If the disappearance of a goldfish fails to evoke any emotional response, NBC's new comedy series “Extended Family” may not be to your liking. The comedy immerses viewers in an alternate reality where divorces are treated lightly, causing everyone to live happily ever after.
However, chaos ensues when a goldfish dies, leading to exaggerated facial expressions and handshakes as mom and dad struggle to break the news to their 13-year-old daughter.
Stars: Finn Sweeney, Jon Cryer, Sofia Capanna
Jon Cryer, now sporting a shaved head, takes on the role of the frantic dad, employing a wail reminiscent of his previous work in “Two and a Half Men.” “Extended Family,” which premieres Dec. 23 and returns after the New Year, focuses on the post-divorce dynamic between dad (Cryer) and his ex-wife (Abigail Spencer). His vision of maintaining a friendly, resentment-free life is challenged by harsh reality, especially as observed by his 13-year-old daughter, the voice of reason amidst the illusion of happiness divorced from her.
While it aims to capture the essence of a show like “Modern Family,” “Extended Family” falls short in terms of quality and laughs. Unlike the single-camera format and no laugh track of “Modern Family,” “Extended Family” relies on a three-camera setup with one laugh track, resulting in lackluster comedic delivery. Contrary to the show's title, the pilot does not feature an actual "extended" family, with the only outsider being the ex-wife's new love interest, played by Donald Faison.
The pilot's attempt to explain its premise through an extended sequence in which the owner of the Boston Celtics breaks the fourth wall seems forced and does little to engage the audience. If the goal is to attract viewers who resonate with the idea of an amicable divorce, “Extended Family” may struggle to find a substantial audience. While the TV blog wishes success to those involved in creating the show, the prospects for an extended stay seem doubtful.
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