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Abby's
GenreSitcom
Created byJosh Malmuth
Starring
Music byBrian H. Kim
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes10
Production
Executive producers
CinematographyGregg Heschong
Editors
  • Kenny Tintorri
  • Stephen Prime
Camera setupMulti-camera
Running time22 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkNBC
ReleaseMarch 28 (2019-03-28) –
June 13, 2019 (2019-06-13)

Abby's is an American sitcom television series created by Josh Malmuth that aired from March 28 to June 13, 2019, on NBC. The series stars Natalie Morales, Neil Flynn, Nelson Franklin, Jessica Chaffin, Leonard Ouzts, and Kimia Behpoornia. In May 2019, the series was canceled after one season.

Premise

[edit]

Set in San Diego, the series takes place at the home of Abby, a bisexual Latina ex-Marine sergeant, who turned her backyard into an unlicensed bar complete with her own set of rules, which the eclectic set of regulars have to follow.

Cast and characters

[edit]
  • Natalie Morales as Abby, a former Marine sergeant and the owner of the unlicensed bar, Abby's
  • Nelson Franklin as Bill, an engineer and Abby's new landlord who initially disapproves of the bar, but eventually comes around and joins her circle of patrons
  • Jessica Chaffin as Beth, a lawyer-turned housewife and one of the bar's most loyal customers
  • Leonard Ouzts as James, the bouncer for Abby's despite his distaste for confrontation and meek personality
  • Kimia Behpoornia as Rosie Consari, Abby's bar-back and oldest friend
  • Neil Flynn as Fred Herbert, a functioning alcoholic bail bondsman who has known Abby since she was a young girl and acts as a father figure to her

Production

[edit]

Inspiration

[edit]

Josh Malmuth, a San Diego native,[1] was inspired by a New Orleans wine bar, Bacchanal,[1][2] with an outdoor patio, string lighting, a music stage, and two stories of indoor and outdoor seating. The show is set in San Diego,[3][4] and filmed in Universal City Studios.[5][6]

Development

[edit]

On September 22, 2017, the production, then untitled, received a put pilot commitment from NBC. The pilot was written by Josh Malmuth who was set to executive produce alongside Mike Schur and David Miner. Production companies involved with the pilot were expected to include Universal Television, Fremulon, and 3 Arts Entertainment.[7] On January 23, 2018, NBC officially gave the production a pilot order.[8] A week later, it was announced that Pamela Fryman would direct the pilot.[9]

On May 8, 2018, it was announced that NBC had given the production a series order.[10] A few days later, it was announced that the series would premiere as a mid-season replacement in the spring of 2019.[11] On January 24, 2019, it was announced that the series would premiere on March 28, 2019.[12] The series notably is filmed using a largely outdoor set.[1] On May 30, 2019, NBC canceled the series after a single season.[13]

Casting

[edit]

On February 22, 2018, it was announced that Natalie Morales had been cast as the titular Abby.[14] In March 2018, it was reported that Nelson Franklin, Jessica Chaffin, Leonard Ouzts, Neil Flynn, and Kimia Behpoornia had joined the cast as series regulars.[15][16][17]

