TV series

The Grinder

Name: The Grinder
Released: 2015
Cast: Rob Lowe, Fred Savage, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, William Devane, Hana Hayes

2015–2016· 1 season· 21 min episodesTV-14★ 6.7Canceled

On FOX — From The Detective Agency · 20th Century Fox Television

Two brothers. One's a lawyer. The other played one on TV.

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Not available to stream in US

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Synopsis

Television lawyer Dean Sanderson moves back to his small home town after his hit series, "The Grinder," is canceled thinking his time on TV qualifies him to run his family's law firm.

Themes

family business lawyer family law firm sitcom

Episodes

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E1 PilotNext upSep 29, 2015 · 21 min · ★ 7.7
Synopsis
When his long-running hit series comes to an end, Dean finds himself at a crossroads in life and decides to move back to his small home town thinking he has the experience to take over his family’s law firm, where he butts heads with his brother, Stewart.
Guest stars: John Owen Lowe (Joel Zadak), Tonita Castro (Yolanda), Odette Annable (Devin Stutz), Rose Abdoo (Judge Stephanie Rossmyre), Juan Carlos Cantu (Victor Ramirez), Brian Huskey (Albert Krantz), Kumail Nanjiani (Prosecutor Leonard), Melanie Liburd (Ivy Dexter)
E2 A Hero Has FallenOct 6, 2015 · 21 min · ★ 7.3
Synopsis
After the exciting and victorious Krantz case, Sanderson & Yao gets flooded with cases. Dean, in his usual fashion, wants them to pick the next big case. Stewart disagrees, but he realizes that telling Dean he can’t do something only will make him want to do it more. Soo Stewart decides to encourage Dean and the plan backfires. Meanwhile, Dean inspires Debbie to go for a promotion at work using a “big dog” approach, which puts her job in jeopardy
Guest stars: John Owen Lowe (Joel Zadak), Jarrad Paul (Pincus), Will Greenberg (Hugh Rozz), Matt Hobby (Pat Landy), Sujata Day (Dawn), Corey Dorris (Trevor), Phil Abrams (Jeff Behar)
E3 The Curious Disappearance of Mr. DonovanOct 13, 2015 · 21 min · ★ 7.3
Synopsis
Convinced that the only explanation for Claire’s non-interest in him is that she’s a mole, Dean tells Stewart that Claire is sharing secrets with a rival firm. Although Stewart dismisses the accusation, Dean is set on proving his brother wrong. Meanwhile, Deb and Claire strike up a friendship, the gossipy nature of which propels Stewart to question whether Claire can be trusted after all.
Guest stars: Melanie Liburd (Ivy Dexter), Will Greenberg (Hugh Rozz), Matt Hobby (Pat Landy), Dan Martin (Murph), Caryn Mower (Client Mom)
E4 Little Mitchard No MoreOct 20, 2015 · 21 min · ★ 7.7
Synopsis
When a new couple, Lyle and Vanessa Gerhart, comes into their life, Stewart and Deb deal with "The Dean Effect" - people liking you only because you have a famous brother. Meanwhile, Dean finds himself in a similar situation with Claire, the first person he's ever met who isn't affected by his celebrity
Guest stars: Emmanuelle Chriqui (Addison Cross), Nat Faxon (Lyle Gerhart), Alexie Gilmore (Vanessa Gerhart), David Bloom (Brandon Gibgort), Mark Berry (Coach Kessler), Isabella Dake (Tanya), Rick Fitts (Judge McCan)
E5 A Bittersweet Grind (Une Mouture Amer)Nov 3, 2015 · 21 min · ★ 7.8
Synopsis
Just as Dean prepares to give up on what he thinks is a hopeless search for love, he is reunited with Gail, an old flame who restores his belief in romance. Meanwhile, Deb encourages Stewart to change his strict ways and let Lizzie have a supervised date with Joel Zadak.
Guest stars: Christina Applegate (Gail Budnick), John Owen Lowe (Joel Zadak), Emmanuelle Chriqui (Addison Cross), Brennan Keel Cook (Toby), Talia Tabin (Candace), Taylor Locascio (Brie)
E6 Dedicating This One to the CrewNov 10, 2015 · 21 min · ★ 6.8
Synopsis
When Ethan chooses to audition for the school play instead of following in his father's footsteps by joining the tech crew, it highlights the differences between those who seem destined for the spotlight and those who live their lives in the shadows. Meanwhile, Stewart confronts Dean Sr. about how he gave his two sons very different life advice.
