Grace and Frankie

:

Season 1
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: May 8, 2015
Season #: 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 147 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 116 out of 147
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 147
  3. Negative: 11 out of 147
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  1. bshelton
    May 9, 2015
    9
    "You're anger is scaring the sand!" How can you dislike a show when Lily Tomlin delivers a line like this with grace and hilarity? We laughed all the way through the pilot. True it may not be a TERRIBLY original concept.....scorned rival wives becoming friends....but the lead actresses and actors are old pros and really bring a lot to the series. I think sometimes reviewers take things"You're anger is scaring the sand!" How can you dislike a show when Lily Tomlin delivers a line like this with grace and hilarity? We laughed all the way through the pilot. True it may not be a TERRIBLY original concept.....scorned rival wives becoming friends....but the lead actresses and actors are old pros and really bring a lot to the series. I think sometimes reviewers take things too seriously. If you want to watch this show for some fun....you won't be disappointed.… Expand
  2. Gailee
    May 12, 2015
    7
    This could be a 9 given the writers history with comedy. The first couple episodes were hysterical but hen it became situational in later episodes and sorta depressed me and I started thinking. . I hope it gets back to the laughs.
  3. Browneyes
    May 19, 2015
    10
    After watching this,you will yearn for more. So realistic,funny,and bittersweet.Love all the characters.I found myself smiling,and laughing out loud. Those of us in a certain age group will relate!
  4. Jessie2F
    May 18, 2015
    10
    Captures the sensitivity, frustration, angst and love inherent in relationships. Extremely well written and acted by a cast of true professionals. Well done!!
  5. GJBari
    May 9, 2015
    9
    Every so often a show transcends mere entertainment value and becomes truly artful. Grace and Frankie is one of those shows. This is a rare feat for any television series, but its especially rare for a comedy. With a running time of 35 minutes, the pilot is admittedly slow to get the ball rolling, but on the whole Grace and Frankie had no problem holding my attention. Some critics haveEvery so often a show transcends mere entertainment value and becomes truly artful. Grace and Frankie is one of those shows. This is a rare feat for any television series, but its especially rare for a comedy. With a running time of 35 minutes, the pilot is admittedly slow to get the ball rolling, but on the whole Grace and Frankie had no problem holding my attention. Some critics have found fault in Grace and Frankie for its supposedly regressive stance on sensitive topics, and those criticisms are not wholly unfounded, but perspective is important here: Robert and Sol are by no means bad people, and the show does not portray them as such, but to leave your wife for a man after 40 years of marriage would be shocking to say the least, and that bitterness, that sense of betrayal, is conveyed beautifully and poignantly by Fonda and Tomlin. Much of the show's humour is based on shock value; there are many "I can't believe she just said that!" moments, and it works very well, but don't walk into it thinking you're getting It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, because the show packs a heavy emotional punch as well; I found myself feeling genuine compassion and sympathy for Grace and Frankie, and was even a little misty-eyed by the end of the pilot, as anger, resentment, and bitterness gave way to cautious optimism. All in all, I think Grace and Frankie been unfairly criticized by a lot of people, many of whom I feel just missed the point. It's a wonderful show, and I think it's worth just about anyone's time.… Expand
  6. plumgirl20
    May 16, 2015
    10
    Please make more!

    Lovely reflection on the role of family/gay relationships/marriage in our world today: Children of divorce, the left behind spouses and the collateral damages. Lily Tomlin is such a delight and series is worth watching just to see Sam Waterston and Martin Sheen kiss! Kudos for the bravery to present such an honest look at todays modern state of LOVE. When you laugh    Please make more!