Episodes

[edit]
No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date [18]U.S. viewers
(millions)
1"Pilot"Pamela FrymanJosh MalmuthMarch 28, 2019 (2019-03-28)2.60[19]
Abby, a former Marine who runs an unlicensed bar out of her backyard with a strict seating hierarchy, learns that her old landlady has died and willed her property to her nephew, Bill, who demands that she close the bar. Abby's patrons Fred, Beth, James, and Rosie explain to him that she has a good heart, and that the bar is heavily regulated, before inducting him into their group. Bill finally agrees to let the bar stay open, but only if Abby gets insurance, improves safety, and applies for a liquor license. She refuses, and instead announces the bar will close that night. Fred, Rosie, and Beth try to talk her out of it, and Fred points out that she ought to give Bill the benefit of the doubt. Abby agrees to implement some of his suggestions, and makes Bill a mai tai (a drink she hates) to prove her commitment to their deal.
2"Rule Change"Pamela FrymanNiki Schwartz-WrightApril 4, 2019 (2019-04-04)2.06[20]
When James complains about a rule forbidding men to wear sandals, he asks Bill to speak to Abby, who ignores him. Bill then issues a challenge, in which the two must present their best arguments and put them to a public vote. Both try to win over different patrons to their side, but with little success. The vote is held, and Abby declares victory, only for Beth to change her vote when Bill takes up her demand to have Abby's trees trimmed. With the vote tied, a game of bocce is held as a tiebreaker. Fred tells Abby that the problem isn't Bill, but her refusal to listen to her customers. He also reminds her that Bill just wants to belong. Abby wins the game, but honors Bill for scoring zero points. Abby tells Beth she will take care of the trees and gives James permission to wear sandals on certain days.
3"Free Alcohol Day"Pamela FrymanBrig Muñoz-LiebowitzApril 11, 2019 (2019-04-11)1.64[21]
The bar prepares for "Free Alcohol Day", when Abby's friend Dani brings free samples for everyone. However, her latest product, an allspice-infused gin, is unpalatable. Beth tries to set Dani up with Abby, only to be embarrassed when she learns that the two previously dated and Abby didn't tell her. In response, Abby issues a challenge for anyone who wants to know about her personal life to drink shots of the gin, only to give vague answers. Upset, a drunk Beth goes into Abby's house and they argue. Desperate to salvage Free Alcohol Day, Fred persuades the others to just drink the rest of the gin. After Beth admits that she feels neglected, Abby tells her that she's the reason she decided to open the bar. The next morning, Abby puts Beth's favorite wine on tap. Bill apologizes to Abby for making an awkward comment about her bisexuality.
4"Book Club"Phill LewisShaun DistonApril 18, 2019 (2019-04-18)1.53[22]
The gang tries to push Fred to go on a date with Emily, a member of Beth's book club. However, Fred, having been divorced for fifteen years, is reluctant to get intimate again. James tries to woo his friend Willa, but fails and decides to try again with a patron named Erica. Their first conversation goes poorly when he lies about being fluent in Spanish. Fred finally agrees to go on a date with Emily, which consists of him grilling steaks at the bar. They hit it off, deciding to move in together after just one day; Fred also starts to change his personality. Abby puts her foot down and tells Fred she was wrong to push him to change. Fred then reveals their relationship was a prank the entire time. James chooses not to date Erica when he realizes he isn't ready. Abby and Beth use reverse psychology to get Fred to hook back up with Emily.
5"Mail Bin"Beth McCarthy-MillerTaylor Cox & Jacquie WaltersApril 25, 2019 (2019-04-25)1.47[23]
While sorting through unopened mail, Bill finds a letter from Abby's deadbeat father Abelardo containing a check for $287.50, which she believes is him trying to buy her forgiveness. She wants to throw it out, but when the group tells her doing so would be unfair, they decide to instead spend it on a ridiculous purchase and start brainstorming. A random patron then decides whose purchase they make. James' idea, a combination popcorn/hot dog maker, wins. Fred finds another letter from Abelardo revealing that the check is actually part of two installments to make up for every birthday of hers he missed. When she goes to cash it, however, she finds out that it's worthless. Heartbroken, Abby burns the rest of her mail. In a show of solidarity, the group buys the popcorn-hot dog maker for her and affirm that she doesn't need her father's approval to be happy.
6"Liquid Courage"Pamela FrymanRuss Finkelstein & Marc MuszynskiMay 2, 2019 (2019-05-02)1.49[24]
James is offered a better paying job, but feels that accepting it would mean too much responsibility. Bill decides to say goodbye to every patron after Fred walks away from their conversation. To help James decide, the group decides to bring out "Tequila Jimmy", his drunk personality. Abby's unpleasant neighbor Richard threatens to report her to the police unless she agrees to close the bar early, so she talks him into giving her a few weeks to make improvements. However, James, now full of confidence, throws Richard out and he reneges on the deal. Seeing Bill struggling, Fred steps in to help. Abby calls Richard back and has James warn him of the consequences of closing the bar too soon, which convinces him to sign back onto the deal. James completes his first day as a manager and gifts Abby with a bottle of expensive tequila. Bill and Fred patch things up.
7"Soda Gun"Pamela FrymanBetsy ThomasMay 9, 2019 (2019-05-09)1.40[25]
Abby's soda gun breaks, so Bill has his friend Cory fix it. This annoys Fred, who considers himself the bar's go-to handyman. James prepares a new emergency plan for the bar, but Rosie tells him it's too complicated to be of any use. The gang tries to cheer up Fred by lighting up the bar and playing his favorite song, but nothing works. Out of desperation, they give him the "Token", allowing him a week of free drinks, but he refuses it, drops it on the ground, and then accidentally steps on it. Beth explains that Fred wants to be useful to Abby because he sees her as a daughter, so Abby talks to him and tells him that no matter what, she will always see him as the closest thing she has to a father. Harmony is restored to the bar, and Rosie comforts James by telling him that the bar's safety depends on everyone looking out for each other.
8"Backup"Phill LewisNoah GarfinkelMay 30, 2019 (2019-05-30)1.55[26]
Abby is upset when Bill steps in to deal with some unruly customers, which she feels is her responsibility. James accidentally breaks Beth's prize mug and pins it on another patron, who is then punished by being placed in the "sprinkler chair". Bill defends his actions by pointing out that he's taller and thus more intimidating than Abby, so Fred suggests a jar-opening contest to see who's stronger; Bill wins and a frustrated Abby picks up a lit grill, severely burning her hands. Too stubborn to accept help, Abby resorts to using her mouth to help pour drinks and winds up making a huge mess. Bill apologizes by letting Abby put him in a submission hold and they agree to start accepting help from each other. James confesses to breaking the mug, and Bill and Abby manage to repair it using glue and a 3D printer.
9"Rosie's Band"Pamela FrymanJosh MalmuthMay 30, 2019 (2019-05-30)1.46[26]
Bill learns about the ongoing feud between Abby and Nemo's, a bar that used to be the most popular spot in the neighborhood. Rosie gets permission to do a set that night with her band; however, the group decides not to tell her that her music is unlistenable. Overjoyed, Rosie decides to start playing the bar every week. James becomes convinced that a customer at the bar, Clark, is a wanted fugitive, but Fred tells him he's paranoid. Abby and Beth try to cut a deal with Nemo's to get the band off their hands, but Rosie overhears and feels betrayed. She tells Abby that she's tough enough to take criticism, and that Abby should always be honest with her. In return, Abby agrees to let her play once a month. The cops show up to take Clark into custody for running, and Bill covers up the bar's existence by holding a fake wedding with Beth.
10"The Fish"Betsy ThomasChelsea DevantezJune 13, 2019 (2019-06-13)1.23[27]
When Bill admits to the group that he has Padres season tickets behind home plate that he lost in his divorce, they have him invite his ex-wife Sharon to the bar to reclaim them. Bill explains that Sharon is experienced at tearing him down emotionally, so the group boosts his confidence and he succeeds in convincing her to give the tickets back. However, Sharon then reveals that she also wants to get back together, so the bar throws an improvised "tuna luau" to keep them from leaving. Bill eventually realizes that Sharon doesn't truly love him when she insults his friends and he breaks up with her, declaring that this is his life now. Abby then gives him his own barstool--something only a regular is allowed to have--and decides to keep the tuna luau as an ongoing event.

