home,we would be watching together and laughing hysterically. Love,love,love Jack's character. Such great ideas for parenting! The setup Jack planned to teach the boys the consequence of taking something not belonging to them was perfect. I actually look forward to watching each week and find myself laughing out loud, my cat even looks at me like I'm crazy. I look forward to the next episode very curiously as to what life lessons are in store for the television family. So far rating in my opinion is perfect for preteen and older to view. KUDOS to writers, staff, and actors.
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Wow! this is great fun to watch... and boy, it's been a long time since I could say that about a TV show! The dialog between the parents is refreshingly realistic - with subjects and situations that feel everyday rather than contrived. I think they've captured, perfectly, the generation gap on a multitude of fronts... while showing that some things in parenting-world will always be the same, no matter WHAT the generation! Our kids are 35 & 33 now... but, still... we are roaring as we listen to some of Jack's commentary on raising teenagers - it could have been pulled right out of this household, or some of our friends! And so nice to see a set of "tv parents" who put each other first and want the best for their kids - but don't try to be their kids' buddy! The episode we just watched had us absolutely rollin' we were laughing so hard. Laughing so hard you cry, is GOOD for the heart!
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dshardesty24 April 2014Finally a new TV show that combines various facets of old fashion simple humor we all wished we were that open about in family situations with current bold humor on things parents deal with everyday when raising children.
Its been a long time since I've enjoyed a show and actually laughed throughout the entire episode. Most shows today are either about zombies, crime, vampires or drama. I am a fan of TV shows that make you laugh and relax, not the types that make you tense and tired.
The actor that plays Jack is great, he has always played serious roles and this new father role is perfect for him. Great show. -
Jack Dunlevy (Christopher Meloni) is a military dad who is now the stay-at-home dad. His wife Joanne (Rachael Harris) is going back to law school. The daughter Rachel (Claudia Lee) is popular, argumentative and a little dim. The son Frankie (Connor Buckley) is struggling with his raging hormones. And his two idiot friends don't help much either.
This is a try and true formula of nostalgic family sitcom. There isn't anything new here and nothing particularly original. The father is angry, domineering and usually right. Christopher Meloni is not well known for his comedic skills. He does some comedic acting every once in awhile. He's better as a serious dramatic actor. His comedic characters usually have a hard edge. This is no exception. This show started slow, but it's a comfortable familiar watch. It got canceled after airing 6 episodes. -
aerosmith_88713 May 2014This show got me excited about watching TV again and looking forward to each new episode every week. Meloni was perfect and conveyed the perfect dad you wish was your dad & yet are so glad he's not. Loved that it was set in the 90s at the time I was growing up, so fun to relate to. I was laughing and snarfing through every episode. When I heard they canceled the show on May 7th 2014, I was furious! Why do they cancel the best shows and then leave Vampire Diaries or whatever they are on all the time? People are crazy. Shows like this need more coverage, no one I talk to has heard of Surviving Jack, they had no clue to watch it until I showed them and they were hooked too. Get the word out to bring it back! I signed a petition, please do it too! Please go to the address posted below!
www.change.or g/en-CA/petitions/fox-broadcasting-company-renew-surviving-jack -
If you've watched That 70's show I don't think will manage to like this poorly acted remake.
You can practically see all of the same characters (the foreign looking, the mysteriously wise, the authoritarian father, the loose sister, etc), but none of the same "chemistry" (I don't really know how to say it better). I'm a 90's kid, this show should in theory work for me... but it doesn't. It does have some interesting writing going on, but the actors really fail to deliver, specially the young ones. I don't say cancel this show, but I won't recommend it to any of my friends, at least not this (first)season. -
awinfield62528 March 2014Christopher Meloni crushed it. This was way funnier than I expected it to be. The hilarious one liners and 90's references had me laughing throughout the entire show. I find that the description of this show hits the nail on the head, and paints a funny picture of how adults and kids dealt with the growing pains of life. Classic parent/child interaction about every day life before access to all information was just a click away. Just from seeing the first episode, I hope this show is successful. At the end of the pilot, I had a smile on my face because I was reminded of the simplicity of how things used to be. Today, If a parent would put a box of condoms in their kids bag and it fell out; you better believe that it would be all over the five o' clock news! All in all, I give it two thumbs up. I think the supporting cast could be better, but they still do a very good job.
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I love Chris! I gobbled up every episode of this show and died laughing over and over and they took it away!!!! So, tired of getting into a show only to have them yank it.
Chris is one of my all time FAVORITE actors and this roll he got to do his strong menacing along with a very sexy funny man act that I loved and couldn't get enough of. Chris and Rachael Harris were awesome together. Perfect pairing.
I couldn't have been happier with this show and I wish they would bring it back!!!! -
I have to admit checking out many so-called "sit-coms" and not seeing the half hour(s)thru...but this one, I started in the middle, and immediately took a look for another show time to catch the beginning, then, having done so, clicked on series record. So I am well willing to give it a chance hoping it continues in the fresh, realistic, amusing tone that has been set in the pilot. The actors are well chosen with Mr. Meloni doing the story proud. His talent is not legendary for nothing! Now, it is up to the script staff to provide great material and we all will have another bright spot on Thursday nights. We won't just "survive Jack", we will appreciate him!
