Speechless (2016–2019) User Reviews

Genuinely funny and it never victimizes its main character

[asphyxion_ · 8/10 · 10 January 2019]

Speechless has a ton of heart and the family under the monarchy of Minnie Driver has a feelgood chemistry. I don't think her British origin has ever actually been explained in the show (that I can recall), so it's somewhat offputting at first getting adjusted to an all American family with the matriarch being the lone Brit. It's not a common situation in a domestic sitcom, but neither is much else common about Speechless. From the lead character JJ DiMeo suffering from Cerebral Palsy and his silky-voiced partner Kenneth to their quirky dog Pepper, the entire main cast shines through--each member offering their own form of delivery (deadpan, self-deprecating, etc)--giving the viewer a buffet of all the different shades of comedy available. It's also refreshing that there's no canned laughter--ABC's better comedies tend to share that trait.

Another great thing about "Speechless" is that it never tries to make you feel bad for JJ. The show does a great job at showcasing JJ's humanity rather than his disability, and his personality takes front-and-center stage. JJ and Kenneth have great chemistry and they remind me of a mix of Shawn and Gus from "Psych" and Adrian and Sharona from "Monk".

If you like Speechless,. check out the show "Single Parents" too.

EDIT: Speechless has been cancelled and will not be back for a 4th season. RIP to an amazing show. I'm sad that we won't get to see JJ try to navigate life away from home as a student dorming at NYU but at least the show didn't end with a cliffhanger. Maybe it'll get picked up someday in the future.. *crosses fingers*

A cut above the usual family sitcom

[ten-thousand-marbles · 7/10 · 24 November 2021]

It's unfortunate this show only went three seasons. It seemed that season three was where they were just starting to hit their stride. The cast had come together nicely and the writing had a little more edge than the previous years. The entire series is entertaining and fun. Definitely worth a watch.

Something different

[jperry714 · 9/10 · 28 September 2016]

This show, seems to be, something different from the usual sitcom fare. So I am going to try something different in this review. I am going to give my opinion and not present it as undeniable fact. I won't say that the show is funny, but I will admit that I found it funny. I personally enjoyed it more than the Goldbergs, though I do watch that show regularly and for the most part enjoy it. I missed the pilot of Speechless and base this opinion on the second episode. I found the acting to be fine, even the children. All of the kids made me laugh at one point or another. I think the actor cast as the new aid is perfect and shows a real chemistry with the special needs son he is charged with assisting. I understand that there will be negative reviews for just about any show, I just recommend you use them for what they are. Some stranger's opinion who, if you read them, seems to think that their opinion is fact. And if someone really thinks that if they don't laugh, then it's not funny period, then they don't understand what a sense of humor is.

The representation was amazing!

[rako-27616 · 10/10 · 21 September 2016]

I honestly can't remember the last time I saw a show where the main character was a wheelchair user played by an actor who actually uses a wheelchair. This alone makes the show a must-see. Admittedly there are the typical ABC-sitcom tropes: the corniness, the less-than-ideal acting, etc. But it's all worth it to see the way they tackle disabilities with an actor who experiences everything first-hand. As a viewer in a wheelchair, it was genuinely incredible. I cannot wait to see where the show goes in the future. I hope that this is one that sticks. If you don't care about it, chances are that you have never been disabled or affected by someone with a disability. (Which is disappointing as the messages in the show are aimed at you.) And if you are disabled, I would definitely recommend checking it out.

Hilarious

[nillennir · 8 September 2016]

I have to say, some parts are over actuated in my opinion; but the situations are hilarious. I like that Micah Fowler have the same discapacity than in the series (but a minor degree) as like it was presented in the series switched at birth. Also any one with some degree of discapacity will find identificated with the situations in the comedy (i do). I lived a lot of the scenes in the chapter (for example get stop by the police -not doing anything wrong-, asked to get down of the car and when they see me i have no legs they just let me go. I hope you enjoy the show and like my review I can't rate it but i give it a 9/10.

PD: Sorry for my bad English, i speak Spanish.

