The Goldbergs, E4 - TV review

This half-hour comedy is loosely based on the years spent growing up in 1980s Pennsylvania by creator Adam F Goldberg

The Goldbergs, E4

Are you nostalgic for nostalgia-based family sitcoms? Shows like The Wonder Years (1988-1993) or Everybody Hates Chris (2005-2009), in which a grown-up central character narrates the adventures of his childhood? If so, good news: E4 has just bought in a new one from the US. Say hello to The Goldbergs.

This half-hour comedy is loosely based on the years spent growing up in 1980s Pennsylvania by creator Adam F Goldberg (not to be confused with the actor of the same name). Back then, according to grown-up Adam (voiced by comic Patton Oswalt), "there were no parenting blogs or peanut allergies – just a whole lotta crazy".

Remember cassette tapes? Remember Star Wars? Remember how Brooke Shields wore her jeans? Even if you don't, you'll certainly recognise the character types. Beverly (Wendi McClendon-Covey) is the guilt-tripping matriarch and Jeff Garlin (Curb Your Enthusiasm) plays the gruff but lovable dad, Murray. There's also a vain, vacuous elder sister, a dim-witted middle child and our 11-year-old, camcorder-wielding hero. Oh, and don't forget Pops (George Segal), the waggish grandfather who dresses in pimped-out tracksuits and counsels young Adam on his pick-up technique.

The "whole lotta crazy" we were promised seemed to refer mostly to the Goldbergs' habit of shouting every conversation at top volume. This delivery was amusing in the scene where brother Barry received a locket containing a picture of his mother for his 16th birthday ("Who the hell told you life was fair??!!") but continued with diminishing returns from thereon in. My advice? Keep it muted until at least episode seven.