The Grinder

Watch The Grinder

  • TV-PG
  • 2015
  • 1 Season
  • 7.2  (7,951)

The Grinder was a television comedy series that aired on FOX network from 2015-2016. Created by Jarrad Paul and Andrew Mogel, the show starred Rob Lowe as Dean Sanderson Jr, a well-known TV actor who played a lawyer on a long-running legal drama series called 'The Grinder.' After the show ends, Dean returns to his hometown of Boise, Idaho, where his brother Stewart (Fred Savage) is a practicing attorney at a small law firm.

The show begins with Dean playing his role as 'The Grinder' even in real life situations, much to the annoyance of his family and friends. However, Stewart sees an opportunity to use Dean's celebrity status to boost the firm's profile and convinces him to join the firm as a legal consultant. Despite never having passed the bar exam, Dean's overconfidence and belief in his acting abilities make him feel qualified to give legal advice.

Throughout the show, Dean's presence creates chaos in the small law firm, as he constantly undermines Stewart's authority and interferes in his cases. The series also focuses on the dynamics between Dean and Stewart, who have always lived in each other's shadows, and their relationship with their father, Dean Sr. (played by William Devane), an experienced attorney who often serves as the voice of reason.

Juan Carlos Cantu plays the role of the firm's receptionist, who provides comic relief in many of the show's episodes. Rose Abdoo also stars as the judge who presides over many of the cases the firm handles. She is often exasperated by Dean's antics but finds herself drawn to him nonetheless.

As the show progresses, Dean starts to question his role as 'The Grinder,' and begins to seek a sense of purpose beyond his acting career. He also begins to develop feelings for one of the firm's associates, Claire (Natalie Morales). Meanwhile, Stewart struggles to assert himself and establish his identity as a lawyer.

The Grinder received positive reviews from critics for its unique concept and performances by the cast. Rob Lowe's portrayal of Dean as a quirky and self-absorbed character was particularly praised. The show also features guest appearances by several TV personalities, including Jason Alexander, Timothy Olyphant, and Christina Applegate.

Overall, The Grinder was a witty, off-beat comedy series that offered a fresh take on the legal drama genre. While it was unfortunately cancelled after just one season, it still holds a place in the hearts of fans who appreciated its humor and heart.

The Grinder is a series that ran for 1 seasons (23 episodes) between September 5, 2015 and on FOX

The Grinder
Filter by Source

Seasons
Full Circle
22. Full Circle
May 10, 2016
Dean Sr.'s malpractice trial comes to a surprising conclusion.
Divergence
21. Divergence
May 3, 2016
When Stew discovers his father is guilty, he wants to settle, but Dean resorts to one of his old "Grinder" tricks to solve the case. Meanwhile, Stew is concerned that he is now "infected" by "The Grinder".
For the People
20. For the People
April 19, 2016
When Dean and Stewart's mother makes an unexpected visit, Dean panics. Meanwhile, Stewart is determined to get reservations at the hottest restaurant in town for his anniversary dinner with Deb.
A System On Trial
19. A System On Trial
April 12, 2016
Stew is concerned that Dean Sr.'s anger problems will injure his case, but Dean Sr. disagrees. To find out what the people really think, Dean suggests they have focus group testing. Before long, the entire family gets caught up in the feedback of how they are perceived by others.
Genesis
18. Genesis
March 15, 2016
Following therapy, Dean discovers he's lost the ability to grind. In an effort to get it back, he decides to crack the case of the ransacking of the office.
From the Ashes
17. From the Ashes
March 1, 2016
As the conspiracy surrounding Sanderson & Yao comes to a head, the only man who can solve the case has abandoned the "grind" and enrolled in law school. Stewart is determined to turn his brother back into "The Grinder".
Delusions of Grinder
16. Delusions of Grinder
February 23, 2016
Stewart becomes paranoid that there's a larger conspiracy against the firm. But Dean refuses to listen to Stewart.
The Ties That Grind
15. The Ties That Grind
February 16, 2016
Dean's therapist challenges to find out who the real Dean is.
The Retooling of Dean Sanderson
14. The Retooling of Dean Sanderson
February 9, 2016
When Dean's dramatic flare scares off a big prospective client, Stewart informs him it's time to let go of his "Ginder" persona and come down to earth.
Grinder V. Grinder
13. Grinder V. Grinder
February 2, 2016
Timothy Olyphant is back and the rivalry between him and Dean intensifies when Stewart invites Olyphant to spend more time around Sanderson & Yao. Following an argument about who is closer to being a real lawyer, the two "Grinders" decide to go head-to-head in a mock trial.
Blood Is Thicker Than Justice
12. Blood Is Thicker Than Justice
January 26, 2016
In the aftermath of their argument, Dean and Stewart find themselves on opposing sides during a divorce case.
Exodus
11. Exodus
January 19, 2016
Dean is disheartened when Stewart and Deb tell him it's time for him to find his own place. A rival law firm observes Dean's rejection and attempts to poach him from Sanderson & Yao.
The Olyphant In The Room
10. The Olyphant In The Room
January 5, 2016
After Dean catches Timothy Olyphant making out with Claire, he is determined to to win her back, no matter the consequences.
Grinder Rests in Peace
9. Grinder Rests in Peace
December 1, 2015
When a spinoff of "The Grinder" asks Dean to film a scene giving closure to his beloved character, Mitch Grinder, Dean struggles with being replaced by his TV brother, Rake.
Giving Thanks, Getting Justice
8. Giving Thanks, Getting Justice
November 24, 2015
Dean is thrilled to be with his family for his first real Thanksgiving celebration in a long time. But his overexcitement and meddling could cause problems. Meanwhile, a series of flashbacks reveal the chain of events that led to Dean's departure from his hit TV drama.
Buckingham Malice
7. Buckingham Malice
November 17, 2015
Stewart convinces Dean he can't keep relying on his fame if he really wants to be a "regular guy." But when the brothers find themselves in a pickle, his status may be what saves them.
Dedicating This One to the Crew
6. Dedicating This One to the Crew
November 10, 2015
Ethan chooses his own path instead of following in his father's footsteps.
Une Mouture Amer (a Bittersweet Grind)
5. Une Mouture Amer (a Bittersweet Grind)
November 3, 2015
Just as Dean is about to give up on love, an ex-girlfriend rekindles his belief in romance.
Little Mitchard No More
4. Little Mitchard No More
October 20, 2015
Stewart and Deb meet a new couple who have a bad case of "The Dean Effect" - people liking you only because you have a famous brother.
The Curious Disappearance of Mr. Donovan
3. The Curious Disappearance of Mr. Donovan
October 13, 2015
Convinced that Claire's disinterest in him is because she's a mole, Dean tells Stewart that Claire is divulging secrets with a rival firm.
A Hero Has Fallen
2. A Hero Has Fallen
October 6, 2015
Following the victorious Krantz case, Sanderson & Yao gets an influx of cases. Dean wants them to pick the next big case, which is typical, but Stewart disagrees. Stewart decides to use reverse psychology on Dean, but his plan goes awry.
Pilot
1. Pilot
September 29, 2015
In the series premiere, a popular TV actor's drama series ends, so he returns home to work at the family law firm alongside his younger brother.
Preview
0. Preview
September 5, 2015
Rob Lowe and Fred Savage star as brothers in this preview of The Grinder.
Description
Where to Watch The Grinder
The Grinder is available for streaming on the FOX website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Grinder on demand at Amazon, Vudu, Google Play and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    September 5, 2015
  • IMDB Rating
    7.2  (7,951)