Reception

[edit]

Critical response

[edit]

On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds an approval rating of 73% based on 15 reviews, with an average rating of 6.01/10. The website's critical consensus reads: "Despite some watered down, outdated humor, Abby's brims with potential thanks to its easy going, goofy sensibility and a perfectly cast Natalie Morales."[28] On Metacritic, it has a weighted average score of 60 out of 100, based on 15 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[29]

The Hollywood Reporter wrote: "a likable cast led by Natalie Morales, but very few early laughs"..."The three episodes sent to critics are nonsequential and don’t really build much in terms of the bar’s legality or any developing character relationships or much of anything."[3]

Ratings

[edit]
Viewership and ratings per episode of Abby's
No. Title Air date Rating/share
(18–49)		 Viewers
(millions)		 DVR
(18–49)		 DVR viewers
(millions)		 Total
(18–49)		 Total viewers
(millions)
1 "Pilot" March 28, 2019 0.5/3 2.60[19] 0.2 0.89 0.7 3.49[30]
2 "Rule Change" April 4, 2019 0.5/3 2.06[20] 0.2 0.70 0.7 2.76[31]
3 "Free Alcohol Day" April 11, 2019 0.4/2 1.64[21] 0.2 0.51 0.6 2.15[32]
4 "Book Club" April 18, 2019 0.4/2 1.53[22] 0.1 0.55 0.5 2.07[33]
5 "Mail Bin" April 25, 2019 0.3/2 1.47[23] 0.2 0.56 0.5 2.03[34]
6 "Liquid Courage" May 2, 2019 0.4/2 1.49[24] N/a N/a N/a N/a
7 "Soda Gun" May 9, 2019 0.4/2 1.40[25] 0.2 0.53 0.6 1.93[35]
8 "Backup" May 30, 2019 0.4/2 1.55[26] N/a N/a N/a N/a
9 "Rosie's Band" May 30, 2019 0.3/2 1.46[26] N/a N/a N/a N/a
10 "The Fish" June 13, 2019 0.3/1 1.23[27] N/a N/a N/a N/a

