ABC Fall Pilot Review: The Goldbergs - Premieres Sept. 24; 65th Annual Primetime Emmy Award Winners

Monday, September 23, 2013

ABC Fall Pilot Review: The Goldbergs - Premieres Sept. 24; 65th Annual Primetime Emmy Award Winners

The Goldbergs - Tuesdays at 9:00PM ET/PT on ABC
Premieres Tuesday, September 24, 2013 at 9:00PM ET/PT

by Pavan

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 McLendon-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, an overly emotional teen with severe 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.

Cast Details:

Wendi McLendon-Covey as Beverly Goldberg
Patton Oswalt as adult Adam Goldberg
Sean Giambrone as Adam Goldberg
Troy Gentile as Barry Goldberg
Hayley Orrantia as Erica Goldberg
George Segal as Pops Solomon
Jeff Garlin as Murray Goldberg

Wendi McLendon-Covey (Beverly Goldberg) has never been busier: In addition to her role on ABC's The Goldbergs, she is currently shooting the film Think Like a Man 2. Audiences will also be able to see her this winter in A Friggin' Christmas Miracle, opposite Robin Williams, Joel McHale and Lauren Graham, and next year co-starring in Tyler Perry's Single Mom's Club. She is perhaps best known for her starring roles in Bridesmaids, Reno 911, Lovespring International and the television series Rules of Engagement.

Patton Oswalt (adult Adam Goldberg) continues to find success in all areas of entertainment, from his Grammy-nominated comedy special, Finest Hour, to numerous memorable TV guest roles, the upcoming comedy The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, with Ben Stiller, and a starring role on Adult Swim's The Heart, She Holler. Last year Oswalt was recognized for his work on the big screen with a Critics' Choice Award nomination for his performance in Jason Reitman's Young Adult, opposite Charlize Theron. In addition to his guest roles this past year on Justified, Two and a Half Men and Burn Notice, Oswalt has a recurring role on the upcoming season of The Newsroom and also recurred in Caprica. He was a series regular on United States of Tara, and appeared as a guest star on Bored to Death, Flight of the Conchords, and The Sarah Silverman Program. He is also a regular contributor to Countdown with Keith Olbermann, Real Time with Bill Maher and Lewis Black's Root of All Evil.

Sean Giambrone (Adam Goldberg) is the 11-year-old version of the show's creator, Adam Goldberg. Giambrone is also a series regular on Cartoon Network's Clarence, a new animated series debuting this fall. He's the voice of Jeff, intellectual sidekick of the main character. Giambrone began his acting career at the age of 9 and starred in various television commercials, including for McDonald's and Friendly's Restaurants. He gained particular attention in the nationwide campaign for Sea World, even making an appearance in a spoof on The Tonight Show, and also appeared as Afro Boy in the film I Heart Shakey.

Troy Gentile (Barry Goldberg) got his start in entertainment at the age of 11 when he landed his first acting job, playing the supporting role of Hooper - the bear in the wheelchair - in the remake of Bad News Bears with Billy Bob Thorton. He later went on to play another supporting role as little Jack Black in the film Tenacious D: The Pick of Destiny. His career continued its rise when he was cast in the role of young Dan Fogel in Good Luck Chuck. At the age of 13, Gentile was cast in Drillbit Taylor in his first lead role, opposite Owen Wilson and produced by Judd Apatow. He was also seen in Pineapple Express, Nacho Libre and Hotel for Dogs, with Don Cheadle and Kevin Dillon. In television he has had guest appearances in Entourage, Disney's The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, HawthoRNe and The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson.

Hayley Orrantia (Erica Goldberg) is a 19 year old actress, singer and songwriter originally from Highland Village, Texas. She was a contestant on Season 1 The X Factor USA. Originally auditioning as a solo artist, she and three other contestants were assembled during the boot camp phase by Simon Cowell into a girl group to continue in the competition. Calling themselves Lakoda Rayne, they were the last group in the competition and made it to the top 9. As a solo artist, Orrantia has recorded songs on the soundtracks for Disney's Tinkerbell and the Lost Treasure, Camp Rock 2 and Hannah Montana Forever. She has opened for several major artists and celebrities, including Hot Chelle Rae, Jack Ingram, JLS, Julianne Hough and Rachel Ray.

