Watch Hank

Hank is a family sitcom that debuted on ABC in 2009. The show follows the misadventures of Hank Pryor, a successful Wall Street executive who loses his job in the financial crisis and is forced to move back to his small hometown of River Bend. Starring Kelsey Grammer as Hank and featuring a talented ensemble cast, the show explores themes of family, community, and the struggle to find purpose in a changing world.

The show begins with Hank's high-flying life in New York City, where he works as a CEO at a major financial firm. He's married to his image-conscious wife, Tilly (Melinda McGraw), and has two teenage children, Maddie (Jordan Hinson) and Henry (Nathan Gamble). When he loses his job and accompanying perks, coming back to River Bend is a rude awakening. Hank is forced to confront the fact that the world he knew has fundamentally changed, and he has to find a new way to fit in.

One of the show's strengths is its setting. River Bend is a quaint, picturesque town that has a strong sense of community. Hank's family is not the only one navigating changes; the town itself is also dealing with a transition to a more modern way of life. Though Hank is initially resistant to the idea of living in a small town, as the series progresses, he realizes that there are advantages to being close to his family and being part of something larger than himself.

In addition to Grammer's excellent performance as Hank, the show's supporting cast is also strong. David Koechner stars as Grady, Hank's brother-in-law and the town's sheriff. Grady is a comedic foil to Hank's more serious personality, and the two often find themselves at odds. Also, in the cast are Melinda McGraw, as Hank's wife, and Jordan Hinson, as Hank's daughter Maddie. Hank's son, Henry, played by Nathan Gamble, is the highlight of the show's young cast. Gamble's performance is nuanced and impressive, and he expertly captures the difficulties of growing up in a rapidly changing world.

One of the aspects of Hank that sets it apart from other family sitcoms is its willingness to tackle real, complex issues. The show doesn't shy away from the impact of the financial crisis on American families. Throughout the series, Hank struggles to provide for his family and confronts the fact that his job may not be able to provide the lifestyle he once had. The Pryor family's financial troubles are relatable and grounded in reality, giving the show a sense of weight and importance.

Comedy is also a focus of the show, and Hank offers plenty of laughs throughout its run. The show's writing is sharp and witty, and the cast rises to the material. Hank's interactions with the townsfolk of River Bend are often hilarious, and the show offers plenty of quirky, memorable characters to support its central family. Though the humor is often broad, the show also has moments of subtle, character-based humor that elevate it above other network sitcoms.

Though the show was generally well-received by critics, it struggled to find a wide audience. It was canceled after only one season, leaving fans disappointed and wondering about the fate of the Pryor family. Despite its short run, the show remains a hidden gem that offers a glimpse into the struggles of middle-class families in the wake of the financial crisis.

Overall, Hank is a charming, well-written family sitcom that deserves more attention than it received during its brief run. With a talented cast, sharp writing, and a willingness to tackle real issues, the show offers a fresh take on a well-worn genre. Though it may have been overlooked by audiences during its original run, fans of family comedies will find plenty to enjoy in Hank.