Has Yet to Disappoint

[WulfieGirl · 10/10 · 6 April 2019]

Season 2 is almost over and this show continues to deliver. Speechless masterfully takes a difficult and potentially isolating health issue and shows the world stubborn love, camaraderie and strength all while making you smile. The characters all have their own "extreme" traits - Maya's brazen outlook for one - and it works beautifully in this hilarious symphony of a family supporting each other no matter what comes their way. Also, I'd be remiss not to mention the amazing job JJ's character does at reminding the world that there's so much more to a person than what you see. This show is first class. For anyone that likes to laugh, Speechless is a must see.

Perfection!

[lisacarlson50 · 10/10 · 21 September 2016]

Speechless simply put is perfection. Actress, singer songwriter Minnie Driver delivers what we all want to say but usually do not as the Mom. She's surrounded by a cast who shines right along with her. For anyone who felt unhinged growing up this show is for you; it's a great commentary on the things we do not normally see in a comedy. Nothing is perfect here and ins't that spectacular. Kinda like the way most of us live. The 30 minute length gives us just enough to look forward to more and Wednesday night is a perfect place for it. I hope the series creator, producer and writer Scott Silveri continues to elevate this show with great writing.

J.J. Is A Firework

[byson5186 · 10/10 · 12 October 2017]

Prime Time T.V. shows coming out try to be funny and original. This T.V. show is both, and it shows us how awesome and normal a kid with disabilities can be!! My title is an allusion to Katy Perry's song Firework. You'll feel that same way about J.J.

So about this show being original, it helps us get to know a family and a teen with cerebral palsy. He can't walk, and gets around in a wheelchair. He also can't speak, but he's not deaf. He doesn't communicate with sign language, but he uses his head gear with a laser where he points to a board, and everybody around him always seems to immediately know what he's trying to say?

We have J.J.'s Mom, Maya. She speaks in a British accent, which alone makes the character more interesting. Maya loves J.J. so much, and will do anything for him. She and the family frequently can get away with things when they use having a disabled son as an excuse. But, Maya fights for everything to get her son involved in regular activities in school and feel as normal as the other kids, not just because he's disabled. She's also into giving J.J. anything he wants, even if she doesn't like it.

We have J.J.'s caretaker Kenneth. Kenneth is a big older black guy, who lives in his own apartment away from the Dimeo family, but he really feels like he's part of their family. He almost always is with them when we see the family together. Kenneth is a funny man, and feels like he is doing something with his life helping out J.J. We occasionally hear some of his backstory prior to helping J.J. and other things he does aside from assisting J.J.

We have the other characters: Dylan, Jimmie, and Ray. I don't find these characters as interesting. They don't get as much attention as J.J. does, but they are all very supportive of J.J. and would do anything for him. Ray is a dorky guy trying to fit in, and the voice of reason. Dylan is a tough girl that seems real smart in her responses. Jimmie seems a little whacko and doesn't take things seriously. He reminds me of the Dad in Modern Family.

We also have their house and big van. The house is an older house small, and not the nicest looking house. It's a mess and disorganized as this family mostly shows to be disorganized. We have the big van which holds a wheelchair and Maya can get away with speeding.

Anyway, this T.V. show is really funny and can get me laughing. This T.V. show brings prime-time into teaching how awesome and normal a kid with a disability can be. This isn't like Sesame Street having a character in the main cast not speak and use sign language. Or, this isn't like a discovery show you'll see on T.V. talking about kids with disabilities. This is prime-time, comedy. We see a whacko family and funny caretaker doing the best to live their lives and take care of a disabled family member. J.J. is a character we'll like. He really shows his personality, and the things he wants in life. Even though he can't speak or walk, he seems pretty normal aside from that. He isn't an annoying kid with disabilities that you won't like. For example, the only other acting role the actor that plays J.J. Micah Fowler has been in is a movie called Labor Day. For the brief scene he was in, he seemed to be portrayed like an annoying disabled kid. But, in this T.V. show he really is somebody we care for and who doesn't seem annoying. A Prime-Time show can show how inspiring a disabled kid can be through comedy, which makes it more entertaining than trying to teach the same lesson through a Discovery Show, or kids education show.

I'm so happy this T.V. show made it to a second season. I hope it lasts many more seasons. I'm sure it will inspire kids who are disabled through comedy!!

Took Me A Few Eps To Like This Show...