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Abby's

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Abby's is an American sitcom television series created by Josh Malmuth that premiered on NBC on March 28, 2019, and aired its series finale on June 13, 2019, after one 10-episode season.[1][2] The series follows Abby (Natalie Morales), a tough bisexual Cuban-American ex-Marine who runs an unlicensed pop-up bar in her San Diego backyard, where regulars must surrender their cell phones and adhere to quirky rules to earn their drinks and camaraderie.[3][4] Executive produced by Michael Schur—whose credits include Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and The Good Place—Abby's marked a departure for the multi-camera sitcom format, as it was the first to be shot almost entirely outdoors before a live audience in a simulated backyard set near Burbank Airport.[4][5] The ensemble cast includes Neil Flynn as Fred, a regular patron and bail bondsman who acts as a father figure to Abby; Nelson Franklin as Bill, an engineer and Abby's new landlord; Jessica Chaffin as Beth, a lawyer-turned-housewife; Leonard Ouzts as James, the bar's bouncer; and Kimia Behpoornia as Rosie, Abby's bar-back and oldest friend.[4] Episodes revolve around the group's humorous escapades, from bar games and rule enforcements to navigating personal lives in a gig-economy backdrop, evoking the spirit of ensemble bar comedies like Cheers.[6] Despite earning a 71% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes for its fresh setting, relatable characters, and Morales' charismatic performance, Abby's struggled with low ratings and was canceled by NBC on May 30, 2019, with the network airing its remaining episodes post-announcement.[7][8]

Series overview

Premise

Abby's is an American sitcom centered on a makeshift, unlicensed bar operating out of the backyard of a modest home in San Diego, California, where protagonist Abby serves as both owner and enforcer of its unconventional operations.[5] The series portrays this hidden speakeasy-style establishment as a clandestine haven for a rotating ensemble of patrons seeking respite from their daily lives, complete with house rules that foster an intimate, distraction-free environment, such as a strict no-cell-phones policy and cash-only transactions.[9][10] Abby, depicted as a bisexual Latina former Marine sergeant who served two tours in Afghanistan, brings a disciplined yet welcoming authority to the bar, drawing from her military background to maintain order amid the chaos of social interactions.[9][11] Her Cuban-American heritage and no-nonsense demeanor infuse the space with a quirky, inclusive vibe that attracts a diverse clientele, transforming the backyard into a vibrant microcosm of camaraderie.[5] At its core, the narrative explores the interpersonal bonds formed among the bar's regulars—ranging from an awkward engineer landlord to a gruff bail bondsman—through humorous vignettes rooted in the bar's unique dynamics, while lightly touching on themes of personal growth and mutual support in an otherwise isolating world.[12] This setup emphasizes the bar as a sanctuary where patrons confront everyday vulnerabilities, blending light-hearted comedy with moments of genuine connection. Abby enforces over 162 house rules to keep the peace.[10][13]

Cast and characters

The main cast of Abby's features an ensemble of regulars who frequent the titular unlicensed backyard bar in San Diego, each bringing distinct personalities that drive the series' humor and interpersonal tensions. Natalie Morales stars as Abby, the bar's owner and a former Marine sergeant known for her tough, no-nonsense demeanor and strict enforcement of over 160 house rules to maintain order among patrons.[14] Abby's Cuban-American background and bisexual identity add layers to her character, portraying her as fiercely protective yet sensitive, often acting as the group's de facto leader.[4] Nelson Franklin plays Bill, Abby's awkward new landlord and an engineer whose clueless attempts to fit in at the bar often create comedic friction, positioning him as a potential love interest amid the group's dynamics.[15] Jessica Chaffin portrays Beth, Abby's sarcastic best friend and a neighboring harried mother who monitors her children from her barstool, providing witty commentary and emotional support while highlighting the bar's role as a community escape.[16] Leonard Ouzts embodies James, the stoic yet gentle bouncer and warehouse security guard who avoids confrontation despite his imposing size, contributing quiet reliability to the ensemble.[17] Kimia Behpoornia stars as Rosie, the energetic bar manager and a hotheaded regular who has memorized all of Abby's rules, injecting youthful enthusiasm and occasional outbursts into interactions.[18] Neil Flynn rounds out the core group as Fred, a gruff bail bondsman and functioning alcoholic who serves as a father figure, offering mentorship and dry humor while unwinding nightly at the bar.[19] These characters' dynamics revolve around the bar as a central hub for unfiltered camaraderie, where Abby's leadership tempers the group's quirks—such as Beth's sarcasm clashing with Bill's awkwardness, James's meekness contrasting Rosie's energy, and Fred's gruff guidance resolving tensions—fostering a found-family atmosphere without cell phones or outside distractions.[20] Over the season, relationships evolve through subtle growth, like Abby navigating vulnerability in her connections and the ensemble deepening bonds amid personal challenges, emphasizing themes of acceptance and routine escapism.[21] Recurring characters include guests like Abby's ex-girlfriend Dani, who appears to explore past romantic tensions and Abby's personal history, and various neighbors who reinforce the bar's neighborhood sanctuary role without overshadowing the core group.[14]

