‘Mathis Family Matters’ Recap: ‘Meet the Mathises’ & ‘Love, Mathis Style’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘Mathis Family Matters’.
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It is definitely safe to say, that reality television shows that feature an in-depth look at a particular celebrity family’s lives, can feel a touch disingenuous at times. Largely because such shows can be a little too escapist in nature, since we are privy to daily activities in their lives… that we cannot relate to in the slightest nor do we understand. But they do entertain regardless, because at the same time… they showcase a part of the world we never would have seen or experienced otherwise, and that is why they remain popular with audiences. But every once in a while, you run into a reality television show about a celebrity that manages to take that formula and utterly turn it upside down.
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All by offering us, a show that really takes the time to remind us that celebrities are people too, and they have the same struggles we do, they just happen to live a life where they get to go to work and do something they utterly love every day, and it just so happens… that E! Entertainment is now host to a new show in that vein. For Mathis Family Matters is indeed a different kind of celebrity family themed television reality show. One that offers an intimate and realistic look at the life and times of Greg Mathis and his family, who is likely better known as Judge Mathis from the television show that shares that namesake and well… when we catch up with Greg in ‘Meet the Mathises’ & ‘Love, Mathis Style’ his family is being reunited in his Los Angeles home.

For all of his kids are coming home as they work to start over fresh in L.A. and well… this homecoming is what allows for this series to defy the norms. Because just like that we get to learn just how down to earth this family is and how much they love one another and support one another. Which is… a pretty accurate representation of how American families are across the country, and a rarity to see in this genre of television, and in getting to know this family… we quickly come to learn… what has built that unity. For this is a family that started out in Detroit years ago, and Greg worked hard to work his way up to the top, because he wanted his family's life to be different than the one he experienced growing up and the fruits of his labor are on display here because of that edict, and courtesy of how these siblings treat one another.

Since you watch these siblings support each other and step in to make sure that each one is and will be happy, especially when one of them is close to say, making some serious dating mistakes. Plus, we get to see how Greg and his wife Linda love each other dearly and work to keep the magic going after thrity-plus years of marriage and well… all of these elements make for a refreshing reality show. One that genuinely feels REAL for a change and isn’t full of fights or drama. Just a family, filled with people trying to get by in life and that really does make for a special series. One that sucks you in and immediately demands your attention so you can just enjoy this slice of life through and through and be entertained by a family that feels akin to your own. 

Not to mention, there’s a lot of fun to be found in this series as well. Since this family talks about real things often and that allows for funny stories about years gone by to come to light or for hilarious jokes to play out in front of our eyes and well, all of these elements make this a must watch for certain. Because it is rare in this day and age of peak television to find a reality show that just wants to be this honest and features a family that is so loving and so supportive of one another. As evidenced by Greg’s decision to support one of his sons, Greg Jr., regarding his decision to come out and well… it is moments like that, that truly make this the most honest reality show on the air right now, and it will be interesting to see what other wonderful moments await us in the weeks to come as we continue to be invited into the home of a genuinely all-American family. Until next time.

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