    Lovely reflection on the role of family/gay relationships/marriage in our world today: Children of divorce, the left behind spouses and the collateral damages. Lily Tomlin is such a delight and series is worth watching just to see Sam Waterston and Martin Sheen kiss! Kudos for the bravery to present such an honest look at todays modern state of LOVE. When you laugh it is from your belly. Please Jane Fonda lighten up a bit…you are way funnier when you just let go both as a character and a woman.    … Expand
  7. ajja
    May 18, 2015
    10
    Spectacular Show!!!! Cant Wait for season 2!! Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin make a great duo. Funny and refreshing. Love the theme, reflects reality for many gay couples that face same situation.
  8. BogKid
    May 9, 2015
    9
    Funny. Funny. Funny. Lili Tomlin is the aging hippie. Jane Fonda is the self-centered upper-middle-class society lady. Martin Sheen is the lawyer husband with the perfectly coifed hair. Sam Wanamaker is the sort-of messy lawyer (partners). I see other reviewers seem to be complaining that the show is a bit slow. That it is not up to the minute in its handling of social situationsFunny. Funny. Funny. Lili Tomlin is the aging hippie. Jane Fonda is the self-centered upper-middle-class society lady. Martin Sheen is the lawyer husband with the perfectly coifed hair. Sam Wanamaker is the sort-of messy lawyer (partners). I see other reviewers seem to be complaining that the show is a bit slow. That it is not up to the minute in its handling of social situations (I am trying to be careful not to produce spoilers). I think the writing is subtly funny. Sometimes serious/ Sometimes insightful. Sometimes very funny. It's not (thank God) a laugh a minute show. It's more like real life but with people who often say funny things.

