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Extended Family (TV series)

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Extended Family
GenreSitcom
Created byMike O'Malley
Starring
Music byJeff Cardoni
Opening theme"We Thought We Were Done" by Buffalo Tom
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes13
Production
Executive producers
ProducerBarbara Brace
CinematographyDonald A. Morgan
Editors
  • Russell Griffin
  • Brian Schnuckel
Camera setupMulti-camera
Running time20–22 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkNBC
ReleaseDecember 23, 2023 (2023-12-23) –
March 26, 2024 (2024-03-26)

Extended Family is an American television sitcom created by Mike O'Malley that aired from December 23, 2023, to March 26, 2024 on NBC.[1] It is loosely based on the lives of co-executive producers George Geyer, Emilia Fazzalari and Boston Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck.[2] In May 2024, the series was canceled after one season.[3]

Premise

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Jim and Julia, after an amicable divorce, decide to continue to raise their kids at the family home while taking turns on who gets to stay with them. Navigating the waters of divorce and child-sharing gets more complicated for Jim when Trey, the owner of his favorite sports team, enters the picture and wins Julia's heart.

Cast

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Main

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  • Jon Cryer as Jim Kearney Sr.
  • Donald Faison as Trey Taylor, Julia's fiancé and owner of the Boston Celtics
  • Abigail Spencer as Julia Kearney, Jim's ex-wife
  • Sofia Capanna as Grace Kearney, Jim and Julia's daughter
  • Finn Sweeney as Jim "Jimmy" Kearney Jr., Jim and Julia's son

