But when it lets Zoey's friends get into a playfully argumentative groove, Grown-ish hits moments that let its teen characters get messier than Zoey ever would.

There's plenty of fertile ground here, provided that the writers remember what sets their show apart.

Freeform's grown-ish has been a lovely breath of fresh air during the last few weeks. Not just because it's a funny, diverse, and realistic depiction of college, but because it has also provided us with some always-welcome bisexual media representation.

It's truly the flaws of the characters that make the show worthwhile.

The effect is nicely confiding rather than jarring. Funny and sometimes surprisingly dramatic, Grown-ish feels both like a hit and like an artistic success.

While we did enjoy the embarrassing drunk stories to the relatable late registration of classes, there's something that feels like it's missing. It's still trying to find its voice.

The most interesting parts of grown-ish suggest there's a distinct show here. It's good-hearted, but with a darker edge, partly owing to the looser language restrictions on cable.

The evolution of Grown-ish will be fascinating to watch, more so than most of the other new comedies introduced this season.

FreeForm has mastered the art of telling young adult stories. The network doesn't operate under the premise that teens aren't dealing with some of the same issues that grownups are....it's clear that this is also the case for grown-ish.

It's a diverse group and a talented one. Many series with young casts filled with new faces have at least one weak spot, but like Dear White People before it, this college comedy seems to have put together one helluva squad.

Logically, Zoey makes the most sense of any black-ish regular to get a spinoff. Sitcoms require more than just logic, but she's off to a promising, if not uproarious start.

I think I can spot the fine show that Grown-ish may be evolving into, or at least latch onto the potential. But as its title is meant to imply about its college-age characters, it's a show that's not quite grown, still trying to make it on its own.

By keeping it real, grown-ish deserves to land on the dean's list.

As its name implies, grown-ish isn't entirely there yet, but it's well on its way.

Grown-ish is a promising attempt to adapt the Black-ish sensibility while preserving what made it work so well in the first place.