A Review of ‘Extended Family’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

EXTENDED FAMILY -- “Pilot” Episode -- Pictured: (l-r) Finn Sweeney as Jimmy Jr., Sofia Capanna as Grace, Jon Cryer as Jim, Abigail Spencer as Julia, Donald Faison as Trey -- (Photo by: Chris Haston/NBC)

For the longest time, American society has had some pretty black and white views regarding relationships and family life. For instance, we firmly believe that when a relationship is over, that’s it. All ties are to be cut and we are all supposed to move on quickly and promptly. For what’s done is done. Not to mention, we see marriage and starting a family as something quite sacred, to the point where certain rules must come into play if family life runs into trouble. Such as fighting tooth and nail to keep the marriage going, regardless of how tough things might be, because we took a sacred vow to make this work until the bitter end. Which also means, divorce shouldn’t be an option, especially when kids are involved because to shatter the family unit would shatter their psyches. Which are both very noble and direct views that have some merit but are also… incredibly wrong in nature and woefully outdated.
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For we’ve come to learn a lot about relationships and family life and how they cannot be so black and white in nature. Because sometimes… it’s okay to acknowledge we’re better friends than lovers and break it off and keep that person in our lives if they offer healthy contributions, and marriage is not the end all be all we once expected it to be. For people do outgrow one another or discover the compatibility wasn’t there after all, and it is possible to fall out of love with someone. Which means that fighting to keep that love alive can be a toxic experience that can impact children’s psyches worse than filing for divorce and even then… divorce doesn’t mean the end of everything. Since parents still need to be involved in the lives of their children and still need to partner with their former partner on important life decisions, and those realities are slowly moving into the mainstream and one way that is happening is through popular culture.

Because that is the perfect medium to help teach people about how the times are indeed changing and it just so happens that a brand-new series about the complexities of modern relationships and navigating the realities of divorce when children are involved, is about to arrive on the airwaves. For Saturday will see the debut of Extended Family on NBC. A story that introduces us to Jim and Julia. Parents that have come to understand that they are no longer compatible as partners but understand the importance of being strong figures in their children’s lives. Which prompts them to come to a unique arrangement after their divorce. Wherein they decide to continue to raise their children in the family home, and trade off staying there to ensure there is no conflict. A move that proves quite fruitful, until Julia begins to date Trey, the owner of the Boston Celtics. For he quickly steals her heart, bringing him into the family dynamic.

Which is… a brilliant way to examine the dynamics of modern relationships. For Jim and Julia really do represent everyday people in the world. Who came to learn that divorce isn’t a dirty word and the right path for some, and that marriage doesn’t have to end in a sour manner, where both sides battle one another instead of battling for their kids. Not to mention, it speaks to the realities that our former partners can and will move on, and that too must be reconciled and that brings forth, a compelling series for certain. One that really does explore such matters in an honest and earnest manner that is so supremely relatable. For so many of us have dealt with divorce in some capacity, either by going through it or by being children of it and seeing the complexities of such realities on the small screen, is refreshing to say the least. But most important of all, it makes this series revolutionary and progressive in nature.

Because that really does hammer home how the times have changed and how it is okay to embrace a different path for families and relationships as long as it is healthy in nature. And of course, it does so in a fun manner, and it makes sure to also point out, it won’t always be easy going this route. Because relationships are hard, and complex, and require work at every level. But for the right cause, for the kids… that’s all worth it. Because it will teach them so much and of course, it also doesn’t hurt that this is handled in a lighthearted manner since the show is a comedy through and through, and the jokes absolutely work, and the writing is simply top notch.

For that is what makes this so relatable and so engaging, and that’s a testament to Showrunner Mike O’Malley and the tone he’s set, and his words and his staff’s words have extra gravity because of an amazing cast. For Jon Cryer (Jim), Abigail Spencer (Julia), and Donald Faison (Trey), use their extensive acting skills and comedic chops to really bring this incredible story home, and the best news of all, is that you only have to wait a few more days to watch this important and relevant series. One that really is original and unique and showcases an critical aspect of American life in an honest manner. 

‘Extended Family’ will debut its Series Premiere on December 23, 2023 on NBC (8 - 8:30pm ET / 5 - 5:30pm PT); Ongoing airdate begins Tuesday January 2, 2024 (8:30 - 9pm ET/PT); Next Day Streaming on Peacock.

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