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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User Reviews

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  1. ksue
    May 29, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I just finished the series. I loved every minute of it. Grace reminded me of the Jane Fonda of “On Golden Pond”. I just wanted her to unwind. Lily Tomlin reminded me of One ringy dingy Two ringy dingy, Dorky humor that made me laugh every time. Feel Good entertainment reminiscent of my adolescence. The series covered a myriad of topics not shy of current culture. I enjoyed each season. The ending was uplifting, a reminder of life changes fast so love the one you’re with or make changes.
    9-5 gals team up when Dolly Parton was in the last episode… loved that too! Thank you to the cast and writers. I have never submitted a review on anything I’ve ever watched but This serious compelled me to do so.    … Expand
  2. Melville
    Mar 10, 2019
    0
    This season, the Frankie Schlick has become tiresome and stupidly implausible!
  3. BridgetS70
    Feb 16, 2019
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I loved to hate this show. I get that it is supposed to be funny but it left me just irritated most of the time and yet I kept watching episode after episode hanging on to the cast of side characters who kept me interested. Lily Tomlin's character, Frankie, made me cringe in every episode. She spends nearly every episode with her mouth hanging open like a chimpanzee and talking like she has cotton balls stuck in her throat. She is also a character that in the real world would have no friends or family left because of her freeloading, lazy, selfish, and insane personality. I had to start fast forwarding through scenes just to avoid listening to her voice. It was a far cry from the hilarious, witty and sarcastic character she played in "The Kid". The character of her ex-husband Sol is also cringeworthy. Overkill on the acting out of every stereotype was just annoying. I actually liked Jane Fonda in this and although I realize she has had a lot of assistance, she looks amazing. I also felt like her character was the only somewhat "believable" one of the main 4. Again, though, I doubt that her friendship with Frankie would survive the real world. All of the side characters made this show watchable and enjoyable enough to watch all 5 seasons. I especially liked all of the "kids", the significant others and the friends. Sam Elliott was a nice edition as was Ernie Hudson who both played believable characters, although I think Ernie's character would never have put up with "Frankie" for that long in the real world. Brianna was hands down my favorite regular character in the show.… Expand
  4. 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.
  5. olimpia
    Mar 11, 2018
    1
    The main and only reason to watch this show are the two great stars. The two veteran actors look pathetic in their gay roles. The daughters and sons do not add any point of interest and sometimes their stories results in being exasperating. I assume its success is due to the fact that there are very few shows dealing with older people issues, which is its brighter point.
  6. Celchi
    Mar 29, 2017
    0
    I have a hard time with Martin Sheen and Sam Waterson in their portrayal of a gay couple. The character of Sol is portrayed like a borderline disabled person. Over emotional and childlike. Robert his counterpart treats him as such saying ' calm down sweetheart' etc. it is vastly annoying. is this how they were when they were hiding their relationship? Sol getting overexcited and comingI have a hard time with Martin Sheen and Sam Waterson in their portrayal of a gay couple. The character of Sol is portrayed like a borderline disabled person. Over emotional and childlike. Robert his counterpart treats him as such saying ' calm down sweetheart' etc. it is vastly annoying. is this how they were when they were hiding their relationship? Sol getting overexcited and coming across as some impaired person? I love the show but really expected a lot more from two wonderful actors as Martin Sheen and Sam Waterson . Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda, have evolved into such a strong friendship as Grace and Frankie. I hope we see other seasons to come. This is a show I watch over and over .… Expand
  7. pdw1965
    Aug 22, 2016
    10
    this is hilarious and tender/heart felt, and brings back some icons and love to see them! Check them out there is nothing similar, Lily Tomlin is a wonderful character as an aging hippie. It shows how no matter the age our issues are all similar. Love at any age, across all differences is always a great show, and relationships are all similar no matter what age they begin or end.
  8. AljosaO
    Aug 14, 2016
    8
    Although the main concept of Grace and Frankie seems out of date, dry and cliché, the series as a whole is better.

    The Show follows 70-years-old Grace Hanson and Frankie Bergstein, who got stuck living together, when their husbands leave them to be with each other. The premise is, again, banal, but the writing is humorous enough to pay it off. It is not a laugh-out-loud kind of    Although the main concept of Grace and Frankie seems out of date, dry and cliché, the series as a whole is better.

    The Show follows 70-years-old Grace Hanson and Frankie Bergstein, who got stuck living together, when their husbands leave them to be with each other. The premise is, again, banal, but the writing is humorous enough to pay it off.

    It is not a laugh-out-loud kind of series as it also deals with serious issues like abandonment, loneliness, dealing with hard emotions and alcoholism. It constantly delivers a fun, relaxed stories, which are perfect for a family viewing. Fonda and Tomlin are on top of their game, and so is the perfect supporting cast(Sheen, Waterston, Decker, Embry, Raphael, Vaughn).