George Segal (Pops Solomon) is a veteran of stage, television and film, Segal has amassed an impressive resume of projects that run the gamut, from the lightest of comedies to the most heart-wrenching of dramas. He first gained critical attention as a distraught newlywed in Ship of Fools and as a P.O.W. in King Rat. He went on to garner an Oscar nomination for his performance as Nick in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf. Younger generations of viewers will recognize him from his successful seven-year run in Just Shoot Me!, and more recently from his confident, jaunty turn as Hollywood manager Murray Berenson in the hit show Entourage. Other recent TV appearances include starring on TV Land's sitcom Retired at 35 and guest appearances on Private Practice, Pushing Daisies, Boston Legal and Law & Order: SVU. On the big screen, Segal appeared as Jake Gyllenhaal's father in Love and Other Drugs, as well as in Roland Emmerich's epic adventure, 2012.

Jeff Garlin (Murray Goldberg) has talent encompassing writing, producing, directing, acting and performing stand-up comedy. He is best known as Larry David's manager on the critically acclaimed HBO comedy, Curb Your Enthusiasm, for which he is also an executive producer. In 2007 Garlin adapted his solo stage show I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With into an independent film. It premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival to critical acclaim and was a successful independent release for IFC. His second feature as writer, director and star, dealin' with idiots, was released by IFC in July 2013. He's also an executive producer on the forthcoming documentary Finding Vivian Maier. Garlin has extensive feature acting credits, including Disney-Pixar's Academy Award-winning films WALL-E (The Captain) and Toy Story 3 (Buttercup the Unicorn). In 2012 he released a book, Curbing It (Simon & Schuster), in which he shares his eye-opening journey to reduce his waistline and his carbon footprint during the production of the seventh season of HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Pilot Plot:

"The Circle of Driving" (airs Tuesday, September 24 at 9:00PM ET/PT)

In the pilot episode for the series, Barry wakes on his birthday expecting to get a car, but is disappointed at the kitchen table when Beverly says that he's not ready for that responsibility and gives him something else that shocks him. Pops complicates matters by giving Barry the car he wants, but Beverly instantly makes her father take the car back. Meanwhile, Adam seeks Pop's advice on his crush at the local diner.

Guest starring Troy Winbush as Officer Pochinski and Brec Bassinger as Zoe.

"The Circle of Driving" was written by Adam F. Goldberg and directed by Seth Gordon.

Analysis:

After watching the pilot, I can't help but think of the well-done sitcom The Wonder Years. That show was aired in the late 80s/early '90s but was set in the '60s. This show is set in the '80s but it is airing 2013. The time is right for something like this. It's such a great pilot and we are really invested in each family member. The backdrop of the '80s is well done but the key to the show is this family. I was really looking forward to this show and it did not disappoint. Each character shines in this premiere and we have a great set-up for things to come. These days people seem to forget that pilots are just set-up and when reviewing something, you have to also look at what the future will hold. 11-year-old Adam is probably the funniest on this show, but the entire family including the father (Murry), mom (Beverly), older brother (Barry), older sister (Erica) and grandpa (Al "Pops") are all funny. Adam's chemistry with "Pops" is so good and Pops' advice for Adam and a crush he has at a diner is hilarious. It's like Kevin and Winnie all over again. I love it!

It's just an enjoyable premiere and you know it is something special when you want to watch the pilot over and over again. I've watched it about three times already and I laugh every single time. It may not be as sharply written as Modern Family's pilot, but in a way it reminds of that series. The core of the show is the family and that's what makes Modern Family so special. This show also is using real-life stories from the creator, like Modern Family has done. That makes it more real and funny and I'm sure many of you will relate very well to this. If you were living in the '80s or not. This is a core ABC family-centric comedy and it should work very well for them. Adam video tapes everything in his '80s video camera and you should be recording this show in 2013 on your DVR every week. Well, also watching live, too...because this is appointment television.

Conclusion:

This is my favorite sitcom pilot of the season. It's watchable, laugh-out-loud funny, and it has a very relatable family. Many are writing this one out for no reason without even watching it. I don't get that at all because this is a hell of a show and it will surprise many. It won't surprise me, because it is fantastic. Why else would it be anchoring an entire night? The last time ABC tried to anchor a night with a new comedy was back in 2009 with Modern Family and we all know how that turned out. To me, it is the best and most enjoyable comedy pilot of the 2013-14 class and it is the most mainstream as well. Yes, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Enlisted and Trophy Wife have better writing, but this one is the most mainstream that anyone can enjoy. It is familiar, too, and familiar type shows are always well watched. Some shows that are not familiar and mainstream like 30 Rock, Happy Endings, have all struggled to find a mass audience.

