The New Normal

The New Normal is an American television sitcom that graced the small screen between 2012 and 2013. This entertaining and poignant show aired on NBC and became known for its fresh, unique concept, as well as its strong performances by a host of talented actors. One of the main characters in the series is played by Justin Bartha, a widely acclaimed actor known for roles in numerous films and other television series.

The New Normal explores various themes central to contemporary life. It presents a layered and complex portrait of modern society and family dynamics, offering an engaging depiction of today’s diverse range of family norms. The show nestles itself within the secret spaces of our lives where we find ourselves constantly adapting, evolving, and redefining the concept of home and family.

The series focuses on Bryan (played by Andrew Rannells), a successful television producer, and David (played by Justin Bartha), a hardworking gynecologist. They are a happy, loving couple living in Los Angeles, but there’s a longing that lingers, a void they can’t seem to fill. They desire to start a family of their own. On their journey to parenthood, they come across Goldie Clemmons (Georgia King), a young mother from Ohio who is looking for a chance to realize her unrecognized potential and dreams.

Goldie becomes their surrogate mother, carrying their child. This relationship is central to the plot, sparking off a chain of connected storylines that deal with family, love, relationships, and the very concept of normality. The contrasting worlds of Bryan and David; affluent, cosmopolitan, LGBTQ+ individuals, and Goldie; a young woman grappling with her goal of making a better life converge in decidedly interesting ways.

Throughout the show, viewers get to explore the developing bond between this unconventional family. The characters are skillfully crafted, each one with his or her unique attributes and charms, idiosyncrasies, and flaws. The series explores the relationship dynamics between the involved parties and how they navigate through parenthood, bond, and learn from each other in the process. The show does a fantastic job of making these characters feel real and relatable, which adds to the appeal and brings depth to the humor and warmth that permeate the series.

The dialogue in The New Normal is quick, witty, and often loaded with hilarity, spurring moments of uncontrolled laughter even as it probes sensitive topics. The show also incorporates elements of drama and emotion, weaving a fine tapestry of heartfelt moments that strike a chord.

Embracing diversity and challenging the typical notion of a "normal family", The New Normal aims at highlighting the different facets of a family unit and how its meaning has evolved in today's society. This exploration is a significant strength of the show, often leading to moments that are strikingly profound and illuminating.

The sitcom brings a comedic yet deeply sentimental view of the complexities of modern family life. Its humor is sharp, often parodic, mocking societal stereotypes, and treatment of non-traditional family units. Yet, the series never loses sight of its sensitivity, dealing with delicate issues like homophobia and conservatism with grace and respect.

Justin Bartha shines through in his role as David, demonstrating the versatility of his acting prowess. His chemistry with co-star Andrew Rannells is compelling, driving home the series’ central theme with an engaging mix of humor, warmth, love, and camaraderie. The rest of the cast is equally talented, making the sitcom a joy to watch.

The New Normal, directed by Ryan Murphy (known for Glee, American Horror Story), was groundbreaking in its time, pushing the envelope and causing viewers to think, feel, and grow alongside the characters. The sitcom both reflects and challenges societal standards and norms, inviting discourse on what truly constitutes a normal family in the ever-evolving socio-cultural landscape of contemporary times.

In conclusion, The New Normal is a sitcom that holds a mirror to society, compelling us to introspect and challenge our notions of family life. It’s a series laced with humor and heart, with strong performances that make it an enthralling watch. This show isn't just about entertaining, it tells a powerful story about acceptance, love, and the reality that families, just like people, come in all shapes and sizes. Simply put, The New Normal redefines the concept of "normal".