The Grinder

:

Season 1
  • Network: FOX
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 29, 2015
User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 92 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 64 out of 92
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 92
  3. Negative: 14 out of 92
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User Reviews

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  1. fool0117
    Sep 30, 2015
    9
    I'm excited for next weeks episode! Fred Savage is excellent and while I was never a huge fan of Rob Lowe on Parks and Rec, he has great chemistry with Savage and the rest of the cast. I never thought I'd say it but Fox made some good decisions for TV this fall.
  2. pask
    Oct 3, 2015
    8
    I didn't expect it to be so good and fun. Rob Lowe is amazing. I only hope that the processes will become a little more realistic (ok, it's a comedy, but it felt too much fake)
  3. arc1791
    Sep 30, 2015
    6
    While not nearly as compelling as CBS' Limitless or ABC's Blood and Oil, Grinder is lighthearted fun that could be good. It will have to get better, because honestly, it needs improvement. The premiere was funny, but the unrealistic celebrity worship was definitely overdone. I realize that's how it is IRL with some of these actors, but I guess I'm just embarrassed for my fellow AmericansWhile not nearly as compelling as CBS' Limitless or ABC's Blood and Oil, Grinder is lighthearted fun that could be good. It will have to get better, because honestly, it needs improvement. The premiere was funny, but the unrealistic celebrity worship was definitely overdone. I realize that's how it is IRL with some of these actors, but I guess I'm just embarrassed for my fellow Americans who idolize actors, and prefer not to be reminded of the culturally-bankrupt phenomenon. The main character wasn't introspective at all, just another self-loving celebrity. It would be nice to see some serious character development, because I just don't care about him. And the family members of Fred Savage's character don't seem very bright. Are they trying to say that only the lawyer in the family is intelligent? This has some potential, but it just isn't that great. I would probably watch another episode if I were bored with nothing to do, but I won't make the time to watch another like I will for Limitless and Blood & Oil.… Expand
  4. kat123
    Oct 1, 2015
    8
    Yay a funny show that is not idiotic and has lots of room to grow. Fred Savage manages to be extremely likeable without tipping over into being annoyingly so. And Rob Lowe being funny is way better than Rob Lowe doing drama which is why he was so good on the West Wing. Bring on some strong comedic character actors as guests and this show will take off. The strongest bit in the firstYay a funny show that is not idiotic and has lots of room to grow. Fred Savage manages to be extremely likeable without tipping over into being annoyingly so. And Rob Lowe being funny is way better than Rob Lowe doing drama which is why he was so good on the West Wing. Bring on some strong comedic character actors as guests and this show will take off. The strongest bit in the first episode was Lowe negotiating for Savage's son - hashtag teen life. The fact that Lowe's character knows nothing about law but a lot about social media and public opinion could be a great angle for future shows.… Expand
  5. debbie13410
    Oct 9, 2015
    6
    Fred Savage is very good in this but Rob Lowe's character is a cartoon. He isn't real. I just don't like his character at all. I think I will occasionally watch this show in hopes it gets better.
  6. Kunrya
    Oct 2, 2015
    8
    I love Rob Lowe's comedic acting, but I wasn't sure how Fred Savage would be. Turns out they work great together. William Devane also cracked me up with nearly every one of his lines. Can't wait to see more of this show.
  7. Bgrod
    Sep 30, 2015
    4
    Grinder was kind of a grind to watch. It didn't make me laugh once but not as wretchedly bad as I had anticipated. Maybe it's because I am not a fan of Rob Lowe in pretty much anything.
  8. pmains
    Oct 11, 2015
    9
    I like it. Rob Lowe is firmly tongue-in-cheek funny, and Fred Savage is a great foil to his 'The Grinder's' character. The writing is good and the premise is promising.
  9. jparjets21
    Oct 11, 2015
    10
    People started watching this show and said, "A corny show with a few washed up actors. That certainly can't work." But the fans of this show and I ask you, "But why can't it." The whole show is entertaining and charming. I like it.
  10. LoverofGrinder
    Nov 18, 2015
    10
    Grinder is great, and this coming from someone who thinks the last great sitcom was Cheers. Feels like an hour's worth of material squeezed into 20 minutes it moves that fast. The entire cast is pitch perfect and I especially love that deadpan female lawyer. Give her more to do. All done tongue in cheek and it meshes beautifully. Watch Savages' subtle little "I can't believe I just heardGrinder is great, and this coming from someone who thinks the last great sitcom was Cheers. Feels like an hour's worth of material squeezed into 20 minutes it moves that fast. The entire cast is pitch perfect and I especially love that deadpan female lawyer. Give her more to do. All done tongue in cheek and it meshes beautifully. Watch Savages' subtle little "I can't believe I just heard that" facial expressions. Lowe is so off the wall he couldn't stick to one if they glued him but that's exactly what an over-the-top character like his requires. The dialogue is so machine-gun fast at times the viewer doesn't even get a chance to laugh at one line before another funny one comes along. Great little show.… Expand
  11. Knighthawk81
    Sep 30, 2015
    5
    I like Rob Lowe and Fred Savage, and I like the comedy potential here. But the pilot was uneven. Some of it was funny and a lot of fun. Some of it was very dull. There needs to be more consistency and development of this plot. I'm worried this will get old real fast.
  12. StarLover
    Sep 29, 2015
    0
    I expected the show to be very good, but it was awful. This sucks a big time. I don't know how people will watch this show. I'm totally not going to watch this.
  13. NotchFilter
    Oct 5, 2015
    2
    I was hoping for a good, fun comedy, instead I found a ridiculous premise amplified by sketchy writing.

