I want to start off by saying I'm not conservative. I don't believe that a family has to be cookie cutter. It doesn't have to be an opposite sex couple raising children. A family can be any group of people living under the same roof, going through the trials and tribulations of life together. Although Providence does portray the generic, all American family, when you look deeper, the episodes are quite thought-provoking and emotional. And it all stemmed from a universal phenomenon: moving back home in one's 30s.
Dr. Sydney "Sid" Hansen (Melina Kanakaredes) is a plastic surgeon living in Los Angeles. She goes to Providence, Rhode Island for her sister Joanie's (Paula Cale) wedding. Her mom dies before the ceremony starts. When Sid returns to LA, she catches her boyfriend cheating, with another man. Both events lead her to realize that she wants to be with her family, so she moves back to Providence. She begins working at a free clinic, running it later on. She lives with her dad, Jim (Mike Farrell), a veterinarian, as well as Joanie and her younger brother Robbie (Seth Peterson). The acting is solid and the cast has amazing chemistry. I love how the show addresses sensitive topics without coming off as preachy. Recent shows have tried to copy this format - the tearjerking drama that deals with the overarching subject of family (This Is Us comes to mind) - but they failed to capture the warmth and charm that Providence has. It's realistic enough that I don't feel silly discussing what's going on when I'm watching it with my own family. The characters encounter problems that people actually experience. Joanie decided not to marry the father of her baby daughter, and Robbie has a gambling addiction. Shows nowadays don't explore the characters' vulnerabilities. The episodes are just messages about politics being thrown at you. I watch a show to learn about the characters and their internal struggles, not about current events. That's what the news is for. I'm glad I discovered Providence. It's a must watch if you like programs that are witty but also teach lessons.
Dr. Sydney "Sid" Hansen (Melina Kanakaredes) is a plastic surgeon living in Los Angeles. She goes to Providence, Rhode Island for her sister Joanie's (Paula Cale) wedding. Her mom dies before the ceremony starts. When Sid returns to LA, she catches her boyfriend cheating, with another man. Both events lead her to realize that she wants to be with her family, so she moves back to Providence. She begins working at a free clinic, running it later on. She lives with her dad, Jim (Mike Farrell), a veterinarian, as well as Joanie and her younger brother Robbie (Seth Peterson). The acting is solid and the cast has amazing chemistry. I love how the show addresses sensitive topics without coming off as preachy. Recent shows have tried to copy this format - the tearjerking drama that deals with the overarching subject of family (This Is Us comes to mind) - but they failed to capture the warmth and charm that Providence has. It's realistic enough that I don't feel silly discussing what's going on when I'm watching it with my own family. The characters encounter problems that people actually experience. Joanie decided not to marry the father of her baby daughter, and Robbie has a gambling addiction. Shows nowadays don't explore the characters' vulnerabilities. The episodes are just messages about politics being thrown at you. I watch a show to learn about the characters and their internal struggles, not about current events. That's what the news is for. I'm glad I discovered Providence. It's a must watch if you like programs that are witty but also teach lessons.