NBC’s latest drama, Grosse Pointe Garden Society, combines the allure of a gripping murder mystery with the eccentricity of vivid characters and melodramatic twists, making it a show that’s worth watching despite a few stumbles. Created by Jenna Bans (Good Girls) and Bill Krebs, the series carries the same energy that powered hits like Desperate Housewives and How to Get Away with Murder, mixing intrigue and humor in a way that keeps viewers on their toes.
Set in the affluent suburban community of Grosse Pointe, Michigan, the show centers on a tight-knit group of garden club members whose personal lives slowly unravel amid growing suspense. The series opens with a jarring image: a body being buried in a garden, setting the stage for the ensuing drama. But before the mystery can unfold, the show flashes back six months to establish the characters’ storylines.
Alice (AnnaSophia Robb), a well-meaning high school literature teacher, is embroiled in a frantic search for her missing dog, while also navigating the fallout from her friend Brett’s (Ben Rappaport) personal life—he’s recently become a single dad after his wife’s affair. Catherine (Aja Naomi King), a polished real estate agent and vice president of the Garden Society, initially charms the town with her perfectionism—until it becomes her undoing. The dynamic shifts further when Birdie (Melissa Fumero), a wealthy romance novelist, is sentenced to community service for a DUI and joins the group, disrupting their already complicated lives.
The heart of the show lies in the contrasting characters, particularly the unlikely bond between Catherine and Birdie. Catherine’s obsession with maintaining her image stands in stark contrast to Birdie’s unapologetic approach to life, and this clash is where the series thrives. Both women wrestle with themes of self-perception, belonging, and acceptance, making their moments of interaction some of the most compelling in the series.
While Robb and Rappaport are serviceable in their roles as Alice and Brett, their performances take a backseat to those of King and Fumero. Alice’s emotional unraveling after the fate of her dog is revealed leads to strain in her marriage and career, though these personal struggles aren’t as engaging as the show’s other narrative threads. Similarly, Brett’s ongoing conflict with his ex-wife and her new husband feels repetitive and less compelling, with the “best friend-turned-love interest” dynamic between Alice and Brett falling flat due to the lack of chemistry between the two actors.
One of the show’s notable drawbacks is its complex, sometimes confusing timeline. While the events themselves are straightforward, the series frequently shifts between the past, present, and future, often using chronological indicators that may leave viewers disoriented. This narrative structure, while ambitious, risks alienating those trying to keep track of the story’s progression.
Despite these issues, the show’s use of horticultural metaphors and references provides an intriguing layer of depth. From plant behaviors that mirror the characters’ experiences to the lush visuals of a central greenhouse, the botanical imagery weaves seamlessly into the drama. While viewers unfamiliar with gardening terms may miss some of the nuances, these references enhance the series for those with a green thumb.
As Grosse Pointe Garden Society begins to unfold, viewers will undoubtedly be left with questions, and the mystery of the body buried in the garden will keep them hooked. Whether the show will deliver satisfying answers by the end of Season 1 remains to be seen, but the charming chaos is likely to bring viewers back week after week. However, if the series fails to provide resolution by season’s end, it may struggle to maintain its audience for a second season.
Grosse Pointe Garden Society premiered on February 23 on NBC, with new episodes airing Sundays.
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