Production

Inspiration and development

Josh Malmuth, a San Diego native and former writer on series such as New Girl and Superstore, created Abby's drawing from his experiences and observations of neighborhood gathering spots.[22] The concept was inspired by Bacchanal, a wine bar in New Orleans featuring an outdoor courtyard with string lights, live music, and a communal atmosphere that fosters connections among patrons.[3][23] Malmuth envisioned a similar unlicensed backyard bar in San Diego's South Park neighborhood as the central setting for an ensemble comedy centered on a diverse group of friends and regulars.[22] Development began when NBC ordered the pilot in January 2018, with the script written by Malmuth.[24] On May 8, 2018, the network greenlit the series for 10 episodes, positioning it as a midseason entry.[25][26] Malmuth served as showrunner and executive producer, collaborating with a writing team that emphasized character-driven humor in a single-location format reminiscent of classic sitcoms like Cheers.[4] A defining creative choice was the multi-camera setup filmed entirely outdoors with a live audience, marking the first such sitcom to do so for an authentic, immersive feel.[3][27] This approach highlighted themes of inclusivity and found family, featuring a diverse ensemble including a bisexual Cuban-American lead and quirky neighborhood patrons who form a supportive community.[22][27] Executive producers included Mike Schur and David Miner of Fremulon, alongside director Pamela Fryman, with production handled by Universal Television, Fremulon, and 3 Arts Entertainment.[5][4]

Casting and filming

Natalie Morales was cast in the lead role of Abby, the bisexual Marine veteran who runs an unlicensed backyard bar, on February 22, 2018.[28] In March 2018, supporting roles were filled with announcements including Nelson Franklin as the uptight landlord Bill, Jessica Chaffin as the no-nonsense regular Beth, Leonard Ouzts as the enthusiastic James, and later Neil Flynn as the gruff Fred.[17][19] Filming for Abby's took place on the backlot of Universal Studios Hollywood, constructed to simulate a San Diego neighborhood with the central backyard bar set built behind a residential facade.[29] The production utilized a traditional multi-camera format filmed in front of a live outdoor audience, marking the first sitcom to do so entirely on location rather than a soundstage.[30] Pamela Fryman directed the pilot episode, overseeing the setup to capture the natural ambiance while maintaining comedic timing.[31] Cinematographer Gregg Heschong handled the visual style, adapting lighting and camera work to the variable outdoor conditions.[27] The outdoor filming presented logistical challenges, including dependencies on weather that could delay shoots during rain or extreme temperatures, as well as intrusions from wildlife like skunks and insects.[29] Each episode was structured to run approximately 22 minutes, fitting the standard half-hour broadcast slot with commercials.[5] Brian H. Kim composed the original score, crafting an upbeat and eclectic soundtrack that blended quirky instrumentals with thematic motifs to enhance the bar's lively, rule-bound atmosphere.[32]

