Carl Edwards to Appear on Fox’s ‘The Grinder’

Curiosity and nostalgia (plus a massive marketing campaign) brought viewers to the premiere of The Muppets to make it the highest rated comedy debut this fall. He jokes about pitching the name “Handsome Guy in His 50s That Finds Out He Has a Kid?” as a title. He has had lots of small roles since then, but has focused much more on directing and producing. He last appeared in ABC’s “Crumbs” in 2006. There, his dad, Dean Sr.

It is probably a coincidence that Fox landed “The Grinder“, Rob Lowe’s post-“Parks and Recreation” starring vehicle, and “Grandfathered”, John Stamos’s first turn as a series regular since the end of “ER”, simultaneously. I know that’s such a bogus answer, but I really do… I really liked the character. What happens is that Dean feels his years as a TV attorney qualify him to practice law in the real courtroom, something his brother sees as ridiculous.

Actor Rob Lowe and Fred Savage previewed what to expect in the series in an interview with TVGuide.

“The Grinder” is an offbeat story of brothers in different stages of their lives who get back together and form a wacky alliance. But Lowe and Savage play them perfectly, and the way they play off each other is a joy to behold. We’re really happy with the show, so far.

To its credit, the series then has Stewart prove that there’s precedent for every one of those ridiculous tricks – firmly establishing The Grinder as something that’s ridiculous, yes, but also grounded in a few semblance of reality. I have not seen it. I will. Believe me, I will. Having a lead-in did not boost Scream Queens (1.4), which slipped -18% from its two-hour premiere. There haven’t been any talks about it yet, but anything’s possible.

Grandfathered: Sitcom. 8 p.m. Tuesday, September 29, on Fox. For more with Fred Savage, continue reading. Maybe you haven’t spent something like 30-40 percent of your life – a rough but fair estimate – watching reruns of lawyer shows on basic cable. He sent me the script for the pilot, and I was like, “Oh, my god, this is fantastic!”

What do you think about the fascination people have now with classic TV shows? We’re crossing our fingers that a backflip makes it into the scene. Shows that we love, [but] might be embarrassed to admit we love. Here’s hoping the writers give the tickled Devane more to do. The supporting cast, including Mary Elizabeth Ellis and William Devane, and the pilot’s guest stars, such as Kumail Nanjiani and Steve Little, all work incredibly well.

So there was no drama on set? “And I think he sees that and it breaks his heart”, Savage says.

Judging by how numerous tables are occupied, Jimmy has a full house. You know, like a insane person.

He quips, “Ironically I would have gone to law school!”

Most good comedy is based in truth. Veteran showrunner Greg Malins (“How I Met Your Mother”, “Friends“, “Ground Floor”) left the show in late August, citing creative differences. “It really just seemed like something really fun to do”, Savage says. And he goes, “Well, just consider it”, and I was like, “Look”…

Fox’s building of a comedy block got off to an OK start, as both Grandfathered and The Grinder raised their curtains to a 1.5 rating in adults 18-49.

At least for the pilot, there is a lot of eye rolling at Rob – not just at Rob, but also for the incredibly warm response that he gets from everyone.