The Neighborhood

It took a while for the series to come to Germany, which is why we're lagging behind a bit. The status of the assessment is in the middle of the third season.

The series clearly lives from the game of the protagonists. Above all, of course, Kyles as a grumbler and Greenfield as an optimist. But, that surprised me a bit, the actresses are no less important and, unlike in comparable series, are not of secondary importance, but definitely have their important roles, and not at all as filler or accessories. Not like in series like "According to Jim" or Tim Allen comedies, where a macho fails at best because of the woman's mind. No, it's an equality that has been introduced in the sitcom at least since Roseanne. What the writers should do with the character Grover Johnson doesn't seem entirely clear to them, but it's not uncommon for the child character to be the biggest problem in shows like this. It's different with the two grown-up sons of the Butlers, who are really great characters and are played brilliantly by two actors who are really willing to play.

The plot is typical for sitcoms. A few thoroughly positive ideas, but mostly the usual. It is supplemented by social and political topics, which unfortunately often appear to be presented with a wooden hammer. At least it's never as embarrassing as "Dad Stop Embarrassing Me!" comes over. But the episodes in which Tichina Arnold plays the lead Chistin are really problematic. That's very embarrassing, especially because this religious extremism is meant in the first place. As if a person were only worth something if they believed in the Christian God. Low point the episode with Marty's short-term girlfriend, an atheist. Who was guilty of nothing but not believing in Mother Butler's God. Which immediately jeopardizes the "salvation" of the poor son. This is religiosity of the worst kind.

All in all, it's a mostly entertaining, entertaining series, but it's unlikely to become one of the great classics of the genre. The wait continues for a really good sitcom of the 2020s.

Good average, 6,5/10.

In the first 10 mins of pilot, I wanted to give 1 star. Give it time, it will stick.

The show has a great potential. By 3rd or 4th .. You will start loving it and get the idea ..

Just take a chance...

I like this show, but the EXCESSIVE use of the laugh track is making it hard to watch. The show doesn't need the laugh track, it is funny on its own. Gone are the days of filming before a live audience - Friends. This show has excellent writing and jokes. It tackles sensitive issues without getting preachy. I am finding that the laugh track is louder than the dialogue - why??? People are smart enough to know when something is funny, just because there is a laugh track doesn't make it funny, just annoying. So PLEASE stop using the laugh track. Not every joke needs the laugh track, let people watch the show and laugh at the parts they think is funny.

I think a lot of people are missing the point of this show, that despite the cultural differences between black and white people at the end of the day we all want the same thing, the best for our families. It is done with humour and intelligence and quite frankly I'm glad to see it on TV. The juxtaposition of Cedric and Max's tense relationship against Tichina and Beth's open relationship is great. I especially liked the second episode where the different approaches to child rearing were depicted. It showed that sometimes a different approach is needed in order to get the best out of your child.

Yet it's something different & the cast is good, but ... remember back when actors started by being cast in commercials ?

Now whole shows are the freakin' commercial, amazon this, Geico that, Alexa that, sitting back on the porch akwardly just to showcase the Nike Air Max...

Talk about selling out, i'd care less if the show didn't go for hard-hitting subjects, but hey, it's how it is. Gotta keep the shareholders fat & happy.