    Grace and Frankie will probably never be one of the best comedies out there, but it truly is firmly enjoyable and fun.    … Expand
  9. Each
    May 22, 2016
    9
    I love this programme, glad I am part of netflix or would have missed it. Jane Fonda looks amazing, and it is very funny. What else to say, but the rules say I have to provide 150 characters. its funny and brilliant why say more
  10. bythesee
    May 9, 2016
    10
    What a wonderful surprise finding something I can look forward to watching on television! It's wonderful seeing an older cast and especially actors performing out of their comfort zone. Its been a long time in coming but wonderful to see Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda back on the screen, as well as Sam Waterson and Martin Sheen. The issues they deal with are timely and really hit the mark forWhat a wonderful surprise finding something I can look forward to watching on television! It's wonderful seeing an older cast and especially actors performing out of their comfort zone. Its been a long time in coming but wonderful to see Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda back on the screen, as well as Sam Waterson and Martin Sheen. The issues they deal with are timely and really hit the mark for older people.… Expand
  11. framewrights
    Aug 4, 2015
    4
    I was so looking forward to this show as the all star cast and gay theme were real attractions as well as the premise. Sadly, after watching the first 6 episodes, I am left wanting more. I am not sure what has happened to Sam Waterston's acting since the 1990s, but he is stiff and very affective. Lily Tomlin is limp in her role and Jane Fonda is equally as affected. I feel that MartinI was so looking forward to this show as the all star cast and gay theme were real attractions as well as the premise. Sadly, after watching the first 6 episodes, I am left wanting more. I am not sure what has happened to Sam Waterston's acting since the 1990s, but he is stiff and very affective. Lily Tomlin is limp in her role and Jane Fonda is equally as affected. I feel that Martin Sheen is the only natural in his role. The premise is genius, but the side plots with the "kids" is boring and adds nothing to the viability of the show. Let's face it, all of these actors were never considered top notch thespians, but sometimes it is painful to watch, particularly Mr. Waterston. I am hoping that they will "grow" into their roles for season 2. The writing is also weak, at times and in the vein of the Golden Girls, which I had trouble watching due to the acting style. Good try Netflix, but next time I would suggest having the actors audition. I think the draw is their "big" names, however.… Expand
  12. koopaqueen
    Jul 28, 2015
    10
    I absolutely love this show, and it's cast of . . . older characters. It shows that there IS life beyond 40 (something most shows allude to, but rarely show), and that even at that age, you never really have it all figured out. I love each and every character on the show, and it made me laugh so much!
  13. FeministWomb
    Jul 18, 2015
    8
    The critics who panned this are likely stuffy old white males who cannot grasp the importance, both cinematically and culturally of this show. These women and men are AMAZING! The show is fun, fresh and not cliche. Very much worth the watch.
  14. janwitt
    Jul 13, 2015
    10
    I am addicted to this show...I just happened to find it one evening on Netflix and have watched every episode in 3 days...late night viewing. Each character is strong and all mesh very well.. The weakest character is Martin Sheen, the writers need to make him more believable...I love the children just as much as the main characters...Baby Boomers should love it!!!
  15. 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
  16. Thorkiller69
    Jun 16, 2015
    10
    Warm and funny whit a splash of serious, great cast lead by Fonda and Tomlin "what a great duo" story is among the very best and the dialog just makes this in my eyes a hit.
  17. Seamom
    Jun 13, 2015
    9
    I don't think I've laughed so hard and so completely delighted since the last time I had POT! Omag...thank you girls please oh please stay with me. I love you! You have become my favorite neighbor and my girlfriends. You haven't lost a thing, your as grand and funny and seriously human as you always were. You bring the life bursting out of every line. The characters, the up to date modernI don't think I've laughed so hard and so completely delighted since the last time I had POT! Omag...thank you girls please oh please stay with me. I love you! You have become my favorite neighbor and my girlfriends. You haven't lost a thing, your as grand and funny and seriously human as you always were. You bring the life bursting out of every line. The characters, the up to date modern hard to handle subjects brought to light in humor and tangible texture, the emotions, the reform of boundaries. I think I'll stop now, great show.… Expand
  18. 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!!!
  19. Tracyvl
    Jun 1, 2015
    9
    Love this show! Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin at the top of their games. Coming from the creator of "Friends" it's a little liking watching Monica and Phoebe late in life. So glad a Season 2 is coming!
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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.
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. fitchpork
    May 24, 2015
    5
    Watched first two episodes last night. Wanted to like it. Can't. Sheen and Waterston are totally non-believable as a gay couple. And it seems like it was written into the contracts of the four leads that "actual acting is optional." And the quirky cast of supporting characters really clutters up the story without adding much.
  27. ThatArtistGuy
    May 23, 2015
    5
    A lot of good ingredients but perhaps over-baked. Great cast, great writers, good sets and good premise, but something seems a bit "off" and I'm not sure if it's been tweaked too much or it's just trying too hard. I love it when Jane and Lilly are on the screen, but Martin and Sam - while not limp or fey- seem like they're phoning it in. I get frustrated when they're on the screen andA lot of good ingredients but perhaps over-baked. Great cast, great writers, good sets and good premise, but something seems a bit "off" and I'm not sure if it's been tweaked too much or it's just trying too hard. I love it when Jane and Lilly are on the screen, but Martin and Sam - while not limp or fey- seem like they're phoning it in. I get frustrated when they're on the screen and hopeful when the gals are on, their lives seem far more fascinating than the men who've left them. I was very disappointed that the story line with Grace and the ex-con didn't go further, the contrast and chemistry between those two was TV screen fire. To supplant him with tired old Craig Nelson was such a let down. I think Frankie's hippie persona is painted with a bit too bright of colors, but Grace is spot-on as the uptight socialite. Favorite scene so far was the "might have happened" bit with Grace's hospital stay and soundly proved Fonda's acting chops during the scan scene and seemed more real than any scene elsewhere. Some laughs, but a lot of drag time and most of the scenes with the younger actors seem written by an entirely different crew. Not funny, not interesting. I realize they need to sprinkle in the rest of the family, but yeesh, those are some bad moments, especially of Decker who could use some serious acting lessons. I'm sticking with it, but only because I love the two headliners and the premise and hoping it finds it's sweet spot very soon.… Expand
  28. LesfromSanDiego
    May 22, 2015
    0
    Embarrassingly poor writing. Hard to believe so many talented people got sucked into this waste of time. It should have been enough to see Jane and Lilli but their lines were vapid.
  29. 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.
  30. 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
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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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