Watch Grounded for Life

TV-14
2001
5 Seasons
7.4 (15,563)

Grounded for Life was a sitcom that aired on The WB from 2001 to 2005. The show revolved around the Finnerty family, who were a working-class Irish-American family living in Staten Island, New York. The parents, Sean (Donal Logue) and Claudia (Megyn Price), were high school sweethearts who got married at a young age and had three children - Lily (Lynsey Bartilson), Jimmy (Griffin Frazen), and Henry (Jake Burbage). The show was known for its quick-witted, sarcastic humor and its realistic depiction of family life. Sean and Claudia were always struggling to make ends meet, and they often found themselves in humorous and relatable situations. Sean worked at a construction company, while Claudia worked part-time at a bar. The show touched on many social issues such as teenage pregnancy, homosexuality, and drug addiction. One of the most unique aspects of the show was its use of flashbacks. Often, the show would start with an event in the present, such as Sean and Claudia arguing, and then it would cut to a flashback of the same event, showing how they got to that point. The show also frequently used dream sequences and fantasies to add humor and depth to the characters. The main characters were well-developed and likable. Sean was a lovable slacker who often made impulsive decisions but had a big heart. Claudia was the voice of reason, trying to keep the family together and make responsible choices. Lily was the rebellious teenager who was always pushing boundaries, while Jimmy and Henry were the mischievous younger brothers. The show's supporting cast was also strong, including Kevin Corrigan as Sean's best friend Eddie, Bret Harrison as Lily's boyfriend Brad, and Richard Riehle as Sean's father, who often served as a comedic foil to Sean. The show also had several notable guest stars, including Ashton Kutcher and Wilmer Valderrama from That '70s Show. Grounded for Life was canceled after four seasons, but it has remained a cult favorite among fans. The show's realistic portrayal of family life and its unique storytelling techniques set it apart from other sitcoms of its time. The show tackled serious issues with humor and heart, making it a beloved and relatable sitcom that still resonates with audiences today.

Filter by Source

Do you have Apple TV?

What are you waiting for?

Nice! Browse Apple TV with Yidio.

Ad Info

13. Hello, Goodbye

January 28, 2005

In this episode, Claudia and Sean miss Lily's graduation. Which ruins the senior prank she had planned. Then Claudia goes into labor. Sean and Eddie find out that Walt's cleaning lady is his girlfriend.

12. Crazy

January 21, 2005

Eddie's girlfriend Crazy Amy returns and starts selling nude photos she took of Eddie. Meanwhile, Sean tries to sell the Red Boot and Jimmy joins cheerleading to get close to girls.

11. The Letter(s)

January 14, 2005

Sean is infuriated after receiving several letters from the Home Owner's Association telling him to clean his yard. He's determined to put an end to these demands, despite Claudia's happiness about the changes in the neighborhood. Meanwhile, Brad wants to buy Lily lingerie for their anniversary, but receives a shock when he sees Sister Hellen at the store. Elsewhere, Jimmy worries about how the family will support his new lifestyle change.

10. Tom Sawyer

January 7, 2005

After an uninspiring meeting with the school guidance counseler, Lily wants to prove her intelligence. When Brad decides to apply at Yale, Lily does, too, but she realizes she must do something to make her application stand out. Meanwhile, Claudia pities Sean after he takes on an extra job as a limo driver, and Eddie helps Jimmy prepare for his role of Tom Sawyer.

9. Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?

November 19, 2004

Claudia feels unattractive being pregnant, so Sean pays one of her classmates to hit on her. Meanwhile, Eddie writes a comedy routine with some help from Lily, and Brad enrolls Jimmy in the Sciencenauts.

8. Mystery Dance

November 12, 2004

Sean and Claudia worry that the bar isn't bringing in enough money. Claudia begins working at home, calling people up to demand payment on unpaid medical bills. Sean applies for a position at TJ Shenanigans, only to find that he'll be competing against his own brother to get the job. Meanwhile, having just broken up with Brad, Taya starts dating Jimmy.

7. I'm Looking Through You

November 5, 2004

Sean's friend Dave comes to town and stays with the Finnertys. Now a children's performer by the name of "J.J. Bodybuddy", Dave is volunteered (by Sean) to perform at St. Finnian's. Before the day of the performance, however, he wants to have a fun night on the town with Eddie and Sean. Meanwhile, Lily is already jealous of the unborn baby and is willing to do anything to show her mother that.

6. Psycho Therapy

October 22, 2004

Brad and Lily engage in a fierce race for Student Body President. Eddie tries to understand his life by going to a shrink, and Sean promises Claudia not to reveal the sex of their new baby.

5. You Better You Bet

October 15, 2004

Claudia is upset with Sean when she finds out he gambled the money for the baby's crib and used the winnings to buy a new TV.

4. Day Tripper

October 8, 2004

Eddie moves into the Finnerties basement, struggling to hide his activities from Claudia. Meanwhile, Claudia's more worried about performing all of her motherly duties while pregnant. Finally, Lily's jealousy of Brad's new girlfriend causes her to act out.

3. One Is the Loneliest Number

October 1, 2004

Because Eddie now has a girlfriend he spends all his time with her. Sean being jealous finds every possible thing wrong with her. Lilly's plan to make Brad jealous doesn't work and Claudia gets mad because Sean tells everyone she is pregnant.

2. Man, I Feel Like a Woman

September 24, 2004

Eddie convinces Sean that he has Sympathetic Pregnancy Syndrome. Brad and Lily decide to be friends, but they find this difficult to do. Meanwhile, a girl named Taya moves in next door, and Jimmy tries to get her attention by pretending to be a jock. Eddie enters an interesting relationship with his ex-girlfriend, Faye.

1. The Policy of Truth

September 17, 2004

After admitting he hooked up with his space camp buddy Lana,Brad begs for forgiveness from Lily until he learns of his infidelity. Sean learns something intresting about Claudia,which he doesn't tell her.

Description

The show was known for its quick-witted, sarcastic humor and its realistic depiction of family life. Sean and Claudia were always struggling to make ends meet, and they often found themselves in humorous and relatable situations. Sean worked at a construction company, while Claudia worked part-time at a bar. The show touched on many social issues such as teenage pregnancy, homosexuality, and drug addiction.

One of the most unique aspects of the show was its use of flashbacks. Often, the show would start with an event in the present, such as Sean and Claudia arguing, and then it would cut to a flashback of the same event, showing how they got to that point. The show also frequently used dream sequences and fantasies to add humor and depth to the characters.

The main characters were well-developed and likable. Sean was a lovable slacker who often made impulsive decisions but had a big heart. Claudia was the voice of reason, trying to keep the family together and make responsible choices. Lily was the rebellious teenager who was always pushing boundaries, while Jimmy and Henry were the mischievous younger brothers.

The show's supporting cast was also strong, including Kevin Corrigan as Sean's best friend Eddie, Bret Harrison as Lily's boyfriend Brad, and Richard Riehle as Sean's father, who often served as a comedic foil to Sean. The show also had several notable guest stars, including Ashton Kutcher and Wilmer Valderrama from That '70s Show.

Grounded for Life was canceled after four seasons, but it has remained a cult favorite among fans. The show's realistic portrayal of family life and its unique storytelling techniques set it apart from other sitcoms of its time. The show tackled serious issues with humor and heart, making it a beloved and relatable sitcom that still resonates with audiences today.