Why I Love Parenthood and How I'm Impatiently Waiting Its Return

It's almost here, Parenthood Season 5 starts on Thursday. In preparation, I've binged on seasons 1 thru 4 the past few weeks. Each time I re-watch it I fall even more in love with this show. There has been a huge hole left in my heart for a family drama since Gilmore Girls (GG) went off the air; it's only coincidental that Lauren Graham also happens to be a major character in this show. No other show has captured my attention since GG where I have to be sitting on the couch 5 minutes prior, and do not think of interrupting me til it's over. Chances are if you do, you'll be hit with all that emotion that is building up over the episode because let's face it I'm gonna be crying well before the credits roll.

Let me give you my top 5 reasons for loving Parenthood:

1. The Family Dynamic: I know this is just a TV family, but doesn't everyone wish they could have an extended family like this? Knowing that through good and bad you're family it going to have your back completely. The good, the bad, and the ugly this family bands together. Zeke and Camille letting Sarah and her kids move-in to give them a better chance, Adam forgiving Crosby for sleeping with Max's behavioral aid, Kristinia supporting her kids through everything and then her own problems, Zeke setting Amber on a better path.
   
2. The Holt Clan: This family's story-lines always keep me entertained. Amber is by far my favorite character. Granted she's closest to my age and female, so that helps relate to her. She's the underdog out of all the grandkids, she's had some tough times but she's just trying to figure her life out. Drew is that awesome younger brother. At first he started off so shy, but he's had to deal with some real adult issues this last season. Sarah is a great Mom. She's always making mistakes, in her personal life and love life, and her family is there to help but she's just doing what she thinks is best for her kids. Helps their all musically inclined;
   
3. Dax Shepard - The Actual Guy: The character Crosby is played by actor Dax Shepard and in real life I think he's amazing. Dax and his (now) fiance Kristen Bell are too darn cute; they make me and the hubby jealous all the time. For her birthday Dax surprised her with a sloth and she went into hysterics (video here). They've appeared on the Jimmy Kimmel show and told a great story about a trip to Africa where they would video tape themselves in front of wild animals singing the song 'Africa' by Toto. They made an awesome movie together called 'Hit & Run' (currently on Netflix instant streaming).  It seems more that I'm in love with Dax Shepard because he's part of this amazing couple, but that still makes him amazing. He's also helped the hubs and I agree on a name for our baby boy in the far, far away future. Until now we have never agreed on a single boy's name until the name Crosby came up and magically we were in complete agreement; so thank you Dax Shepard for playing this character and ending any future arguments.
   
4. Other Characters Getting Their Due: Let's talk about all these secondary characters getting some major story arches. By far the most heart-breaking has been Kristina finding out she has cancer. The most joyous being everyone accepting Victor as the newest member of the Braverman family. Amber falling in love (with that hot guy who forever will be known because of Friday Night Lights), working through a difficult relationship, and ends with an 'awwwwww ... YES' moment at the very end of the 4th season.
   
5. The Constant Crying: Seriously if you're watching this without some tissues around, you're a fool. This show takes you so low and so high at moments, sad tears and happy tears. During this shows run, they've really spent the time to get you invested into each and every character so when something happens you can't help but feel some sort of emotion.

So September 26th at 9:55 PM I'll be on the couch ... let's make it a date!