Family Tree

As a family genealogist and lover of British humor, I love this show. I actually found out about it from our local genealogy library's newsletter. It is truly a mockumentary of the popular genealogy shows. It doesn't need the foul language or sex, but it isn't that bad considering this is Hollywood.

Some of the funniest parts relate to DNA testing, immigration from the New World to the Old World, Civil War soldiers and re-enactments, ancestor occupations, the fact that the current cousins have the same disagreements as the ancestors, fear of cats. As this is a series, it keeps you wondering what is coming next in the journey to know one's relative

I love some of the vocabulary Chris ODowd uses and the low key way he says them. That's a shocker for example. The manner in which he speaks is brilliant and different. The Irish accent adds more flavour as well. He is a brilliant actor and I really enjoy this show after giving it a go. Wasn't so sure at first. The plot lines are very interesting and comical too. Michael McKean almost convinced me he was British. He has the British accent spot on. I just love the low keyed character of Tom Chadwick and the way he speaks. He seems to avoid hurting other peoples feelings and is so gracious, maybe not with his close buddy though. The scene in the restaurant with the salt woman was so funny and an example of Tom Chadwicks unique personality. I wish I could remember his lines. He looked so embarrassed and shocked at her. LOL. Love him! And the show and its premise etc.

As a fan of mockumentaries, Chris O'Dowd, British humor, and genealogy, this show was the perfect cup of tea! Every episode had me chuckling at one part or another, thanks to one of the elements above. It definitely targets a very specific niche, which is perhaps why it missed the mark with some viewers. What some find too absurd and silly others live for in a series, myself included. Each episode ended with some quirky twist, coaxing me to continue on to the next one-I ended up watching four in a row! It is lighthearted, witty, and spontaneous. You truly feel like you're a part of Tom Chadwicke's heartwarming journey. I could have gone without some of the more coarse content/dialogue, but it also makes the show what it is. Very sad that this unique series wasn't renewed for a second season!!

Good show. It's like a celebration of director Christopher Guest's style of mockumenting people who shouldn't be documented being they're so mundane. The secret sauce here is Nina Conti with her Monkey puppet. Like on the series Soap, the dummy says all the politically incorrect things a human can't, and she's drop dead hilarious. More than a reason to watch this series. The lead character's best friend Tom Bennett sucks the life out of main character Chris O'Dowd and the rest of the family that is discovered. All in all, it's Monkey's ride.

Just finished watching this on Amazon and thought it was great! Very funny dry humor and exceedingly watchable acting from loads of familiar faces from the Christopher Guest pool of talent. In particular ventriloquist/actor Nina Conti is impressively hilarious.

The show has a nice quietude to it which is akin to the vibe in other Guest productions but also never loses it's comedic steam. It's got a lot of mockumentary style cringe-humor through word-play, cross-cultural fire and general quirkiness. And there is even a fairly compelling romance which takes a back seat to the main character's genealogical quest but is still a warm element of the show.

Here's hoping that HBO gets off their fat arses and makes Season 2!