Speechless (2016)

:

Season 1
  • Network: ABC
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 21, 2016
Season #: 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 54 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 54
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 54
  3. Negative: 10 out of 54
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User Reviews

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  1. rwwonwheels
    Dec 22, 2016
    1
    As a wheelchair with Cerebral Palsy. I find "Speechless" to be an insult to the entire disability community. While humor can serve as a vehicle for education and enlightenment, this show is a complete disaster. The adults are unstable and the dialogue doesn't even try to even remotely emulate the real-life struggles of disabled children and their parents--while comedy is fine, real lifeAs a wheelchair with Cerebral Palsy. I find "Speechless" to be an insult to the entire disability community. While humor can serve as a vehicle for education and enlightenment, this show is a complete disaster. The adults are unstable and the dialogue doesn't even try to even remotely emulate the real-life struggles of disabled children and their parents--while comedy is fine, real life isn't a joke. The parents come off as scammers and the male caregiver for J.J. (the disabled student) comes off in multiple episodes as an inappropriate sex-crazed pervert in his interactions with the other characters on the show (especially the teenagers) in a disjointed and failed attempt at humor. Finally, I was disappointed to learn that apparently Micah Fowler, the actor that plays J.J., can actually speak with difficulty--the non-speaking nature of the main character reinforces the stereotype that all disabled can't speak and therefore are stupid. This show does ZERO to improve public perception of disability and only reinforces current negative perceptions.… Expand
  2. jes_fine
    Oct 3, 2016
    3
    This is a great premise poorly executed. Trying way to hard to be funny with Minnie Driver absurdly and unbelievably over the top. By the end of the second episode it just becomes wearing. I'll give it one more show but not optimistic. Too bad.
  3. beachldy
    Oct 3, 2016
    4
    Love the lead actor (Micah Fowler)... but Minnie Driver's character is just too "over the top" and overly-emoted. The show unfortunately is quite dull, and rarely actually funny. While we do need more shows with handicapped actors, this one could have had potential but lacks luster of any kind with a boring story line.
  4. crb57
    Nov 9, 2016
    9
    This show has grown on me. At first, it was awkward to watch. I continued watching and the character development kicked in and I have really enjoyed the show.
  5. Ariadne
    Oct 6, 2016
    10
    This is laugh out loud funny. It's quirky, but the family is lovable. Minnie Driver is her wonderful self in this show. It's this year's Goldberg's or Fresh off the Boat for sure.
  6. AljosaO
    Feb 11, 2017
    8
    After a poor pilot (where Driver's character was very annoying, the story was weird and the supporting characters were bland), the DiMeos quickly became one of the best families in the TV universe. Speechless stays in "ABC family comedy block" (Modern Family, Goldbergs, Fresh Off The Boat ...) limits, so it sometimes touches the important topics troubling the society (just enough to makesAfter a poor pilot (where Driver's character was very annoying, the story was weird and the supporting characters were bland), the DiMeos quickly became one of the best families in the TV universe. Speechless stays in "ABC family comedy block" (Modern Family, Goldbergs, Fresh Off The Boat ...) limits, so it sometimes touches the important topics troubling the society (just enough to makes us think). But most of the time it stays in comfortable quirky family stories format. That's a perfect combination… Expand
  7. Bigchris27
    Nov 10, 2016
    10
    This is a show that may have to grow on some people but i love the demios myself jj is the man and the over angry teenage daughter is hilarious mrs driver gets on my nerves with her mama bear attitude but aside from that issue the shows absolutly hilarious and the family is sweet and charming i recomend this to anyone whether u have a disability or know someone who does or u just loveThis is a show that may have to grow on some people but i love the demios myself jj is the man and the over angry teenage daughter is hilarious mrs driver gets on my nerves with her mama bear attitude but aside from that issue the shows absolutly hilarious and the family is sweet and charming i recomend this to anyone whether u have a disability or know someone who does or u just love family conedys this show is for u give it a try u will be so happy u did… Expand
  8. JorgeLestre
    Jan 18, 2017
    9
    It's amusing and filled with delightful comedy. Minnie Driver is extraordinary as the Dimeo's matriarch but the real scene stealer is young boy Micah Fowler.
  9. manningn15
    Nov 26, 2018
    10
    Such a great show. They bring light to a horrible disease in a heartfelt and funny way.

Awards & Rankings

41
#41 Best TV Season of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. IndieWire
    Reviewed by: Ben Travers
    Sep 22, 2016
    91
    This self-aware, quick-witted and altogether engrossing comedy is actively anti-tokenism, mocking the very conceit that it even could be by putting the focus on Ray instead of J.J. and cleverly jabbing at those who fight for inclusion without caring to connect with the included.
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  2. We Got This Covered
    Reviewed by: Jon Negroni
    Sep 21, 2016
    90
    This is one of those rare pilots that lends about the same comedic weight to every main character (and a good deal of the supporting cast, as well).
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  3. The A.V. Club
    Reviewed by: Joshua Alston
    Sep 21, 2016
    91
    In fact, all of the performances are winning, with Driver deserving most of the praise. ... Speechless is shaping up to be one of the fall’s best comedies.
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