Recurring

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Guest stars

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Episodes

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No.Title [4][5]Directed byWritten byOriginal air date [4][5]U.S. viewers
(millions)		Rating/share
(18-49)
1"Pilot"James WiddoesMike O'MalleyDecember 23, 2023 (2023-12-23)3.57[6]0.71/10[6]
Jim and Julia recently ended their 17-year-long union. Their kids, Grace and Jimmy, have had a tough time adjusting to the new changes, especially the former. Jim and Julia had a “Reverse wedding ceremony” to cement their divorce, almost as if it was a celebration. However, the separated pair still look after the kids like the old days. They want to ease their transition into adolescence to remove any chances of friction or grudges. Grace is away at summer camp. The parents bought a goldfish for her, whom they named Googles. Jim has been sending Grace videos of the fish while she isn’t home. However, he discovers that he has accidentally killed it by overfeeding. He seeks advice from his father, Bobby, who tells Jim to lie. Even though this isn’t Jim’s first option, he sees reason in the argument. Bobby cites how he lied to Jim about his cat, Rusty died when he was young. Jim finds Julia at a hotel using “Family Tracking.” She is offended and opts out of the tracking. Julia is upset to learn the news. However, she also agrees that replacing Googles with another fish and lying to Grace is the best option. Julia is currently in a relationship with Trey, the handsome and rich owner of the Boston Celtics. They met when Trey had to deal with a faux pas. He made some unfortunate remarks about redheads that offended a large portion of his fanbase. Julia, who is a crisis manager, swooped in to manage the situation but ended up falling in love with him. Trey had a differing opinion on the matter. He did not think that lying to Grace was fair to her intellect. She has already had a tough time handling the divorce. And this new interruption in her life would be even more baggage. While they’re discussing the issue, Grace is already in the building elevator. Jim quickly hides the fish in the freezer. Grace doesn’t notice the new fish until Jimmy points it out. Against expectations, Grace isn’t mad about the fish dying. She explains that the real reason for her sadness is that their family is now broken. Grace feels left out and misses their togetherness. She also alludes to what happens to neglected kids from broken families. They turn to vices like drinking and doing drugs. Another reason why she isn’t happy is how the couple have been recording videos, painting divorce in a positive light. Julia and Jim realize where they have gone wrong. They apologize to Grace and hope to stick together in the future. The episode ends with Trey inviting the entire family to a Celtics game.
2"The Consequences of Making Yourself at Home"Ali LeRoiJim VallelyJanuary 2, 2024 (2024-01-02)3.33[7]0.33/4[7]
Julia is using this opportunity to invite Trey to stay over at the Nest. This, of course, is what the separated couple refers to their beloved home by. Although initially it seems like Jim is fine, on being prompted by Bobby, he realizes that he isn’t. Jim cites the written constitution of the Nest that he drafted – with Julia’s consent – after they separated. It is an “official” document that dictates the behaviour of the parents in decision-making. All the rules guide the decisions that must be constructive to the children’s futures. Julia concedes that the relevant Article – number 9, Jim emphasizes – does not allow her to bring over Trey without the kids’ consent. But it doesn’t take much for the busy Jim Jr and Grace to acquiesce as they’re buried in their phones. Once the dust on this issue is settled, another one pops up. As Julia and Trey are going to bed – the same one she used to sleep in with Jim – the latter notices the deep mattress. He isn’t comfortable as is and his conscience is further affected when Julia tells him that Jim used to sleep in the exact spot, naked. This prompts Trey to instantly order a new, high-end mattress. But, as fate would have it, this also requires Jim to consent. The next morning, Julia presents the new issue to Jim, who agrees to the demand. Trey is ready with the mattress as soon as he gets the go-ahead, upsetting Jim. But all the tension vanishes from his shoulders when Jim feels the comfort of the mattress. He is quite happy with the new one. Jim helps Trey take out the headboard of the bed, exposing the wall. Trey is confused to see Jim and Julia burst into laughter seeing the red footprints. Jim explains that he used to “go down” on Julia when they first moved into the apartment. And the footprints are due to that. Trey retracts into himself when he learns the anecdote. But he has a plan to get the horrible memory away from the bedroom – painting the room. Julia doesn’t see much harm in it. But Jim is crass when he returns from the trip and finds out. His beef is with Trey’s lack of “Respect” for the Constitution, which requires Jim’s consent for such a task. However, his concern quickly shifts to another important issue. Trey’s workers not only painted over the footprints but also the height chart on the cupboard door. Jim and Julia used to calculate the kids’ height on it. And now when she finds out, Julia will be livid. The two quarrelling men are broken up by Bobby, who suggests that they repaint the chart. To their surprise, Julia doesn’t notice it and is distracted by the revelation that Jim and Trey painted the room together – another lie.