Guest stars: Will Greenberg (Hugh Rozz), Matt Hobby (Pat Landy), Michael Showalter (Sandy Malmuth), Jerry Minor (Principal Davis), Kurt Yaeger (Prosecuting Attorney), Walter Addison (Judge Felmar), Jacob Guenther (Blaine), Amanda Landry (Judge)
E7 Buckingham MaliceNov 17, 2015 · 21 min · ★ 7.0
Synopsis
Stewart convinces Dean he can’t keep using his celebrity if he really wants to be a “regular guy.” But when the brothers find themselves in serious trouble, Dean’s fame might be the only way to bail them out. Meanwhile, Debbie gets an assistant, and ends up being more of an assistant to her.
Guest stars: Bruno Amato (Jail Guard), Nathan Fielder (Officer Collins), Rose Abdoo (Judge Stephanie Rossmyre), Carl Edwards (Strauss), Jim Piddock (Barrister Cromwell), Emily Arlook (Laura Springer), Jonny Coyne (Farouk), Alastair Duncan (Lord Chief Justice Pugue)
E8 Giving Thanks, Getting JusticeNov 24, 2015 · 21 min · ★ 7.2
Synopsis
After spending several holidays away from the family, Dean is thrilled to be reunited with them for his first real Thanksgiving celebration in a long time. But his overexcitement and meddling brings a major, unexpected family secret to light. Meanwhile, a series of flashbacks reveal the chain of events that led to Dean's departure from his hit TV drama.
Guest stars: Timothy Olyphant (Timothy Olyphant / Rake Grinder), Jason Alexander (Cliff Bemis), Arielle Kebbel (Avery Banks / Gabrielle), Clyde Kusatsu (Joseph Yao), Debi Derryberry (Grinder AD), Sherry Mandujano (Ericka)
E9 Grinder Rests in PeaceDec 1, 2015 · 21 min · ★ 7.0
Synopsis
“The Grinder: New Orleans” -- a spinoff of the original hit series, asks Dean to film a scene giving closure to his beloved character, Mitch Grinder. Not surprisingly, Dean struggles with being replaced by his TV brother, Rake. Meanwhile Stewart, who has also been feeling replaced by his brother in Ethan's eyes, jumps at the opportunity to get Dean back into acting and out of his hair.
Guest stars: Timothy Olyphant (Timothy Olyphant / Rake Grinder), Jason Alexander (Cliff Bemis), Arielle Kebbel (Avery Banks / Gabrielle), Taylor Locascio (Brie), Dennis Cockrum (Judge), Emma Engle (Zoe), Matt Miller (Defense Attorney), David Sampen (Grinder DBL)
E10 The Olyphant in the RoomJan 5, 2016 · 21 min · ★ 6.5
Synopsis
After Dean catches Timothy Olyphant making out with Claire, he thinks he can "win her back" by taking the lead on a case - and using very questionable tactics - representing a friend of hers. Meanwhile, Stewart is excited that a reporter is writing a story on him, but becomes upset when Dean steals the spotlight.
Guest stars: Timothy Olyphant (Timothy Olyphant / Rake Grinder), Jimmy Kimmel (Jimmy Kimmel), Rob Yang (Neal), Chris Butler (Davenport), Lola Kelly (Janet)
E11 Exodus (Part 1)Jan 19, 2016 · 21 min · ★ 6.0
Synopsis
Stewart and Deb tell Dean it's time for him to find his own place. Meanwhile, a rival law firm attempts to poach Dean from Sanderson & Yao. Also, Deb becomes reliant on Andre, Dean's former stand-in, who's crashing with the family
Guest stars: Richard Schiff (Gordon stutz), Will Greenberg (Hugh Rozz), Matt Hobby (Pat Landy), Efren Ramirez (Andre), Marcy Goldman (Older Woman Juror), Isaac Linares (Child #1), Dani Dare (Child #2)
E12 Blood Is Thicker than Justice (Part 2)Jan 26, 2016 · 21 min · ★ 6.8
Synopsis
After their fallout, Dean and Stewart find themselves on opposing sides during a divorce case. Meanwhile, back at home, Ethan and Lizzie are seeing the impact of life without Uncle Dean, and Stewart and Debbie quickly take notice.
Guest stars: Richard Schiff (Gordon stutz), Will Greenberg (Hugh Rozz), Matt Hobby (Pat Landy), Isaac Linares (Child #1), Dani Dare (Child #2), Scott Lawrence (Judge Adams), Thomas Crawford (Mr. Pascal), Kiva Jump (Mrs. Pascal)
E13 Grinder v GrinderFeb 2, 2016 · 21 min · ★ 8.5
Synopsis
Timothy Olyphant is back in Boise and the rivalry between Dean and him continues when Stewart invites Olyphant to spend more time around Sanderson & Yao. After getting into an argument about who is closer to being a real lawyer, the two "Grinders" decide to go head-to-head in a mock trial.
Guest stars: Timothy Olyphant (Timothy Olyphant / Rake Grinder), Elaine Alaniz (Office Employee), Scott Lawrence (Judge Adams), Tony Sirico (Sebastian), Terrence Beasor (Gene), E.J. Callahan (Fishing Guy #1), Jack Knight (Fishing Guy #2)