    I thought the writing would have been better to support the quality and strength of the cast. But in the pilot episode, I found my mind wandering off, thinking about more enjoyable things.

    I took the show off my DVR's list of shows to record each week.

    I had such high hopes.....
  14. damber3222
    Oct 3, 2015
    2
    I love Rob Lowe, I love Fred Savage, but I hated this show. It wasn't funny. I actually knew I would dislike the concept as a whole, but gave it a chance because I've loved the actors since childhood. Maybe I have a suspension of disbelief problem as a lawyer who can't so much as watch Law and Order without getting frustrated.
  15. weryyuiopger
    Oct 26, 2015
    10
    This is a really great show and not only does it have the humour of rb lowe, but fred savage who has worked a lot on its always sunny...and you get a glimpse of that here. I would however really like to see this show on at 8pm before grandfathered, I think putting it after that show is only going to hurt it.
  16. investit
    Nov 28, 2015
    10
    Excellent chemistry between cast members
    Lowe is much more funny than I realized, he carry's this role expertly. He and Savage make a wonderful team.
  17. viewablemind
    Feb 10, 2016
    0
    The premise, an insult to attorneys, could be funny if it was an effective parody of those who feel qualified to act as counsel even if they only, "...played one on tv." However Rob Lowe's parody skills are not up to the task. He comes across as a pathetic jerk who manipulates good people for his own glory...and that's the only way in which he resembles a lawyer. Also, he's not funny.The premise, an insult to attorneys, could be funny if it was an effective parody of those who feel qualified to act as counsel even if they only, "...played one on tv." However Rob Lowe's parody skills are not up to the task. He comes across as a pathetic jerk who manipulates good people for his own glory...and that's the only way in which he resembles a lawyer. Also, he's not funny.