[MovieHoliks · 6/10 · 27 October 2016]

I watched the pilot and maybe second show of this, and lost interest. Then my sister asks me if I've been watching this show, and tells me how much she likes it, so I go back and start watching again, and I'll tell ya, this show is growing on me. I guess I never really thought of Minnie Driver being a sitcom-y actress, but she somehow works here. And the dude with the speech impediment from "Big Bang Theory" (John Ross Bowie) plays her hubbie (minus the speech impediment LOL. Cedric Yarbrough is playing some kind of in-house caregiver to their special needs child, and the two develop a relationship where they sorta use each other to their own benefit. LOL I dunno where this show is going, but I think I'll keep watching for now. Still not up to the quality of the other ABC favs, "The Middle" (which has moved to Tuesday nites), "Goldbergs" and "Modern Family", but this definitely has potential...

I love this show.

[ljsdogs · 10/10 · 22 September 2016]

I just watched the first show and i love it. I don't usually get excited over new shows, can't remember the last new show i really liked. I hope this stays on for a long time. It usually takes a few episodes for the characters to click , but this is already clicking. Love all the people and their parts, very well done. Funny, charming. Went to the top of my must see list. Someone did something right with the casting and writing..good job !!will be telling my friends about it. Hope others like it as much as I do..I don't want to see this show get canceled. Hope the network gets the message and treats this gem with care and respect. We need more shows like this and I wouldn't be watching old movies on Roku.

.. yes six.. and that's being very kind

[bjarias · 6/10 · 21 September 2016]

..there are good actors in this production that are much better than this sub-par effort deserves. That's not to say it will not succeed, for God only knows, many even lesser efforts have repeatedly kept going. If you can get through the first ten minutes and cannot find fault, than there's not much else to say. The saying 'it takes all kinds' is no more true than in entertainment programming.. one man's joy is another's poison. Trying to fill ten lines when you've pretty much said all you had wanted to say is the most demanding challenge when writing about these kinds of programs. You can only say so much, and you keep questioning why you are attempting to write anything at all.

Funniest sitcom of the season; Minnie Driver is terrific

[cherold · 8/10 · 30 November 2016]

Update: this series never went downhill.

This terrifically funny sitcom has a rather odd structure. It's similar to shows like Fresh Off the Boat and the Real O'Neals, except that since the character the series is built around can't speak, his brother fills the role of POV character.

At the same time, neither of the brothers really powers the series. Instead, Minnie Driver's brilliant performance as their force-of-nature pushes everything forward. She is a complicated character, stubborn, guilt-ridden, neglectful of her other children yet wildly noble in her unstinting efforts to protect her neediest child.

In similar series, the family is often a generic backdrop to the kids, but here, the family itself is quite interesting; a rather bohemian group that functions as their own traveling circus.

When I first heard about a series centered around a disabled kid, I thought, that sounds depressing, but this series is anything but. JJ is severely disabled, but he's likable and funny, and the series does a good job of making disability seem like something you have to deal with rather than something that defines you. It's a series that takes something very serious and makes it fun without making fun of it.

Starts out awesome, then goes downhill

[ChristianLikesScreens · 7/10 · 21 April 2019]

Season 1: absolutely amazing Season 2: ok Season 3: hella cringey

Still very much worth the watch, just be ready for the jokes and characters to get worse as time goes on.

couldn't get past first 5

[judyjeankwon · 3/10 · 30 September 2016]

The show felt really unbelievable. I know "cynical" is the new cool and style of shows but it was really contrived and disingenuous. I couldn't believe any of the characters. Everyone looked and felt like they were saying and acting the parts. I believe Cynic comes from a real place of pain and they all seemed like they had happy and easy lives. It felt Disney trying to be Amazon, HBO... The show also looked like it was shot in LA but they did a good job making everyone "white" east coast, middle-class, wonder bread and so boring. The whole show revolves around a family putting the special needs kid as the most important thing in their life, as well as the town accepting the disabled kid without much trials. I guess the problem starts with the concept because that in itself doesn't seem believable to me. Moving a whole family around with middle-school aged kids constantly, ruining their chance at going to college anda chance at a decent life for one special needs kid. Hmmm.

Another SitCom based on a "unique" family but this is generally funny!

[Dr_Sagan · 29 September 2016]

This a new situation comedy about a "unique" family, a couple and 3 teenage kids, one of them is on a wheelchair using specialized equipment to communicate (like Stephen Hawking minus the electronic voice) because of cerebral palsy.

