wannasurf2 This is the first show of this sort I've seen in many years from a regular network that was this well put together. Sure, it's not perfect, but it is serious, yet funny at times, and gives the occasional wink to the viewers. Best of all, you really grow to like the characters. Romano is perfect in his role, as is virtually everyone else in the cast. Multiple story lines run parallel, and then intersect at the end...love it.Are there any real problems with the show? Well, it can be a little heavy handed at times...in Modern Family fashion, some episodes transition to "totally sappy" right at the end. And often the writers beat the "middle-age thing" in the ground...in the same fashion that The 80's Show did with period pop culture, to their dismay. And the major problem with the show was the casting of Bakula. The first episode I caught had these guys speaking of their *upcoming* 50th birthday. I was like WHAT? I ran straight to the computer to check Bakula's age. Yes, I was right...he would have been around 56 or so when filming. Sure, that isn't that big of a stretch for Hollywood, but let's face it, he's old looking even for someone pushing 60...despite the "youthful energy" that has been written into his role or how "hip" they make his blond-dyed hair. In the past, the rule when casting someone older than their part is that they must look young for their age...not the opposite. OK, I admit there was Luke Perry (90210) as well as Tom Welling (Smallville)...both high school freshman in the first season, yet both in their mid 20's and showing every year.Either way, Bakula in this role will bother you for at least a half dozen episodes before you can block it out. But eventually, the show is so good that it makes you use your imagination...in the way that people did back in Greek days when men played woman's parts. Suggestion: Start looking at like he is the older friend that happened to start college at, say 26 when the others were 18, and it will all make sense, as long as you ignore the many age-milestone cues that come at you like machine gun fire.

airforcelaw My husband and I really enjoyed this show. We are both in our early 30s yet we found this true to life, comical, and not at all dated. The casting, acting, and writing are superior to most of the garbage on TV. There's not a whole lot my husband and I can agree on watching together, but this is certainly a great show. Loved the realities they weave into this show down to doing what you have to do for your family (working at dad's car dealership) and how through it all there are unexpected and pleasant surprises. There's always that one friend that can't seem to get it together and seems to have things handed to him yet you love em anyway. Enjoyed it right down to the season finale. We just hope to see it again next year...don't cancel this show!!

morris216-651-688066 I don't think this show is the next Wire, Sopranos, Dexter, or any other hit show you want to add to the list. With that being said, I do not feel that anyone can deny the realism that surrounds all of the characters. And no, I am not a 50 something that can really relate to the situations and circumstances that the characters in the show encounter.I am only 27; however, throughout my years I have learned one truth in life: No one ever knows what life has in store for them, even if they think they do. That is what this show is about. It's about the life that real people live when curveballs are thrown their way. Nothing ever turns out how you expect it, and that is the reality these characters (and most people in the world) are trying to deal with.The actors in this show accurately convey that sentimentality. Ray Ramano is surprisingly convincing in his portrayal of the newly divorced, quasi-gambleholic, newly turned single man. Scott Bakula creates a persona I have never seen from him in his role as the actor who never "made it." In his quest for that stardom that never came his way, Bakula's character was obviously insistent on maintaining his single ways, which he has come to regret (at least a little). Andre Braugher is also incredible playing a fifty year old car salesman working for his father's business. Braugher's character has done everything according to his plan (graduating and working for his father's business), yet nothing has turned out the way he thought it would.I know this review may seem vague; however, my added verbiage would not add to the show. The essence of this show is that people everywhere have to deal with problems in their lives. Whether a person is twenty or sixty, he or she has to deal with certain life issues. If you have never had to deal with these issues, you haven't really lived. That is why I can relate to this show.This is just my opinion, nothing more, nothing less.

Greatornot I have to admit, I did not think Ray Romano can pull this off. 3 middle aged men on the brink of 50, HS pals going thru life's trials and tribulations. This is a most creative offering and refreshing. The casting is great. Ray Romano is himself a divorced man with 2 kids , rounding off this clique , you had Andre Baugher , happily married, and eternally young skirt chaser Scott Bakula of Quantum Leap fame. This was realistic with none of the added silliness of some TV for shock effect.There was no laugh track,which only adds to the realism. Certainly this program was more drama than comedy. Ray Romano, though not a great comedian, is elevated by the rest of this cast as he was in ELR. Ray Romano is the Bob Newhart of today, and thats not a bad thing. This is a tasteful program that truly does delve into everyday situations. If I have one criticism , I would like to see a little more comedy . Overall , This is still a wonderful effort and worth watching. Just make sure , you are optimally alert or the show can pass you by.