3"The Consequences of Gaming"James WiddoesAjay SahgalJanuary 9, 2024 (2024-01-09)2.76[8]0.27/3[8]
Julia returns to The Nest after spending a week away. She had some crisis to manage for Pitbull on his luxurious yacht. Trey went with her, for some reason, because it is totally normal for independent, third-party contractors to bring along their fiance to work. Jim is relieved. He has been looking after the kids for two weeks straight, which in his playbook is more exhausting than his sarcasm. The parents usually take weekly turns to be at The Nest for the kids. However, all is not well. Grace has got a C- on her trigonometry test. She has also announced she has no interest in studying mathematics. Jimmy Jr, meanwhile, is enamoured with a new video game. His screen time has gone up drastically. But the bigger problem with "Stab the Neighbors" is that it is violent. And Julia is apprehensive her son will turn into a sociopath if he plays the game long enough. Jim isn’t the least bit bothered by all this and only wants to focus on the Swedish detective drama that he has been holding off for the last week. He shoots straight out of the house, leaving Julia to deal with the problem alone. In order to prevent Jimmy Jr from playing, Julia unplugs the wifi. But Jr finds a way around it by renting a neighbour’s wifi connection for five bucks an hour. When no one can come up with an agreeable solution, Trey decides to intervene. He takes the kids to meet Professor Davenport at MIT. This is where Trey studied. He thinks Davenport will “inspire” the kids to change. However, things do not go expectedly. Davenport scares the kids by talking about how climate change will decimate future generations. He also says there is very little that can now be done to reverse the damage.
4"The Consequences of Sushi"James WiddoesVictor LevinJanuary 16, 2024 (2024-01-16)2.63[9]0.26/3[9]
Grace’s fourteenth birthday is coming up, a big event in any teenager’s life. Going against family traditions, Julia and Trey have decided to host this celebration at Takane’s. It is a high-end Japanese sushi place that is “very difficult to get into.” As fanciful as the name sounds, Takane truly keeps up the stereotype of unaffordable, fancy restaurants that are more about social validation than the quality of food. Jim is thrown off by this announcement. He cannot accept that the long-standing traditions are being broken. He doesn’t show it, but Jim is clearly affected by this new plan. Another detail that miffs him about this incident is that Julia and Trey didn’t ask his permission before making these arrangements. Trey’s social credit will get them inside, which is yet another point of concern. Grace and Jim Jr have been hearing this entire conversation. They placed a phone in the centre table bowl but the parents remained unaware. The final decision of choosing Stornelli’s, the pet place Kearneys have been visiting since time immemorial, or Takane, rests with Grace. She dreads deciding as either way, she will upset someone. However, Grace ultimately decides to go with Takane. The food is one of the first disappointments for the family. Everything they are served is in a micro form of normal-sized quantities. It barely fills their stomachs. But there is something more pressing to address. Everyone senses Jim’s pain but no one knows exactly what the issue is. Grace signals Jim Jr to talk to Jim in the washroom. Jim has already explained the whole issue to a complete stranger who asked him “What’s up?”. The real issue is that Jim feels Grace chose Trey’s fancier option over the family’s traditional place of celebrating. He feels his importance as a father has diminished and that in the long run, he will be replaced entirely. It is a genuine fear presented with a slight exaggeration. The stranger (Billy Gardell) is annoyed to the extremes and leaves, giving way to Jim Jr. He does a respectable job of making his father realize that their relationship will never change. Jim comes back cheered up. But the mood dies down when the family learn that the apportioned meals are all that will be offered. In a unanimous consensus, they go to Stornelli’s after the meal. The spaghetti and meatball combo is relished by everyone, who cannot have enough of it. Julia makes an emotional plea to Jim about his position and status in the family. Jim takes a big step by clicking a selfie of everyone – including Trey – that will go up on the wall of the restaurant.
5"The Consequences of Matchmaking"James WiddoesVictoria MorrowJanuary 23, 2024 (2024-01-23)2.44[10]0.23/2[10]