    Without the four mentioned stars, Grace and Frankie would probably be nowhere near so good and possibly just a dud. But it's not a dud. It is funny. And best of all. No laugh track. You can laugh, smile, chuckle a little, all when YOU want to do so.    … Expand
  9. innocent_ed
    May 9, 2015
    8
    I've already watched the entire first series. Lily and Jane are wonderful together. The one liners are hilarious. The show is very well done and quite entertaining. But, as I watched, something dawned on me. The show may be called "Grace and Frankie" but it's really about their husbands (Sheen and Waterston). Their characters are portrayed as 2 faithful family men who have denied theirI've already watched the entire first series. Lily and Jane are wonderful together. The one liners are hilarious. The show is very well done and quite entertaining. But, as I watched, something dawned on me. The show may be called "Grace and Frankie" but it's really about their husbands (Sheen and Waterston). Their characters are portrayed as 2 faithful family men who have denied their true sexuality for 40 years. While I think the family dynamics are well done (everyone decides to forgive and forget). It's not about Grace and Frankie. There is an underlying message. Did no one else get the "silver haired men it's time to come out" message? As one character states it "I think all men are gay". I stand firm for gay rights in every respect. No one should be marginalized. But, in my humble opinion, the show is about the two husbands not about the two wives.… Expand
  10. I_loveTVnMovies
    May 10, 2015
    10
    One of the Best TV shows of the year so far! The cast, acting and their chemistry are very good. It is very honest and funny with clever jokes : ) I had a pretty good time watching it. I can’t wait for a second season, because I am sure it will be great. I don’t get the hate from critics about this show or when they say “its not a fit for Netflix”. I def love Netflix. It does not have aOne of the Best TV shows of the year so far! The cast, acting and their chemistry are very good. It is very honest and funny with clever jokes : ) I had a pretty good time watching it. I can’t wait for a second season, because I am sure it will be great. I don’t get the hate from critics about this show or when they say “its not a fit for Netflix”. I def love Netflix. It does not have a formula for its content as every network does. Grace, Frankie and Netflix just made my weekenD… Expand
  11. Arleenzhere824
    May 15, 2015
    9
    I LOVE this show! Something for the adults to see. Jane Fonda and Lilly Tomlin have great chemistry together. I hope this comes back next season, can't wait
  12. hahnij
    May 14, 2015
    9
    Maybe you can call me old fashioned but I love the approach they have taken. I find it a funny and refreshing. I can see how this can twist and turn just as good as any other series. I am hanging in there to see what they have in store.
  13. linbryant
    May 19, 2015
    10
    I just "binged watched" the first season. Love the show. Lily Tomlin is so great. The other cast members are wonderful, but she's the best. The supporting cast is awesome. Looking forward to another season.
  14. Juliewulf
    May 20, 2015
    9
    Any show that features a peyote trip on the first episode gets my vote! -Kidding aside it is a total blast to watch cultural 'shapers' have this much fun in their 70's while continuing to affirm the values of acceptance, love, and being open enough to embrace change honestly in their lives and times.
  15. finny180
    Jun 12, 2015
    10
    I love, love, love this show. As a 50 something who is tired of the canned laughter and "all about sex" sitcoms this is so great! I was never a huge Jane Fonda fan but she and Lily are so wonderful in their parts. Please please please don't cancel this show. We need shows like this. The writing is great, the acting is outstanding. I laugh out loud!!!
  16. scrambledeggs
    Jun 13, 2018
    10
    Love the show. At last not a teen drama with century-old love affairs. Great actresses. Not many genuinely funny sitcoms out there these days. Keep up the good work.
  17. knyn214
    May 9, 2015
    10
    It's hard not to love a bunch of veteran talents exacting the best dramatic potential out of the aging process. Excellent television at the best of times, worthy food for thought at the worst.
  18. toliverjohn
    May 26, 2015
    10
    Very funny. I strongly disagree with the critics. I laughed a lot. It was such a pleasure to see Lilly Tomlin and Jane Fonda in a comedy. Netflix did good.
  19. brentwshelton1
    Jun 28, 2015
    8
    "Your anger is scaring the sand!" How can you dislike a show when Lily Tomlin delivers a line like this with such hilarity? We laughed all the way through the pilot. True it may not be a TERRIBLY original concept.....scorned rival wives becoming friends....but the lead actresses are old pros and really bring a lot to the series. I do have to say that, unfortunately – I don’t buy Martin"Your anger is scaring the sand!" How can you dislike a show when Lily Tomlin delivers a line like this with such hilarity? We laughed all the way through the pilot. True it may not be a TERRIBLY original concept.....scorned rival wives becoming friends....but the lead actresses are old pros and really bring a lot to the series. I do have to say that, unfortunately – I don’t buy Martin Sheen and Sam Waterson as believable gay men…every time I watch I simply see Martin Sheen and Sam Waterson trying to portray a gay character…their on screen personas do not make me BELIEVE they are gay. However, overall, if you want to watch this show for some fun....you won't be disappointed.… Expand
  20. jcreighton
    May 13, 2015
    10
    No better pair than Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda. The two separately are hilarious, but together... well, they're simply comedy gold!! The rest of the supporting cast is also very talented! A must-see Netflix Original!!
  21. Rosemarie
    May 10, 2015
    7
    I just finished watching grace and Frankie . Wish it didn't have to end. It's been a long time since i enjoyed a series this much. The actors were just amazing and every actors roll was perfect for them. Please consider doing another series of Grace and Frankie... Just loved it ...
  22. JCurnow
    May 12, 2015
    10
    What a great show! The cast was superb, especially Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda. It was lighthearted while tackling sensitive subjects. Can't wait to watch Season 2.
  23. Marianne84
    May 12, 2015
    10
    Just finished up the full season of Grace and Frankie. I have to say I totally enjoyed it. What I most appreciated was the cast is not 20 somethings. I am 58 and it was fun watching a show that could be my future and not my past. I believe Netflix hit on the pulse of the ageing baby boomers....I think we need to check the age of the critics before taking there opinion to heart. LookingJust finished up the full season of Grace and Frankie. I have to say I totally enjoyed it. What I most appreciated was the cast is not 20 somethings. I am 58 and it was fun watching a show that could be my future and not my past. I believe Netflix hit on the pulse of the ageing baby boomers....I think we need to check the age of the critics before taking there opinion to heart. Looking forward to Season 2!… Expand
  24. Lorab
    May 18, 2015
    10
    I would like to review Grace and Frankie without comparison to any other genre of show or decade related piece. I'm not interested in the progression of sitcoms, dramadies or the like through the ages. I'm interested in these characters and their life changes and what's happening to them now.
    Those who review shows for a living must have a hard time isolating (from all other shows), a    I would like to review Grace and Frankie without comparison to any other genre of show or decade related piece. I'm not interested in the progression of sitcoms, dramadies or the like through the ages. I'm interested in these characters and their life changes and what's happening to them now.
    Those who review shows for a living must have a hard time isolating (from all other shows), a story line, actors, writers and all that goes into a production. Or, wait a minute, actually, shouldn't that ability be part of their skill set.
    Anyhow, I am not a professional and have no problem reviewing this show for what it is. The actors are portraying complex characters that are portrayed the way they truly act in real life. The main characters are in their 70's and are displaying the personality traits of people of that age. The dialogue is natural and very dryly funny. The four main characters are having so much fun playing these roles that it comes through in every scene. This is not a show about gay hipsters who speak in short abbreviated sentences and possess the cutting edge attitudes that all other gay hipsters (come on, all hipsters, but this is not an insult to any group of trend setters, this is just not a show about you, it is about 70 year olds and how they live their lives. It is it's own 'effing trend)} try to emulate.
    Because there are young actors as well, there is and will be plenty of opportunity to be as supper current as anyone could ever want. This is not a show that in any way should copy the fun mayhem of "New Girl" so any comparison to that genre is inappropriate. This show has grown up fun, yahoo!

