Parents' Guide to

The Grinder

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Brothers try to bond in goofy but fun courtroom comedy.

TV Fox Comedy 2015
The Grinder Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 13+

Based on 1 parent review

ChrisD 2
ChrisD 2 Adult
November 5, 2015
age 13+

Brothers who are complete oposite make this show pure hilarious

Ok so I have stuck with this show from the beginging and its only getting funnier I love it however there are a few issues with content "some language the grinder himself is a total playboy who is always trying to get women " other than the issues mentioned its a perfect show exspesually for brothers or sisters for that matter of almost any age and the parents will get a good dose of laughter too exspesually If they grew up With the always hilarious Fred savage

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

THE GRINDER is a comedy about Dean Sanderson Jr. (Rob Lowe), a TV star who spent eight years playing a lawyer known as (what else?) "The Grinder," and his brother Stuart (Fred Savage), who's an actual attorney. Now that the series has ended, Dean finds himself back in his home town of Boise, Idaho, with his brother and his family, including his wife, Debbie (Mary Elizabeth Ellis), and their kids, 15-year-old Lizzie (Hana Hayes) and 13-year-old Ethan (Connor Kalopsis). While Stuart steadily grinds through each of his cases in hopes of building his reputation in the courtroom and eventually taking over their father's (William Devane) law firm, Dean uses his celebrity status and dramatic persona to intervene in his brother's professional and personal life. Despite being at odds with each other, they soon discover that they make a great -- albeit unconventional -- team that is committed to the pursuit of justice.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1):
Kids say: Not yet rated

Despite the unrealistic premise, the show's formula combines some good writing and well-timed comedic performances to create some laugh-out-loud moments. Lowe takes his character just far enough to be obnoxiously funny without being silly, gliding on his usual charm, while Savage offers the balance and understated humor that makes their on-screen relationship work.

There's some courtroom language, but the overall series isn't meant to be cerebral or take itself too seriously. Instead, it offers a fun way to understand the relationship between two brothers who have lived very different lives but somehow have found each other again. Ultimately, if you're looking for an entertaining half hour of TV viewing, there's a good chance you'll find it here.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the idea of returning home after a long time away. Do you think your family would be happy to have you back after you've left? Why, or why not?

  • Families also can talk about "faking it to make it." The Grinder doesn't really know what he's talking about, but he speaks convincingly. Is this a useful skill, or is it deceptive?

TV Details

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