As Julia navigates the intricacies of matchmaking, viewers can anticipate a blend of comedic situations and heartfelt moments. The episode promises to explore the consequences of Julia’s well-intentioned efforts, introducing a dynamic that adds both laughter and unexpected twists to the unfolding narrative. Join the characters in this light-hearted exploration of love, friendship, and the amusing repercussions that arise from Julia’s quest to create the perfect romantic balance. Simply because, they weren’t compatible in the slightest. Mainly because Jim was at a different point in his life. Which made it clear, that dating after divorce isn’t a simple process and requires a little more care to ensure that the right match is made and oddly enough, Jim found that match on the same night his original date fell to pieces. Since a lovely lady at the same restaurant liked his stories and his quirkiness, and that led to a real vibe between the two of them, the kind that eventually brought about a secondary lesson about love and dating after divorce. One that involved Juila. For she learned about the second date through Jim and was deeply worried that he would somehow screw this up and be alone and that pushed her to head right to the apartment to make sure Jim didn’t overstep his bounds.
6"The Consequences of Status"James WiddoesMike O'MalleyJanuary 30, 2024 (2024-01-30)2.45[11]0.23/3[11]
The episode starts with the cast singing "Don't Start Now" by Dua Lipa. When Trey, the kids, and Jim were headed home from a Dua Lipa concert, Jim was pulled over for speeding. But any trouble Jim was going to face was nullified by Trey’s status. For Officer Schramn was in fact, a big Celtics fan and with a wave of a pen, in the form of an autograph on a ball that Schramn had in his car, the ticket was forgotten, and life went on, with quite the twist. In that, Grace and Jimmy Jr. were in awe of the fact that Trey was able to flash a smile, and get out of trouble, and that troubled Jim deeply. Because he was concerned that his kids were now of the belief that all they had to do in this life, was lean into status to get what they wanted and would never face accountability. And that bothered him, because he wanted his kids to really understand the value of accountability and all the lessons it can provide, and of course… the power of hard work and reward. But rather than press the matter harder, a little talk from Jim’s dad informed him, that this isn’t something one can fight against or teach. It takes a formative moment for that new parent to come to understand how kids view them, and how they learn from their actions. Which thankfully, did happen to Trey at a basketball game. Since Jimmy and Grace full-on tried to make use of privilege to get what they wanted. Which in turn humbled Trey and helped him to realize all of those points and that in turn, taught him what kind of role-model he needed to be for these kids, and reminded him of his roots and his journey to what he enjoyed in life now… to offer up the very lessons that Jim wanted his kids to learn, in the most unique manner possible. Since he had to go to extreme lengths and littering to get his own ticket. But he did get one at last and showed his kids what was important and that… made for one incredible episode. For so many incredible reasons. Such as the fact, that this exploration of parenthood is one that is unprecedented in nature. Because we don’t think much about the folks that come into a relationship, having never been a parent before, and become a parent. For they don’t have the supreme bond as a biological parent, and they are missing the skills that their partner has. Putting them behind the curve and forcing them to work, and it was great to see that here. Since once again, it allowed for some real-life parallels to come into play. Since this is something happening often in our world now, and folks in Trey’s shoes could use a little guidance. Not to mention… the other lesson here is equally as powerful. Because kids do see how we conduct ourselves and who we are in this world, and that is why it is important to be our best, so they can be their best, and this show deserves a round of applause for pointing all of this out, and for having a progressive discussion about it all, in a medium where we can learn so much and truly, this just leaves us eager for more. The episode ends with the cast singing "I Fought the Law" by The Clash.
7"The Consequences of Sleepovers"Jeff GreensteinVictoria MorrowFebruary 6, 2024 (2024-02-06)2.56[12]0.22/2[12]
8"The Consequences of Loaning Your Dad Money"Jeff GreensteinAjay SahgalFebruary 13, 2024 (2024-02-13)2.27[13]0.23/2[13]
9"The Consequences of Helping People"James WiddoesVictor LevinFebruary 20, 2024 (2024-02-20)1.94[14]0.23/3[14]
10"The Consequences of Familial Obligations"Phill LewisLaura KightlingerMarch 5, 2024 (2024-03-05)2.29[15]0.25/3[15]
11"The Consequences of Writing Things Down"Kim FieldsJim Vallely & Maggie RoweMarch 12, 2024 (2024-03-12)2.55[16]0.25/3[16]
12"The Consequences of Being Irish"James WiddoesPhil LaMarrMarch 19, 2024 (2024-03-19)2.34[17]0.24/3[17]
13"The Consequences of Considering the Consequences"Gail LernerVictor LevinMarch 26, 2024 (2024-03-26)2.35[18]0.25/3[18]

