Granite Flats

This show is nostalgic, family friendly, very well acted, and a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. My family looks forward to this each week. The story line of children appeals to young audiences, and if you grew up in the 60's you'll recognize the chalk boards and rows of wooden desks. Adult viewers will understand the deeper influences of the period of time: Government influences and suspicions. Women being obedient to their male bosses. The struggles of single parents and unwed women. etc. There is also some humor infused into the realistic characters. You will be taken in by the retro feeling, the mellow but interesting story line, and the overall charm of Granite Flats.

This is BYUtv's first attempt create a family series on a limited budget, so I was concerned it would be cheesy or poorly done. That was true at first, but then they learned from their mistakes, and things got really interesting...

Season 1: 5/10 stars. A few good moments. Persevere.

Season 2 (first half): 7/10 stars. Improving. Important changes in scripting and acting make a *big* difference.

Season 2 (last half): 8/10 stars overall. Added some big name talent, impressive script developments, characters start to come to life.

Season 2 (finale): 10/10 stars. Brilliant! They are hitting on all cylinders now.

Season 3: Can't wait to see. I feel like I *must* watch it.

You'll have trouble understanding season 2 if you don't wade through season 1. IMO it was worth it. Think of it as an example of "agile" business methods (like they used for the iPhone, etc.)--get it out there quickly, learn from your mistakes, improve rapidly based on actual feedback.

Completely enjoyable for all ages and non Mormon's need not fear this is a proselytizing tool. While the show is wholesome and honors Later Day Saint moral standards there is no direct or indirect Mormon content in the production.

The plot is interesting and holds your attention, young and old. You should note that it is a serial and needs to be viewed in sequence.

The cast and writing work well and any unevenness is easily forgiven when you accept that this is after all a University production.

If you enjoyed shows in the past like Sky King or Lassie and lament that TV has lost its sense of innocence you will love this.

The episodes are free to watch on the BYUTV web page so you can give the first episode a test run and see for yourself what I like about this production.

After reading many of the negative reviews, I felt obligated to defend this show. First off, I'm a 30 year old male that is fairly anti religion. To the review.... This is an excellent show that literally any person of any age could/would enjoy. I had no idea this was created with Mormon ideology in mind. And I'm glad I didn't or I wouldn't have given the show a chance. The acting is above average, it's well written, and every episode is entertaining....all of these qualities without profanity, gore, nudity, etc. My favorite show currently on T.V. is Game of Thrones....so I don't shy away from profanity, gore, nudity, etc. But it's rare nowadays for a show to succeed without these qualities. To sum up, ignore the religion haters and give this show a chance.

What started out looking like a show about kid detectives turned into a wonderful and weird Cold War spy series. When I started watching this I had no idea what I was getting into. The language, the dialogue, the Twin Peaks strangeness kept me watching and loving every episode in anticipation, keeping me on the edge of my seat. What a great series. The casting is spot on, from the kids to the adults. I especially enjoyed Christopher Lloyd and the brilliant writing behind his character. Parker Posey also stood out as quirky Alice White, and I hope to see more of this odd and colorful woman. Everything about this show was surprising. I'm looking forward to a 4th season. Definitely worth watching.