How a sitcom about a blind father navigated the cutthroat world of network television
In short: Created by D. J. Nash, the semi-autobiographical sitcom Growing Up Fisher debuted on NBC in 2014. Featuring a blind lawyer father and a mother attempting to reclaim her youth, the series struggled to maintain its initial momentum, ultimately facing cancellation after only one season despite a stark divide between critics and audiences.
The journey of Growing Up Fisher from concept to cancellation highlights the volatile nature of network television development. Originally appearing on NBC’s slate in October 2012 under the working title Then Came Elvis, the project underwent significant shifts before reaching the screen. By January 2013, the network ordered a pilot written by Nash and directed by David Schwimmer. The production saw further evolution in May 2013 when it was ordered as a series titled The Family Guide, only to be renamed Growing Up Fisher by June.
Casting also proved fluid. While Parker Posey was initially cast as the mother, Joyce, in February 2013, she was replaced by Jenna Elfman by July. J.K. Simmons was cast as the blind patriarch, Mel, alongside Eli Baker as the lead character, Henry, and Ava Deluca-Verley as his sister, Katie. The premise focused on the family navigating post-divorce life, with Jason Bateman providing the voice of an adult Henry reflecting on his childhood.
When the show finally premiered on February 23, 2014, following the Olympics, it struggled to find a lasting foothold. Although it began with promising numbers, viewership steadily declined. By the time NBC canceled the series on May 9, 2014, it was one of many casualties; only two of the network's eight sitcoms were renewed that year. The show’s reception was notably polarized: while critics gave it a 35% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, audiences were far more receptive, awarding it a 70% rating. This gap underscores the frequent disconnect between professional critical assessment and the actual viewing public during the 2013–14 television season.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Growing Up Fisher
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