The series is going to be following the most anticipated new series of the fall, Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. so it will have an ample audience for its premiere. I'm predicting right now it will have one of the best comedy premieres of the season in adults 18-49, if not the best (watch out Robin Williams and Michael J. Fox). And whoever watches it will love it. It probably won't be getting the critical praise of Modern Family, but to me, it has the relatable and funny family aspect down pact. If you're looking for some fun, then you're going to be watching the right show. It's great family entertainment following a great entertaining new show that will be watched by all ages. New Girl, get ready to step aside, because you have a new comedy competition to beat you. The Goldbergs is pure fun and the best new comedy of the fall!

Final Numbers (out of 5 stars):

Watchability: 4.5/5
Funniness: 4/5
Overall: 4.5/5

Discuss the show after you watch it on Tuesday, September 24, 2013 at 9:00PM ET/PT on our message board.

Related Links:

ABC.com Official Site

TV.com

epguides.com

Internet Movie Database

Wikipedia

The Goldbergs Photo Gallery

Preview:

The 65th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards aired last night on CBS. Here are the winners!

OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES
The Big Bang Theory (CBS)
Girls (HBO)
Louie (FX)
Modern Family (ABC)
30 Rock (NBC)
Veep (HBO)
WINNER: Modern Family (ABC). Racked up a fourth straight win! This was a sure bet.

OUTSTANDING LEAD COMEDY ACTOR
Jason Bateman, Arrested Development (Netflix)
Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory (CBS)
Matt LeBlanc, Episodes (Showtime)
Don Cheadle, House of Lies (Showtime)
Louis C.K., Louie (FX)
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock (NBC)
WINNER: Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory (CBS). After not winning last year, Parsons comes back and wins it this year.

OUTSTANDING LEAD COMEDY ACTRESS
Laura Dern, Enlightened (HBO)
Lena Dunham, Girls (HBO)
Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie (Showtime)
Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation (NBC)
Tina Fey, 30 Rock (NBC)
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep (HBO)
WINNER: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep (HBO). For the second straight year. From this list, I would have guessed her, too.

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING COMEDY ACTOR
Adam Driver, Girls (HBO)
Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Modern Family (ABC)
Ed O'Neill, Modern Family (ABC)
Ty Burrell, Modern Family (ABC)
Bill Hader, Saturday Night Live (NBC)
Tony Hale, (Veep) (HBO)
WINNER: Tony Hale, (Veep) (HBO). I would have thought someone from Modern Family would have won. Ed O'Neill was very deserving this season.

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING COMEDY ACTRESS
Mayim Bialik, The Big Bang Theory (CBS)
Jane Lynch Glee (Fox)
Sofia Vergara, Modern Family (ABC)
Julie Bowen, Modern Family (ABC)
Merritt Wever, Nurse Jackie (Showtime)
Jane Krakowski 30 Rock (NBC)
Anna Chlumsky Veep (HBO)
WINNER: Merritt Wever, Nurse Jackie (Showtime). Probably the biggest upset and "huh?" of the night. Bowen or Vergara should have won.

OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES
Breaking Bad (AMC)
Downton Abbey (PBS)
Game of Thrones (HBO)
Homeland (Showtime)
House of Cards (Netflix)
Mad Men (AMC)
WINNER: Breaking Bad (AMC). Last year it was Homeland, but now Breaking Bad takes it.

OUTSTANDING LEAD DRAMA ACTOR
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad (AMC)
Hugh Bonneville, Downton Abbey (PBS)
Damian Lewis, Homeland (Showtime)
Kevin Spacey House of Cards (Netflix)
Jon Hamm, Mad Men (AMC)
Jeff Daniels The Newsroom (HBO)
WINNER: Jeff Daniels The Newsroom (HBO). A first time winner!

OUTSTANDING LEAD DRAMA ACTRESS
Vera Farmiga, Bates Motel (A&E)
Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey (PBS)
Claire Danes, Homeland (Showtime)
Robin Wright, House of Cards (Netflix)
Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men (AMC)
Connie Britton, Nashville (ABC)
Kerry Washington, Scandal (ABC)
WINNER: Claire Danes, Homeland (Showtime). She takes it for the second straight time. We wanted Kerry Washington to win so badly.

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING DRAMA ACTOR
Bobby Cannavale, Boardwalk Empire (HBO)
Jonathan Banks, Breaking Bad (AMC)
Aaron Paul, Breaking Bad (AMC)
Jim Carter, Downton Abbey (PBS)
Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones (HBO)
Mandy Patinkin, Homeland (Showtime)
WINNER: Bobby Cannavale, Boardwalk Empire (HBO). We thought Aaron Paul would win again.

