Critic Reviews

A socially responsible, heartwarming, beautifully made, written and acted series. [8 Sep 1994]

But this outstanding drama...takes the most horrible of situations and turns it into an intelligent, entertaining, strongly pro-family series.

Viewers are not accustomed to finding programs of this caliber on Fox, and they certainly will not expect it right after the tawdry "Melrose Place." But make the effort. You'll be glad you did. [11 Sept 1994, p.TV-17]

Chris Keyser and Amy Lippman, former writers and executive producers on NBC's "Sisters," manage to transcend an off-putting concept by making their young characters quite credible and likable as they encounter the obstacles of growing up...The cast is exceptionally attractive; the characters are unusually affecting.

For one thing, the cast was stellar. To play the four oldest siblings, Keyser and Lippman found Matthew Fox, Scott Wolf, Neve Campbell, and Lacey Chabert, all of whom would go on to have significant careers elsewhere and all of whom almost immediately started acting like a semi-functioning family unit.

In less capable hands, the show might have turned into a far-fetched teen fantasy about life without parental restrictions...Here, it is a touching and finely crafted exploration of what it means to grow up without either the rules or the loving guidance of parents. [10 Sept 1994]

The best, warmest, most immediately satisfying contemporary family drama since ABC's Life Goes On. May this one have as long a run. It will certainly have as steep an uphill battle. [12 Sept 1994, p.8D]

Party of Five takes a serious and absorbing approach.

A generally pleasing drama series that draws you in with capable acting and likable, intelligent characters.

It's promising television drama that arrives as youthful relief from TV's hormonal gulch.