Production

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Extended Family was given a series order on September 29, 2022.[19] Production of the first season was interrupted by the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Prior to the strike, 6 episodes of the 13 episode first season were filmed, with the series being one of the first to return to production after the strike.[20] The series was filmed at Radford Studio Center in Studio City, California, but it is set in Boston, Massachusetts.[20] On May 7, 2024, NBC canceled the series after one season.[3]

Release

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Extended Family premiered on December 23, 2023, on NBC.[1]

Reception

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The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported a 33% approval rating based on 6 critic reviews.[21]

References

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  1. ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie (November 20, 2023). "NBC Sets Midseason 2024 Premiere Dates". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on November 20, 2023. Retrieved December 21, 2023.
  2. ^ Golen, Jimmy (December 22, 2023). "TV sitcom 'Extended Family' inspired by real-life relationship of Celtics owner, wife and her ex". Associated Press. Archived from the original on December 30, 2023. Retrieved December 26, 2023.
  3. ^ a b White, Peter (May 7, 2024). "'Extended Family' Canceled After One Season At NBC". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 8, 2024. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
  4. ^ a b "Shows A-Z – extended family on nbc". The Futon Critic. Archived from the original on May 16, 2024. Retrieved March 19, 2024.
  5. ^ a b "Extended Family: Episode Guide". Zap2it. Archived from the original on December 27, 2023. Retrieved March 19, 2024. Click the "Episode Guide" tab to view all listed episodes.
  6. ^ a b Bunch, Rebecca (December 24, 2023). "Saturday TV Ratings 12/23/23: Extended Family Has Pitiful Post-NFL Showing, Night Court Rates Below Season One Average, SNL Christmas Grows in Second Airing". The TV Ratings Guide. Archived from the original on January 4, 2024. Retrieved January 4, 2024.
  7. ^ a b Pucci, Douglas (January 4, 2024). "Tuesday Ratings: Fox Game Show 'The Floor' Starts Well, NBC Sitcoms 'Night Court' and Time Slot Premiere of 'Extended Family' Are Adequate". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on January 4, 2024. Retrieved January 4, 2024.
  8. ^ a b Pucci, Douglas (January 10, 2024). "Tuesday Ratings: 'The Floor' on Fox Improves Upon its Premiere, Quiet Return for 'La Brea' on NBC". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on January 10, 2024. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
  9. ^ a b Pucci, Douglas (January 18, 2024). "Tuesday Ratings: Fox Game Show 'The Floor' Ascends Again in its Third Week". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on January 18, 2024. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  10. ^ a b Pucci, Douglas (January 24, 2024). "Tuesday Ratings: 'Celebrity Jeopardy!' Season Finale on ABC Tops Broadcast Network Telecasts Among Key Demos in Prime Time". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on January 24, 2024. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  11. ^ a b Pucci, Douglas (January 31, 2024). "Tuesday Ratings: 'Vanderpump Rules' 11th Season Premiere on Bravo Tops Prime Time Telecasts Among Adults 18-49 and 18-34". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on February 1, 2024. Retrieved February 3, 2024.
  12. ^ a b Pucci, Douglas (February 7, 2024). "Tuesday Ratings: CBS and Fox Share Prime Time Leadership". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on February 8, 2024. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
  13. ^ a b Pucci, Douglas (February 15, 2024). "Tuesday Ratings: Solid Returns for the 'FBI' Trio on CBS". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on February 15, 2024. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  14. ^ a b Pucci, Douglas (February 22, 2024). "Tuesday Ratings: 'Will Trent' on ABC Earns its Top Total Viewer Performance To-Date with Second Season Opener". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on February 22, 2024. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
  15. ^ a b Pucci, Douglas (March 6, 2024). "Tuesday Ratings: Season Premieres of 'The Cleaning Lady' and 'Alert: Missing Persons Unit' Places Fox Behind Big-3". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on March 7, 2024. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
  16. ^ a b Pucci, Douglas (March 13, 2024). "Tuesday Ratings: CBS Tops Broadcast Networks Despite Opposite 'The Voice' and Return of 'Password' on NBC". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on March 13, 2024. Retrieved March 13, 2024.
  17. ^ a b Pucci, Douglas (March 20, 2024). "Tuesday Ratings: 'FBI' Franchise Continues Prime Time Victory for CBS". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on March 20, 2024. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
  18. ^ a b Pucci, Douglas (March 27, 2024). "Tuesday Ratings: NBC Sitcoms 'Night Court' and 'Extended Family' Conclude Their Seasons On-Par with Recent". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on March 27, 2024. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  19. ^ Porter, Rick (September 29, 2022). "Jon Cryer-Mike O'Malley Comedy Scores NBC Series Order". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on January 18, 2024. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  20. ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie (November 14, 2023). "New NBC Comedy 'Extended Family' Re-Starts Production, Kicking Off Scripted TV's Post-Strike Comeback". Deadline. Archived from the original on November 22, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  21. ^ "Extended Family: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
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