‘Men of a Certain Age’ is a series that aired from December 7, 2009, to July 6, 2011, on TNT. Created by Ray Romano and Mike Royce, this comedy-drama has received attention for its authentic depiction of life’s later stages. But the question remains: is this show worth your viewing time?
The Series’ Premise
‘Men of a Certain Age‘ focuses on three best friends in their late forties, each struggling with their own set of midlife challenges. Ray Romano plays Joe, a divorced father and party-supply store owner rippling with a past gambling addiction.
Andre Braugher portrays Owen, a married father working in his father’s car dealership, and Scott Bakula’s Terry is a single, struggling actor. These characters are portrayed as complex, relatable, and grounded, which makes their stories engaging and real.
Why You Should Watch ‘Men of a Certain Age?’
‘Men of a Certain Age’ balances various emotional tones. It adeptly mixes sadness, humor, and a touch of disturbance, avoiding the pitfalls of turning its characters into caricatures. This balance makes the show more than just a comedy or drama; it’s a genuine representation of life.
The show’s strength also lies in its real-life parallels. It does not shy away from the less glamorous aspects of aging, such as physical changes and emotional struggles. This realism adds depth to the characters and the stories they tell, making it relatable to many viewers.
An often-overlooked element in television, the lighting in ‘Men of a Certain Age’ is worth praise. It complements the Southern California setting, enhancing the overall visual appeal and atmosphere of the series.
What’s the Critics’ Opinion?
In 2010, ‘Men of a Certain Age’ won a Peabody Award. The show’s critical reception also speaks volumes, with season one holding an 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 81 out of 100. Season two went beyond these marks, achieving a 94% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 86 out of 100 score on Metacritic.
These ratings indicate a consistent and strong positive response from critics. However, despite its critical success, ‘Men of a Certain Age’ faced challenges in viewership. The first season averaged 4.2 million viewers, but the second season saw a decline, leading to the show’s cancellation after just two seasons.
Final Verdict
‘Men of a Certain Age’ is more than just a comedy-drama about middle-aged men. It is a thoughtful, well-acted, and well-produced series that tackles the nuances of life’s later stages with authenticity. For those seeking a show with depth, humor, and a touch of realism, ‘Men of a Certain Age’ is certainly worth watching.
