James R | On 01, Apr 2015

Netflix releases first look images from Grace and Frankie

Netflix has released a batch of new images for its original show Grace and Frankie, along with comments from its leading ladies.

The comedy drama stars Jane Fonda (Grace) and Lily Tomlin (Frankie) as a pair of frenemies, whose lives are turned upside down – and permanently intertwined – when their husbands leave them for each other. From executive producers Marta Kaufmann (Friends) and Howard Morris (Home Improvement), the show aims to “take on ageing with gusto”, as Grace and Frankie face starting over in their 70s in a 21st Century world, from facelifts to Facebook and blind dates to night blindness.

Fonda: “After our husbands’ big reveal, Grace and Frankie bond at a beach house. This specific scene takes place the morning after Lily’s character Frankie spikes my tea with peyote.”

Tomlin: “They did a great job by mixing seaweed into my hairdo.”

Fonda: “More like a hair don’t. It suits you, though. Nice and salty.”

Tomlin: “This is the scene where our husbands – played by the wonderful Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston – come out to us and reveal they are leaving us for each other.”

Fonda: “This is really special. This was our very first day on set. This is the first scene of the series, and was also one of the toughest. It’s very funny, but at the same time, these women’s worlds are forever changed – everything they thought they knew about their lives is over. The series toes a line between comedy and drama at all times.”

Tomlin: “But look at those smiles! We clearly haven’t been told yet.”

Fonda: “I always wanted to do a show about the changes women face as we grow older. This scene is all about Grace and Frankie feeling invisible and being ignored. I throw a proper temper tantrum in front of that convenience store clerk.”

Tomlin: “Jane has an epic, level 10 meltdown. This is the calm before that storm.”

Fonda: “We’ve known each other for 35 years, since 9 to 5. So shooting Grace and Frankie for Netflix was like spending time with my dear old friend.”

Tomlin: “People say we have a lot of chemistry together. It’s because we’ve been friends for so many years. We’ve only done 9 to 5 together, but it seems like we’ve known each other always.”

The show also stars Brooklyn Decker, Ethan Embry, Baron Vaughn and June Diane Raphael. It premieres on Friday 8th May.

All photos: Melissa Moseley for Netflix

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