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. 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
  2. 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.
  3. Nick052299
    May 14, 2015
    6
    This has great acting on display here, with Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Sam Waterson being the standouts and very Emmy-worthy. The premise is interesting and the dramatic side of the show is its strong suit but the weakness is the comedic writing aspect of it. I didn't feel like anything was extremely hilarious. I chuckled and smiled at some but not laugh-out-loud. It's more somber thanThis has great acting on display here, with Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Sam Waterson being the standouts and very Emmy-worthy. The premise is interesting and the dramatic side of the show is its strong suit but the weakness is the comedic writing aspect of it. I didn't feel like anything was extremely hilarious. I chuckled and smiled at some but not laugh-out-loud. It's more somber than what the trailer suggests. It's not Netflix's greatest show either, at least not yet.… Expand
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. Eran
    May 9, 2015
    5
    I find it difficult to review Grace and Frankie due to its antiquated approach to sensitive subjects. Unlike Transparent, which tackles similar themes such as age, gender and sexuality delicately, Grace and Frankie sensationalises its subject matter much like the sitcoms of 90s. The cast is very talented and the show has potential, but it needs to be bolder and more progressive.
  7. 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
  8. 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.
  9. 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!
  10. 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!!
  11. JohninNewport
    May 13, 2015
    1
    Given the cast and the subject matter there was good reason to look forward to this Netflix production but what a disappointment. The laughs are few and far between and everything feels forced if not downright ridiculous. Some of the material was actually embarrassing. It had once been my opinion that quality actors could help weak material succeed but I have rethought who is a qualityGiven the cast and the subject matter there was good reason to look forward to this Netflix production but what a disappointment. The laughs are few and far between and everything feels forced if not downright ridiculous. Some of the material was actually embarrassing. It had once been my opinion that quality actors could help weak material succeed but I have rethought who is a quality actor. Martin Sheen may be the one saving (ahem!) grace in that his performance is, at least somewhat nuanced and believable. The rest of the leads are wooden and predictable. Bad material, bad acting with an unfortunate 90's sitcom vibe do not do credit to other Netflix productions.… Expand
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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.
  15. 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
  16. 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.
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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.
  21. 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.
  22. 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.
  23. 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!!!
  24. Melville
    Mar 10, 2019
    0
    This season, the Frankie Schlick has become tiresome and stupidly implausible!
  25. Knighthawk81
    May 8, 2015
    5
    This is an interesting concept. A couple of women who don't have a lot in common and are in the twilight of their lives are thrown together when they find out their husbands have fallen in love and are leaving them. It's got a good cast -- including Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Martin Sheen, and Sam Waterston. I wanted to like it, and there were a few funny scenes, but on the whole the show isThis is an interesting concept. A couple of women who don't have a lot in common and are in the twilight of their lives are thrown together when they find out their husbands have fallen in love and are leaving them. It's got a good cast -- including Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Martin Sheen, and Sam Waterston. I wanted to like it, and there were a few funny scenes, but on the whole the show is a little too boring.… Expand
  26. 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.
  27. 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.
  28. 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.
  29. 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
  30. 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!!
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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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