E14 The Retooling of Dean SandersonFeb 9, 2016 · 21 min · ★ 7.0
Synopsis
When Dean scares off a big prospective client by being too dramatic, Stewart tells him maybe it’s finally time to let go of his “Grinder” persona and come down to earth. He tries to convince Dean he should go to therapy. Dean reluctantly agrees, but in typical Dean fashion, he overcorrects and begins “therapizing” the whole family, including Debbie, who is now tempted to quit her grueling job.
Guest stars: Maya Rudolph (Jillian), Colton Haynes (Luke), Jim Rash (Bill Foosley), Pat Healy (Coleman), Nigel Gibbs (Dandro)
E15 The Ties That GrindFeb 16, 2016 · 21 min · ★ 6.8
Synopsis
Dean's therapist, Jillian, encourages him to, once and for all, shed his Grinder persona and find out who the real Dean is. Through his therapy exercises, he ends up making others around him evaluate their own issues, much to Stewart's frustration.
Guest stars: John Owen Lowe (Joel Zadak), Maya Rudolph (Jillian), Terrell Lee (Clerk)
E16 Delusions of GrinderFeb 23, 2016 · 21 min · ★ 6.1
Synopsis
Stewart becomes certain there's a larger conspiracy against the firm. It’s the first time Sanderson & Yao has ever been involved in a truly dramatic situation, but Dean has shed his “Grinder” persona and refuses to listen to Stewart’s “paranoia.” Instead, Dean decides to focus on being the office intern, so Stew has to take matters into his own hands.
Guest stars: Maya Rudolph (Jillian), Dennis Haysbert (Special Agent), Kenneth Lucas (Cory Manler), Scott Beehner (Customer), Karole Foreman (Judge Wilcox), Brook Kerr (Heather)
E17 From the AshesMar 1, 2016 · 21 min · ★ 6.2
Synopsis
As the conspiracy surrounding Sanderson & Yao reaches a boiling point, the only man who can get to the bottom of it has abandoned the "grind" and enrolled in law school. Stewart, desperate for Dean's help, will go to any lengths to turn his brother back into "The Grinder".
Guest stars: Jason Alexander (Cliff Bemis), Katherine McNamara (Ginger), Odette Annable (Devin Stutz), Maya Rudolph (Jillian), Michael J. Sielaff (Dancer #1), Karina Bonnefil (Dancer #2), Jacob Dwight Ramirez (Dancer #4)
E18 GenesisMar 15, 2016 · 21 min · ★ 6.2
Synopsis
Post-therapy, Dean finds that he has lost the ability to grind. To get it back, he decides to crack the case of the office being ransacked. Meanwhile, in flashback, we see a younger, struggling Dean Sanderson as he must decide whether to embrace a simple life, or pursue his destiny and become the Grinder he was always meant to be.
Guest stars: Jason Alexander (Cliff Bemis), Jenna Fischer (Kelly), Mason Cotton (Son), Elaine Alaniz (Office Employee), Kenneth Lucas (Cory Manler), Caroline Rhea (Fran), Chris Klein (Benji), Paul Bates (FOX Guard)
E19 A System on TrialApr 12, 2016 · 21 min · ★ 6.2
Synopsis
Stewart is concerned about Dean Sr.'s anger issues complicating their case, so Dean arranges some focus-group testing to see what the masses really think.
Guest stars: Leonora Pitts (Courtney), Elaine Alaniz (Office Employee), Megan Heyn (Miranda), Erick Chavarria (Ian), Lisa Long (Theresa), Ruth Williamson (Sue), Indira G. Wilson (Joyce), David Futernick (Chris)
E20 For the PeopleApr 19, 2016 · 21 min · ★ 6.8
Synopsis
Dean and Stewart receive a surprise visit from their mother. Stewart attempts to get reservations to a hot restaurant for his and Deb's anniversary dinner.
Guest stars: Chloe Bridges (Calista), Anne Archer (Lenore Sanderson-Grant), Odette Annable (Devin Stutz), Jarrad Paul (Pincus), Ajay Mehta (Manager)
E21 DivergenceMay 3, 2016 · 21 min · ★ 6.7
Synopsis
When Stew learns that his father is guilty, he wants to settle, but Dean tries one of his old "Grinder" tricks to solve the case. Meanwhile, Stew is concerned that he is now "infected" by "The Grinder".
Guest stars: John Owen Lowe (Joel Zadak), Austin Fryberger (Chad Oseroff), Jerry Minor (Principal Davis), Colton Haynes (Luke), Kenneth Lucas (Cory Manler)
E22 Full CircleMay 10, 2016 · 21 min · ★ 7.5
Synopsis
Stewart becomes sidelined at Dean Sr.'s malpractice trial, causing the rest of the Sanderson & Yao team to try and save the firm.
Guest stars: Kumail Nanjiani (Prosecutor Leonard), Scott Lawrence (Judge Adams), Kenneth Lucas (Cory Manler), Keith Lucas (Second Cory Manler)