    These characters are dealing with their life progression the way they as individuals absolutely would go through it all.
    Sam Waterston is a royal hoot. What fun he must be having. HIs character is already so developed. I know this person. HIs character is conflicted between the two loves of his life and he brings that to life dead on.
    Lily Tomlin is absolutely convincing and sooo funny. So don't ask anyone who is not an old hippie if she portrays this character properly. She hits it on the head as well. This character is also someone I know.
    Martin Sheen is so uptight and every time he shows emotion it appears as new and thrilling to him as it does to the audience. Can you imagine what is must be like after 70 years to be free to be who you have always wanted to be. How does an emotionally shut down lawyer do this? Mr. Sheen is clearly having the time of his life letting us find out.
    And then there is Jane Fonda. Such a powerful character but sooo clueless about enjoying anything in life for her own self. Has this character ever acted upon anything for the love of it (I think yes to this, but she'll have to let us in on those morsels). I can't wait to watch this journey. And I don't mean she will just get high drinking peyote tea but a journey to self realization in earnest. No one could do this like Ms. Fonda.

    Oh, BTDubs, what a good looking bunch old 70 year olds. Jane of course has the body of a 35 year old.

    What keeps this show most in the forefront of sophisticated programing is the relevance of issues for the age group of the main characters. This is not a show pretending that old people have a sex life, old people actually do have a sex life. This is not a show pretending that old people are vital and healthy, these characters actually are all that. They do through out "F" bombs for sure but just the way they should. Again, I know these people, they are here around us every day.

    Well done you so far, if the writers, directors, actors et al feel they need to tweak stuff then that is you all's skill set for sure but do not forsake the characters. If this is the beginning, can you imagine what the upcoming seasons while bring us? There must be several more seasons, even with such abbreviated seasons as the ever popular 13 episode stint brings us these days.