    Fred Savage and Natalie Morales are sharp and they do all the heavy lifting but even they can't carry this.
    Steve Little is grossly underused. With his bumbling vulnerability he could pull off the Lowe part, but Fox can't resist a pretty face, even a cold, lifeless, boring one.
    The big flaw in The Grinder is the big star. Lowe is miscast. he would be perfect as a "Fox and Friends" host.    … Expand
  18. MovieGal2016
    Aug 2, 2017
    10
    Give this series a chance. Once you're into it, it's quite charming, clever and very funny. Rob Lowe and Fred Savage are a likable pair. To me, this series is like a cross between Modern Family and Parks & Recreation.
  19. rachiebabie
    Feb 20, 2016
    8
    Shockingly LIKEABLE! This show is 23 minutes of fun! The humor paired with the family dynamics always end on a sweet note that leaves you satisfied. Robe Lowe and Fred Savage have some great brotherly chemistry. Good stuff!
  20. BogKid
    Oct 4, 2015
    7
    I rather liked this show in spite of myself and my expectations. Not a big fan of Rob Lowe, but he and Fred Savage have turned this crazy concept into an at least amusing, almost funny, show. It deserves a couple of more viewings to decide, but it is off to a reasonably good start.
  21. marcmyworks
    Nov 27, 2016
    7
    Though the premise is strong the episodes start to run together as the originality starts to wane. Best to watch over time as opposed to binge viewing.
  22. oxygala
    Oct 21, 2015
    6
    This could have been a really sweet show. Except, Rob Lowe is a tad more annoying than Dean should have been. I know he's supposed to be annoying but Rob Lowe's overacting creates some sort of badactingception in this show. Surprisingly, Fred Savage, the usual suspect to be the flop of the show, is quite a fit for his role and handling it very well. Also, the side characters, well theyThis could have been a really sweet show. Except, Rob Lowe is a tad more annoying than Dean should have been. I know he's supposed to be annoying but Rob Lowe's overacting creates some sort of badactingception in this show. Surprisingly, Fred Savage, the usual suspect to be the flop of the show, is quite a fit for his role and handling it very well. Also, the side characters, well they could have well used props instead.… Expand
  23. Heatherw1984
    Oct 13, 2015
    9
    Great cast. The show is sooooo funny. Rob Lowes character is hilarious!! This show has tons of potential. I am looking forward to seeing where he storyline goes. He and Fred Savage compliment each other as actors.
  24. Telly
    Oct 13, 2015
    10
    Comedy. Great timing. Great chemistry. Totally over the top but due to what we know about
    how celebrity status influences behavior exactly this makes it believable even. Great comedian
    this Rob Lowe.
  25. CMAC1965
    Nov 7, 2015
    10
    Just started watching this show tonight. I've seen the first 3 episodes and it is fantastic. Lowe and Savage are excellent and have great comedic chemistry. Anyone who who doesn't enjoy this show needs to quit taking things so seriously and just sit back, relax, and enjoy good senseless comedy. Great job Fox!
  26. Aleida1979
    Nov 25, 2015
    9
    The Thanksgiving special was so funny, I was laughing out loud. Rob and Fred seem like a strange pairing but I have to say when you add the wife Mary, the dad William, and son Connor to the mix you have a hit show. That whole family is a crackup. The only show I text my sister and ask her if she watched it. I hope to see future seasons. Nice to have a show that makes me laugh outThe Thanksgiving special was so funny, I was laughing out loud. Rob and Fred seem like a strange pairing but I have to say when you add the wife Mary, the dad William, and son Connor to the mix you have a hit show. That whole family is a crackup. The only show I text my sister and ask her if she watched it. I hope to see future seasons. Nice to have a show that makes me laugh out loud. Thank you.… Expand
  27. DaRange
    Feb 10, 2016
    10
    This show is absolutely wonderful! Every episode through 15 just cracks me up. There's something between how the characters interact and respond to each other that is pure comedy. Savage, Lowe and the entire cast are hilarious! The writing is phenomenal and the character acting is something special. I really hope this show comes back for another season.
  28. kkua
    Jan 26, 2016
    10
    The Grinder is funniest show on TV Grinder is great, and this coming from someone who thinks the last great sitcom was Cheers. Feels like an hour's worth of material squeezed into 20 minutes it moves that fast. The entire cast is pitch perfect and I especially love that deadpan female lawyer. Give her more to do. All done tongue in cheek
  29. GenH
    Feb 24, 2016
    3
    This show started out great! Rob Lowe's out of touch character (Dean) was funny in his over the top drama and (Stewart) Fred Savage's subtlety was perfect. But now, the same exact premise is every show: Dean is the sane one now that everyone loves and Stewart is crazy who everyone is against. Repeat. Writers have to develop more depth of characters and definitely a different "joke"This show started out great! Rob Lowe's out of touch character (Dean) was funny in his over the top drama and (Stewart) Fred Savage's subtlety was perfect. But now, the same exact premise is every show: Dean is the sane one now that everyone loves and Stewart is crazy who everyone is against. Repeat. Writers have to develop more depth of characters and definitely a different "joke" every week for it to be interesting. I won't be watching to find out.… Expand
  30. Jdurf1
    Apr 6, 2016
    10
    Never has a show brought me such joy. I'm a 53 yr old combat decorated veteran with ALS and while my daily routine prevents me from watching it live, Wednesday mornings my nurse and I watch it religiously. The Ying/Yang relationship between Dean and Stuart are hilarious. The children are adorable as they support their uncle. I'm literally laughing for the full 30 minutes which reallyNever has a show brought me such joy. I'm a 53 yr old combat decorated veteran with ALS and while my daily routine prevents me from watching it live, Wednesday mornings my nurse and I watch it religiously. The Ying/Yang relationship between Dean and Stuart are hilarious. The children are adorable as they support their uncle. I'm literally laughing for the full 30 minutes which really hurts but I can take the pain.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

87
#87 Best TV Season of 2015
51
#51 Most Discussed TV Season of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Yahoo TV
    Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    Sep 29, 2015
    80
    The show is very smart.
    Read full review
  2. Newark Star-Ledger
    Reviewed by: Vicki Hyman
    Sep 29, 2015
    75
    Dean's goofy legal maneuverings--we're talking one step up from Mr. Brady's whiplash-busting briefcase toss--may strain the premise eventually, but after last season's wretched record for comedies, a sitcom that consistently amuses is worthy of acquittal.
    Read full review
  3. The Salt Lake Tribune
    Reviewed by: Scott D. Pierce
    Sep 29, 2015
    70
    The pilot is funny but pretty much one-note; continued success will depend on the writers coming up with more for Lowe, Savage and the supporting cast to do.
    Read full review
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