NBC's 'Parenthood' receives mixed reviews

NBC's Parenthood received mixed reviews from critics following its series premiere last night.

The dramedy - which is adapted from the 1989 blockbuster of the same name - stars Peter Krause and Lauren Graham.

The Los Angeles Times compared the new series to the Oscar-nominated film, with Mary McNamara claiming that "the narrative is essentially the same".

She added: "But what Parenthood lacks in edginess, it more than makes up in nuance. Though filled with far more tender and often tear-jerking moments than actual laughs, the first hour of Parenthood seems a solid and steady enough vehicle for such a brilliant cast."

The Washington Post was less complimentary, with Hank Stuever writing: "The first episode merely mimics the movie. Parenthood looks right but feels empty. While dragging through the finished pilot, I realised there's already a better and much more funny and sparky show on right now that's about a well-off-but-off-kilter clan of relatives: It's called Modern Family, and it's on ABC."

Meanwhile, the New York Daily News praised the show for having "plenty of raw material". However, David Hinckley, who gave the first instalment three out of five stars, added: "But exploring them in an ongoing drama isn't the same as exploring them in a two-hour movie that has a starting point and a sort-of ending, or visiting them weekly in a sitcom."

> Click here to read our interview with Parenthood star Lauren Graham