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This is the best show that I have seen in a very long time. I can't believe that Fox has canceled it. Why do the executives always cancel shows before we even get the chance to enjoy them. They decided to cancel this show when we had only viewed 4 or 5 episodes. This show is witty, funny and about the best comedy that I have seen on television in years. Please Please don't cancel it!!! We love it! This show brings back the nostalgia of the 90's but still seems relevant in the present day. Not to mention that it is wonderful to see a show where the dad takes the lead in raising the kids while mom has the chance to pursue her dreams. It would be a shame to cancel this show before we get the chance to see how amazing these characters will develop into. I can only imagine what else Jack will do to get his point across. His no-holds barred attitude makes for great television and it's wonderful to watch..
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k_dawson29 September 2014What a great cast, and good to know there are some brilliant comical writers out there. It is a disgrace to American television that they should cancel this excellent and funny show and it means it won't hit us in England. The father is a strict ex military man who wants the best for his kids, and shows that by sometimes being rather strict but brilliantly funny at the same time. His gorgeous popular daughter gets away with more than his son but she still got thrown in the pool for annoying him. His son's two idiotic friends who respect him like their own dad are always around the house much to the annoyance of the father, but they get the same harsh treatment as if they were his own kids. But he will always be there for them also. They stupidly ask for his help to make the baseball team, and how they wish they never, when they are woken up at 3 in the morning by a air horn for hardcore training. But still the father is always right, as they get the results they want. Maybe me explaining it doesn't give the brilliant and very funny program justice it should get but it is definitely worth watching the 8 episodes so far. With a classic 90's background soundtrack, this is a win win situation.
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sandraf012515 May 2014I absolutely love this show. I heard a rumor that it is/will be canceled. If the rumor is true, then someone needs to be fired. This show is hilarious and in a lot of instances very true. A huge plus... they play a lot of great music from the 90s that bring back a lot of memories. I really hope the show goes on. I crack up every time my husband and I watch it. I think we can all, in one way or another, relate to a lot of the things that happen on the show. Whether you relate to the mother who is going back to school, you are the teenager going through Highschool, or the father who now has to help out and play mom every now and then. Either way, you will laugh at some point during the show. HILARIOUS!
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dadd4825 October 2014I find It Funny that in a time when hit TV shows are getting rare Fox decides to cancel a show that was on the verge a being a major hit for the network. Hopefully another Network has the brains to pick this show up.Know about the show it is a darn funny show about real family problems and the funny situations family's get in Jack plays the part well as a crazy father slash Doctor although the show doesn't dwell into his professional career it does focus on his wife and children. It is rather funny on how the Parents torture there kids about there sex lives case in point, Joanne is kissing Jack and one of the kids walk in the Kitchen were they are kissing and go ewww and Joanne looks at the kids and says "you know we do it" and goes back to Kissing Jack. lol Now that there my friends is true in your face comedy.
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sallyjrt-996-5788859 May 2014This show is a breath of fresh air. It is believable and funny. Great job on this show. Everyone should watch to keep in on the air. Hopefully they will make more shows and more people will know about it and watch. Should try to add more characters though to keep it more interesting. Have not seen a show like this since Archie Bunker, but this is current and relevant. My boyfriend cracks up laughing and he hates television and rarely watches anything. That says a lot for this show. Hopefully this will not be canceled, but people need to tune in to keep it on the air. Spread the word so we can save this show! I can't seem to get 10 lines so this review will go through.
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pai-rai28 September 2014this original mid season replacement is much more than it looks like. the cast works really well together. it's part high school sitcom, part snl sketch and part family sitcom. not surprising, seeing as bill lawrence is an ep on this show. an outstading performance gives meloni, a perfect fit for the rugged, one liner-slinging dr cox-ish tough love guy. a father i can really relate to. doctor (i work in radiology too), ex military, libertarian. the music department does a good job and the single cam perspective gets used without any issues on my behalf. not much more to say, i hope it comes back with slightly stronger writing, the episodes so far are pretty much isolated from each other, so i'm not sure if that even should change. i never cringed at any dialog, which tends to happen with bad shows, but this is not a bad show! and guess what: it's not trying too hard to be 90s, it just subtly is.
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jaygippe14 June 2014This came out. I didn't watch it. As many of the other reviews stated they did not expect it to be as good as it was. It's true. Much better than expected. Yes it has the cheesy factor in there but these guys make it work. This first season... and they had the chemistry of a show that has been on the air for years! The whole family works but Christopher Meloni and Rachael Harris seal the deal as mom and dad. Rachael Harris is the quirky character she often plays and always shines at and Christopher Meloni is just an amazing actor. I can very much hate him in one show and then like this, think he is the best thing ever. I hope this is not the last I see of Surviving Jack. For this family comedy eight isn't enough!