Extended Family | Date, Plot, Cast, Trailer and is NBC sitcom worth watching
Series name: Extended Family
Platform: NBC
Country of origin: USA
Date of Release: December 23, 2023
Genre: Comedy
What is the plot of 'Extended Family'?
Jim and Julia are divorced, but happily so, and with the kids continuing to stay in the family home the duo takes turns living with them. But when Julia finds romance with the owner of Jim's favorite sports team it sets the proverbial cat amongst the pigeons.
'Extended Family' cast
Jon Cryer
Yes! Alan Harper is finally back, ok well not Alan exactly, but the man who gave him life, Jon Cryer (who plays Jim in 'Extended Family'). The 12-and-a-half seasons (and 262 episodes) Cryer played Harper on the mega-hit sitcom 'Two-and-a-half Men' garnered him two Emmy Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. And even though many (this writer included) believed that the show post-Charlie Sheen had all the humor of a dead kitten, there is no denying that Cryer excelled in his role. Younger fans may know him as Lex Luthor in the so-so 'Supergirl' series.
Abigail Spencer
Spencer may be most famous for playing Lucy Preston in the series 'Timeless' but she was absolutely outstanding as Amanda Holden (a character that oozed sexuality and trauma in equal measure) in the superb 'Rectify'. She also starred as Dr Megan Hunt on 'Grey's Anatomy' and Dana Scott on 'Suits'. She plays Julia in 'Extended Family'. Spencer will feature in the upcoming sports movie 'One Heart' and the TV series 'Shatter Belt'
Donald Faison
Is 'Scrubs' one of the best comedy series ever? Well in our honest opinion, it's definitely in the Top 15 of all time. Faison's character -- Christopher Turk -- in that show perfectly dovetailed with Zach Braff's JD, Sarah Chalke's Elliot and Judy Reyes's Zoila. So let's hope he brings that same zing and zip to 'Extended Family' in which he plays Trey (Julia's love interest). He can also be seen in the upcoming series 'Powerpuff'.
Who created and wrote 'Extended Family'?
That would be Mike O'Malley. And for those of you for whom the name doesn't ring a bell, the face should certainly spark an 'a-ha' moment. O'Malley has starred in such hits as 'Yes, Dear' in which he played Jimmy Hughes and he was Burt Hummel on 'Glee', for which he was nominated for a SAG and an Emmy. And you'd be wrong for thinking he was just a pretty face, O'Malley was the writer and showrunner behind the hot comedy 'Survivor's Remorse' and is also the showrunner and writer for TV's best-kept secret 'Heels' in which he also plays the outrageous and outstanding Charlie Gully.
Is 'Extended Family' worth watching?
With that cast definitely. And with Mike O'Malley at the helm, there is no reason why this couldn't finally be the sitcom that ends network TV's losing streak that has been going on for far too long. Seriously, what was the last great sitcom? 'Modern Family'? Early 'Bob Hearts Abishola? 'Abbot Elementary'?
MEAWW Watch ranking
4 out of 5
'Extended Family' trailer