    This is a show for grownups with a well developed sense of humor and a passion for living life.Of course binge watching helps the viewer to see the character development tremendously.
    More please, much much more.    … Expand
  25. koco7
    May 19, 2015
    9
    An amazing ensemble cast. The writing is excellent. Although billed as a comedy, the story lines can be very heart tugging. These characters are going through major life adjustments. I like the way that, in addition to humor, there are elements of anxiety, regret, sensitivity, letting go, moving forward and questioning. This show has lots of potential. The first 13 episodes have been soAn amazing ensemble cast. The writing is excellent. Although billed as a comedy, the story lines can be very heart tugging. These characters are going through major life adjustments. I like the way that, in addition to humor, there are elements of anxiety, regret, sensitivity, letting go, moving forward and questioning. This show has lots of potential. The first 13 episodes have been so worthwhile. I hated to see the end of #13. Hoping that the show continues so that we can delve more into these complex characters.… Expand
  26. maplecast
    May 25, 2015
    8
    Just finished binge viewing of Grace & Frankie and hated to see it end. Fonda and Tomlin work well together in their love-hate, rather like-dislike relationship as the jilted wives. Sometimes the Sol/Robert scenes were a bit uncomfortable, would have liked less of their interactions although Sheen and Waterston create good characters. Any chance Dolly Parton can do a sketch on season two?Just finished binge viewing of Grace & Frankie and hated to see it end. Fonda and Tomlin work well together in their love-hate, rather like-dislike relationship as the jilted wives. Sometimes the Sol/Robert scenes were a bit uncomfortable, would have liked less of their interactions although Sheen and Waterston create good characters. Any chance Dolly Parton can do a sketch on season two? Would really enjoy seeing the 9-5 ladies together again.… Expand
  27. kingbates1
    May 25, 2015
    10
    This is a wonderful dramadie with an excellent cast. Season one is a wonderful development of the characters. Lilly Tomlin is worthy of an Emmy nomination. The chemistry building between these two jilted women is palpable. We watched the entire season this weekend and are going back for more. The mixture of laughs and tears is a perfect blend. Can't wait for season 2. The openingThis is a wonderful dramadie with an excellent cast. Season one is a wonderful development of the characters. Lilly Tomlin is worthy of an Emmy nomination. The chemistry building between these two jilted women is palpable. We watched the entire season this weekend and are going back for more. The mixture of laughs and tears is a perfect blend. Can't wait for season 2. The opening credits with the collapsing wedding cake is brilliant.… Expand
  28. bobo67
    May 27, 2015
    8
    The good about this show so far outweighs the bad. On the good: First the acting. Even beyond the four main characters, those cast as their adult children for example are just great. Special shoutout to June Diane Raphael who is a scene stealer from some heavy hitters. I also particularly enjoy the Sol-Frankie relationship that acknowledges that these things are not always so clean cut.The good about this show so far outweighs the bad. On the good: First the acting. Even beyond the four main characters, those cast as their adult children for example are just great. Special shoutout to June Diane Raphael who is a scene stealer from some heavy hitters. I also particularly enjoy the Sol-Frankie relationship that acknowledges that these things are not always so clean cut.
    For the bad: The dialogue is sometimes awkward, and the story sometimes contrived or meandering without point. Tomlin's character in particular, is a bit too over the top in regard to her "all things hippie" activities. She could be a "hippie" without that much exaggeration. Definitely looking forward to season 2.    … Expand
  29. meganmakepeace
    May 30, 2015
    10
    I like watching great actors find their way with a comedic and tragic script. I like to focus my attention. I dislike having my TV spoon fed to me; feel this, now feel that, now feel this again.
    Grace and Frankie's dialogue is complex. Over the 13 episodes it evolves. Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston start having serious fun and Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin harness the counterpoint. I look    I like watching great actors find their way with a comedic and tragic script. I like to focus my attention. I dislike having my TV spoon fed to me; feel this, now feel that, now feel this again.
    Grace and Frankie's dialogue is complex. Over the 13 episodes it evolves. Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston start having serious fun and Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin harness the counterpoint. I look forward to more Grace and Frankie and Robert and Sol.    … Expand
  30. stephanygator
    Jun 1, 2015
    10
    I love this show (33 y/o, female). My husband loves this show (34 y/o). My mother loves this show (late 60s). My sister-in-law loves this show (mid twenties). And both of my parents-in-law love this shoe (early 50s).

    I give our ages to demonstrate the universality of the humor used in the show. It is funny. Light-hearted and then unexpectedly deep. So many issues are addressed    I love this show (33 y/o, female). My husband loves this show (34 y/o). My mother loves this show (late 60s). My sister-in-law loves this show (mid twenties). And both of my parents-in-law love this shoe (early 50s).

    I give our ages to demonstrate the universality of the humor used in the show. It is funny. Light-hearted and then unexpectedly deep. So many issues are addressed (i.e. same-sex couples meeting later in life, cheating partners, divorce, substance abuse/family coping with recovering alcoholic, etc.). I can't wait for Season Two!    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

23
#23 Most Discussed TV Season of 2015
83
#83 Most Shared TV Season of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
58

Mixed or average reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 27
  3. Negative: 1 out of 27
  1. Uncle Barky
    Reviewed by: Ed Bark
    May 12, 2015
    75
    Viewers are advised to stay with Grace and Frankie and watch it both blossom and bear fruit. It’s not a great, game-changing series by any means. At least not yet.
    Read full review
  2. Vox.com
    Reviewed by: Emily VanDerWerff
    May 11, 2015
    50
    On the whole, however, the show simultaneously feels like it has too much going on--in that there are eight regulars to service, all with their own season-long story arcs--and too little--in that there's rarely any real conflict between the characters.
    Read full review
  3. Las Vegas Weekly
    Reviewed by: Josh Bell
    May 11, 2015
    50
    Unlike Amazon’s Transparent, which deals compassionately with a late-in-life revelation about sexuality, Grace and Frankie is mostly content to recycle old jokes in a new context.
    Read full review
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