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING DRAMA ACTRESS
Anna Gunn, Breaking Bad (AMC)
Maggie Smith, Downton Abbey (PBS)
Emilia Clarke, Game of Thrones (HBO)
Christine Baranski, The Good Wife (CBS)
Morena Baccharin, Homeland (Showtime)
Christina Hendricks, Mad Men (HBO)
WINNER: Anna Gunn, Breaking Bad (AMC). I thought Maggie Smith would win.

View the full list of winners.

Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows

Monday, April 6

The Neighorhood - "Welcome to Gemma Johnson's Day Off" (CBS, 8:00PM ET/PT)
Gemma reaches her limit at work, and when a car issue forces her to slow down, an unexpected break helps her rethink what she really wants next. Meanwhile, Marty and Malcolm’s plans are thrown off course when unexpected opportunities arise, and Dave embraces a new career path.

The Neighorhood - "A Farewell Special" (CBS, 8:30PM ET/PT)
CBS presents The Neighborhood: A Farewell Special, an Entertainment Tonight production, airing Monday, April 6 (8:30-9:30 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network and streaming on Paramount+. Hosted by Entertainment Tonight's Kevin Frazier and filmed on location on The Neighborhood's stages, the special celebrates the acclaimed CBS comedy's final season, honoring eight seasons, 156 episodes, and eight unforgettable years of laughter, heart and community, leading up to the series finale on May 11.

This celebratory event features exclusive new interviews with the cast reflecting on their journey, revisiting early days on set, and looking back at the show's evolution and cultural impact. From its heartfelt exploration of friendship and family to its comedic take on life in a changing community, The Neighborhood has become a beloved part of CBS' comedy legacy.

The special includes never-before-seen footage and archival interviews from the ET Vault, offering fans a nostalgic look at the series' most iconic moments and the relationships built along the way. Viewers will get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the emotional final days of production, including the cast and crew's last table read, intimate moments from the final tapings, and heartfelt goodbyes.

Additionally, The Neighborhood: A Farewell Special brings audiences inside the cast's final wrap party, capturing the laughter, speeches, memories, and surprises that marked the end of an era. To cap off the evening, fans will get an exclusive sneak peek at the upcoming series finale, with the cast and producers sharing what viewers can expect as the Butlers and Johnsons say farewell to the neighborhood they've called home for nearly a decade.

The Neighorhood - "Welcome to New Horizons" (CBS, 9:30PM ET/PT)
Dave’s silent auction wins lead to a classical concert outing with Gemma and the Butlers that quickly goes off the rails. Meanwhile, Malcolm’s ghostwriting gig takes a surprising turn when Tina encourages him to dive into reality TV for inspiration – sparking an unexpected obsession.

St. Denis Medical - "We Make Time" (NBC, 8:00PM ET/PT)
When a doctor becomes a patient, his co-workers rally around him, whether he likes it or not; Matt and Serena need to talk.

The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins - "The Loyalty Swamp" (NBC, 8:30PM ET/PT)
Tobin's past comes back to haunt him; Reggie and Brina struggle to set a wedding date.

Complete TV Listings

Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of April 6)

Monday, April 6

Jason Segel (Shrinking/How I Met Your Mother/Undeclared) - Watch Jason on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
Lisa Ann Walter (Abbott Elementary/Emeril) - Lisa appears on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
Keanu Reaves (Swedish Dicks) - Keanu is a guest on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at 11:35pm on CBS. He also talks about Outcome on NBC's Today sometime between 7-9am.
Melissa Gilbert (Stand by Your Man) - ABC's Good Morning America has George Stephanopoulos' exclusive interview with Melissa sometime between 7-9am.
Laurie Metcalf (Big Mistakes/The Conners/Roseanne/The McCarthys/The Norm Show) - Laurie talks about Big Mistakes on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am and on ABC's GMA 3: What You Need to Know at 1pm.
Kerry Washington (UnPrisoned) - Kerry chats with the ladies of The View on a repeat on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
Mindy Kaling (Running Point/The Mindy Project/The Office) - Mindy talks about Mindy's Book Studio on CBS Mornings sometime between 7-9am.
Terry Crews (Brooklyn Nine-Nine/Are We There Yet?/Everybody Hates Chris) - Terry and Rebecca King-Crews make an exclusive announcement on NBC's Today sometime between 7-9am. Terry will also be on in the 9am hour.
Sterling K. Brown (Starved) and Ryan Michelle Bathe (First Wives Club/Retired at 35) - Sterling and his wife Ryan Michelle tell Sherri about the highly anticipated new season of Paradise now streaming on Hulu & Disney+ on a repeat of Sherri, so check your local listings.
Amanda Peet (Brockmire/Togetherness/Bent) - Amanda talks season 2 of Your Friends & Neighbors and her new film Fantasy Life on The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.