The dominant figure is the mother (played by Minnie Driver) who is heavily overprotective especially for her oldest son who can't walk or speak (thus the name of the series).

The cast is great, the dialogues and situation over-exaggerated but funny and there are statements about respect, sensitivity, kindness and acceptance.

Overall: Funny enough, good performances, the premise has potential, recommended.

please ignore any negative reviews

[chrisdye-78817 · 9/10 · 23 September 2016]

after seeing the trailer for this i was not so sure what the outcome of it was going to be for me and my family however having just watched the pilot episode on hulu i gotta say that this is a remarkable unexpected treat for the family ts sweet heartfelt and hilarious i know i know the mother is annoying but the rest of the family make up where she is annoying i love the teen daughter and jj is da man hes hilarious and really a good example for kids with this disorder the rest of the family besides the mom are fantastic and i cant wait to see what happens next here yea it may be another predictable family comedy but its a good one and u should really try it

Best sitcom ever!

[eberys · 10/10 · 15 March 2017]

I love Speechless the only show I look forward to every week! Best show on TV! Must see for everyone! I love the episode where they go on a road trip hilarious when Ray (Mason Cook) plans behind their backs and Dylan (Kyla Kenedy) says "I am my curly haired mother's daughter"! This show literally makes me laugh out loud!

The show is funny but Ray is bashed throughout.

[khayreelanden · 8/10 · 13 April 2017]

The show is hilarious with touching moments and well written characters. My only issues are concerning all the negativity towards Ray (who seems to be the saddest, unluckiest kid on Earth). At least give the boy one lucky day it's becoming annoying. Yet he solves majority of the family conflicts. Also the mother is always overbearing towards JJ which is brilliant and cringing at the same time. She can be beautifully loving and tenaciously wicked in an instant. JJ and Kenneth are hilarious together. The father and Dylan are also an hilarious duo.

Finally something funny!!!

[tchristos-36619 · 9/10 · 25 March 2018]

Finally a funny Sitcom without the awkwardness! Good writing, Good acting, a true rare gem. Laughter doesn't seem forced like other sitcoms. Give it a chance, you won't regret it i promise you.

A funny new comedy

[studioAT · 6/10 · 5 October 2016]

Scott Silveri displayed during his eight year stint on 'Friends' that he was a top class writer, and I'm thrilled that a couple of flops later (though I did enjoy 'Joey' it must be said) he's bounced back with this show.

The subject matter is personal to him, and there's a quality of writing displayed here that isn't often seen in a television world that seems reliant on giving older sitcom stars new shows for no reason.

It won't be a 'Big Bang' type of show that creates lots of merchandising, or cult status, but based on what it's shown so far this is one of those shows that needs word of mouth to give it the security to flourish throughout it's first season.

Welcome back Scott Silveri.

This show has great potential!

[ftlauderdalefilmfan · 10/10 · 26 September 2016]

While the creating team of this new program packed an awful lot into the very first episode, I don't remember ever seeing a show that not only had me hooked within the first ten minutes the way this one did, but had me loving it more and more as it progressed and evolved. Admittedly many of the characters outside of the family, especially those in the school, were way over the top in the way they treated, mistreated, or mostly over-compensated for the "disabled" new kid (the teacher's and students' welcome when he first enters the classroom?), his reactions to all of them were hilarious. And Dina Spybey-Waters, whose character was crazy enough years ago in "Six Feet Under," was just as hilarious as his "voice." As others have stated on the message boards, all this kid wants is to be treated like anyone else. Not to mention he is witty and sarcastic as all get out.

And while his mother may be fighting a little (well, actually a lot) too hard for his rights and for him to be treated equally rather than special (trash or person?), the same as we gays have always wanted to be, and already has a reputation for going overboard at several other schools, I'm sure that her past experiences have caused her behavior to become more and more aggressive with each new neighborhood and school like this one with which she has had to deal with this kind of nonsense.

However, the initial conflict within the family unit and the way it was resolved in the end was truly heartwarming. The mom's admission of her over-protection of her wheelchair-bound son at the cost of neglecting her other son's needs and her left-handed apology to him wrapped up the whole episode like a warm fuzzy blanket. Corny? Maybe. But true enough.

