Watch The Family Guide

The Family Guide was a heartwarming family comedy-drama series that aired on NBC between 2013 and 2014. Created by David Schwimmer and Jason Bateman, the show followed the story of a divorced father named Henry (played by J.K. Simmons) who was suddenly blinded in a car accident. Despite the challenges Henry faced, his family rallied around him to help him adapt to his new way of life.

Robert Lindsay played the role of Donald, Henry's prickly and opinionated father who had a strained relationship with his son. However, the accident brought them closer together, and as the series progresses, viewers get to see their relationship mend and grow stronger. Lindsay's performance was both funny and touching, and he brought a lot of depth and complexity to his character.

Zoey, who goes by just Zo, played the role of Henry's teenage daughter, Madi. She was a rebellious and free-spirited teenager who struggled to come to terms with her father's disability. Zo played the role with authenticity and sensitivity, capturing the angst and confusion of a young person dealing with a difficult situation. She also had great chemistry with Simmons, and their father-daughter dynamic was one of the highlights of the series.

The show also featured a strong supporting cast, including Dianne Wiest as Henry's ex-wife and J.K. Simmons' real-life wife, Michelle Schumacher, as his physical therapist. Together, the cast had great chemistry and brought a lot of warmth and humor to the show.

One of the things that made The Family Guide stand out was its use of Henry's blindness as a central plot device. Many scenes were shot from his perspective, and the show used voice-over narration to help convey his inner thoughts and emotions. This gave the show a unique and intimate feel, and allowed viewers to connect with the characters on a deeper level.

Despite its critical acclaim and loyal fan base, The Family Guide was canceled after just one season due to low ratings. However, its impact has continued to be felt, particularly in the disability community where it has been praised for its nuanced portrayal of disability and its positive representation of blind people.

Overall, The Family Guide was a heartfelt and charming series that tackled difficult subjects with humor and sensitivity. It boasted a talented cast and a unique perspective, and while it may have been short-lived, it remains a beloved cult classic for those who were lucky enough to discover it.