• Network: NBC
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 10, 2012
  • Season #: 1
The New Normal Image
Metascore

Mixed or average reviews - based on 32 Critics What's this?

User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 107 Ratings

  • Summary: Single mother Goldie Clemmons (Georgia King) moves to Los Angeles with her daughter to escape her grandmother (Ellen Barkin) and becomes a surrogate for Bryan and David (Andrew Rannells and Justin Bartha.
  • Genre(s): Comedy
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 32
  2. Negative: 3 out of 32
  1. Reviewed by: Lori Rackl
    Sep 12, 2012
    88
    [A] witty-but-poignant look at what it means to be a modern family.
  2. Reviewed by: Joanne Ostrow
    Sep 11, 2012
    80
    A little bit screechy, a little bit preachy, NBC's The New Normal is nonetheless the best comedy of the season--a season short on innovative comedies.
  3. Reviewed by: Robert Lloyd
    Sep 11, 2012
    60
    Much about the pilot felt flat or programmatic to me, but much was likable as well, especially the nonchalant tenderness between the male leads. And the cast is good.
  4. Reviewed by: Phillip Maciak
    Sep 10, 2012
    38
    The New Normal is a nominally progressive comedy with more gay jokes and regular old racism than Gallagher's stand-up act.

See all 32 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 34
  2. Negative: 16 out of 34
  1. 9
    This is a fun show that is appealing to many audiences. The characters are bigger than life, particularly Ellen Barkin who plays a hilariously articulate bigot. My only fear is that the characters will continue to be stereotypical, and not grow with more interesting nuances. That said, there are many one liners that are quite amusing and will likely be quotable moments in the future. Expand
  2. 8
    Has definite potential, although a bit worried about the harshness of Ellen Barkin's character. But the three (four if you count the girl) leads are all solid. Writing held up in the second episode, too. Worth watching to see if it delivers on the quality of the first two episodes. Expand
  3. 7
    "The New Normal" is definetely a really interesting show. Whereas it's not something innoative on its story or in the way the story is narrated, I think that it is a decent attempt for a comedy. What bothers many people is the stereotypical presentation of genders, or groups. On how I see it that's not pretty false. This story is for stereotypes and if someone can't stand them, he should just don't bother give it a try. The last point I want to raise is that this show also gives some food for thought, and that there are many scenes that will really touch you! Expand
  4. This is nothing more than a lobotomized version of Modern Family. I watched the first episode and was appalled at how bad it was. I could not find anything remotely redeeming about the show, not even Ellen Barkin who I normally adore. this show is a waste of air space. Expand

See all 34 User Reviews