The father and daughter characters have yet to be fully developed, but I believe that given enough time they'll be a big contribution to the show. But all around the writing and acting were all top-notch. And special mention must be made to Cedric Yarbrough's character as well as his portrayal. I love the way he confronted the defensive mother with his own experiences of being treated differently, but loved even more the way he and the kid bonded at the end, and I hope that he does end up being his "voice." They would make a great team.

Overall, I already adore this show and hope that it doesn't get cancelled the way other great but quirky shows on ABC like "Eli Stone" and "Better Off Ted" did years ago. It had me laughing and tearing up as well, and to me, that is a satisfying half hour of TV viewing that I look forward to each week. But alas, shows like the Kartrashians and other such ilk garner more of the American viewing public these days than wonderful shows like this, so I'm not getting my hopes up.

Great way of expressing how normal disability can be!

[laurenvita-28333 · 7/10 · 20 February 2017]

When first hearing that the show was about the family of a boy with cerebral palsy, the automatic response is to expect the mood of the show to be sad and/or heartbreaking. However, I found the upbeat and partly comical mood of the show to be a refreshing outlook on disability. It starts out with a seemingly "normal" family driving to get half priced breakfast before their coupon expires. When they arrive at their destination, they park in a handicapped spot without any indication on their vehicle of the necessity for use of the spot. Immediately, an older woman makes a comment about how it is unfair they use the spot, and complains about the problems she has with walking. Rather than speaking a response, the family instead opens the back door of the car, lowers the ramp, and lowers down the wheelchair of their son JJ who has cerebral palsy (immediately shutting up the older woman). This beginning scene then sets the context in which disability will be portrayed throughout the remainder of the show- light heatedly with a twinge of comic relief on a topic that makes so many people uncomfortable. Throughout the rest of the episode, the characters in the show portray the actual normalcy of disability, and how, even though it makes so many people uncomfortable (i.e. when JJ goes into his classroom for the first time and gets a standing ovation from peers he has never met before), we all need to remember that just because someone has a disability that it does not make them abnormal. The show does a great job portraying this message to its viewers. One of the most comical aspects of the show is the reactions JJ's family (as well as JJ himself) has to people' extreme kindness in reaction to his disability. The entire family find people's reactions to be absurd, and goes as far at times to mock those who treat JJ any differently. I recommend this show not only to those who know someone with disability (or has a disability themselves) but also anyone in need of some comic relief surrounding a topic that makes so many uncomfortable.

So good

[emutown · 8/10 · 2 February 2019]

This show never ceases to amaze me. Every episode I'm laughing, and aw'ing right along with them. All of the characters are great. The writers are insanely creative, and never leave a boring or dull moment. Not only all of these things, but this show is so very important in our world. Inclusion. Acceptance. Equality. Fighting for what's right. Enjoying the ride eventheough the struggles. It's all just so brilliant. Mad props to everyone involved, and I hope this show lasts a long time!

It has its ups and it's downs

[nukeman-00359 · 7/10 · 24 February 2017]

Well, there's some good things. I like some of the characters, i like Ray. He's the every man that can do anything, and the idea and some of the jokes. What i don't like is how they go about with the rest. How the plot would always take place on the parents and JJ rarely do the children or it's just ray and he never comes out at the end. There's a reason that this is on the bubble (or was when you're reading this review), because most of these episodes are hits or misses. I think they could at least get a second season if they at least tweak somethings. Like the plots, because i really find the parents boring and JJ doesn't help and ken, JJ's aide doesn't have that much character. He's the cool guy, i guess, but i rarely get to see the other characters interact at all. I get to see a sweet episode of Dylan and Ray sharing a room together as a compromise, but then i see episodes where he's beaten down or knocked down a peg, for no reason except for existing. Maybe there should be at least more characters with Ray, because watching the mother being a somewhat awful person is really boring.

Wow; am I in the minority

[aeasmmikey · 1/10 · 14 September 2016]

We watched the premier on some streaming service. 10 minutes in, my husband asked if I wanted to call it. i said no, we were committed to watching the whole thing.

Now, keep in mind -- we watch everything at least one time in the new season.

But after poking around online at all the pre-reviews, we are certainly in the minority. Everyone loves this -- except us.

We found it stupid, clichéd, predictable, and heavy handed. Just awful. Everyone else found it charming.

You choose. We could barely get through the premier.