Episodes and broadcast

Episode list

Abby's Season 1 consists of 10 episodes that aired on NBC from March 28 to June 13, 2019, following the weekly lives and evolving relationships of the bar's patrons and staff.[33] The episodes are presented in the following table:
No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateSummary
1PilotPamela FrymanJosh MalmuthMarch 28, 2019Abby's unlicensed backyard bar faces a snag when new landlord Bill proposes major changes.[34][31]
2Rule ChangePamela FrymanNiki Schwartz-WrightApril 4, 2019Abby and Bill clash over a bar rule change; the regulars help settle their dispute.[34][35]
3Free Alcohol DayPamela FrymanBrigitte Muñoz-LiebowitzApril 11, 2019A secret about Abby's dating history emerges; a liquor promoter's visit leads to excess drinking among the group.[34][36]
4Book ClubPhill LewisShaun DistonApril 18, 2019Abby and Beth encourage Fred to date a bar patron he has a crush on, sparking group involvement.[34][37]
5Mail BinBeth McCarthy-MillerTaylor Cox & Jacquie WaltersApril 25, 2019Abby finds a letter from her estranged father in a pile of unopened mail and opens up to the group about their fraught relationship.[34][38]
6Liquid CouragePamela FrymanRuss Finkelstein & Marc MuszynskiMay 2, 2019Abby uses tequila to boost James's confidence for a job promotion; in his boldness, he offends a neighbor.[34][39]
7Soda GunPamela FrymanBetsy ThomasMay 9, 2019A repairman fixes the broken soda gun that Fred installed; James works on an emergency plan for the bar.[34][40]
8BackupPhill LewisNoah GarfinkelMay 30, 2019Bill steps in to resolve an issue with unruly customers, offending Abby; James accidentally breaks Beth's beloved mug but refuses to confess.[34][41]
9Rosie's BandPamela FrymanJosh MalmuthMay 30, 2019Abby finally allows Rosie's band to perform at the bar; when the band isn't what she expected, she struggles to tell Rosie the truth.[34][42]
10The FishBetsy ThomasChelsea DevantezJune 13, 2019Bill reveals he lost Padres tickets in his divorce; the gang encourages him to reclaim them from his ex-wife.[34][43]
The season aired its first seven episodes weekly before a brief hiatus, with episodes 8 and 9 broadcast back-to-back on May 30, 2019.[33] Notable production aspects include frequent direction by Pamela Fryman across six episodes and writing contributions from creator Josh Malmuth in the pilot and finale. Guest appearances were minimal, with recurring roles filling most supporting parts, though episodes like "Free Alcohol Day" featured a liquor sales promoter played by a guest actor.[44] Throughout the season, the episodes progressively deepen the bar's community bonds, starting with establishing the rules and conflicts in the pilot and evolving through personal disclosures and group challenges, culminating in unresolved tensions around relationships and the bar's future due to the series' cancellation after one season.[45]

Viewership and ratings

The premiere of Abby's on March 28, 2019, attracted 2.60 million viewers and earned a 0.5 rating in the 18–49 demographic, marking a modest debut for an NBC comedy amid competition from established series.[46] Over the course of its single 10-episode season, viewership steadily declined, reflecting challenges in retaining initial audience interest; by the series finale on June 13, 2019, the episode drew only 1.23 million viewers.[47] Delayed viewing through DVR provided some uplift, with episodes gaining up to 0.89 million additional viewers in Live+7 metrics, helping to mitigate the live declines.[48] The season averaged 1.64 million live viewers and a 0.39 rating in the key demographic, rising to approximately 2 million viewers and a 0.6 rating when accounting for seven-day playback.[47] These figures positioned Abby's below more successful NBC comedies like Superstore and The Good Place, which maintained stronger audience retention during the 2018–19 season.[48] NBC announced the cancellation of Abby's on May 30, 2019, just before the airing of its final two episodes, citing insufficient ratings despite early promotional buzz around its diverse cast and innovative outdoor multi-camera format.[48] The decision aligned with broader network adjustments, as Abby's struggled to compete with higher-performing peers in the Thursday night lineup. As of 2025, no revival or reboot of Abby's has been announced, leaving its total viewership legacy tied to its modest broadcast run and availability for digital rental or purchase on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video.[49][50] The series provided a breakout opportunity for lead Natalie Morales, who subsequently recurred as Cindy in the Netflix dark comedy Dead to Me (2019–2022) and took on supporting roles in shows such as The L Word: Generation Q (2021) and films including Plan B (2021).[51]

Reception and legacy

Critical response

Abby's received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its lead performance and innovative format while critiquing its uneven writing and humor. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds a 71% approval rating based on 21 reviews, with an average score of 6.5/10.[7] Metacritic assigns it a score of 60 out of 100, based on 15 critics, indicating "mixed or average" reception.[52] Critics frequently lauded Natalie Morales' commanding portrayal of the titular bartender, an openly bisexual Cuban-American ex-Marine veteran, for anchoring the show with dry deadpan delivery and confidence.[3] The diverse ensemble cast, including Neil Flynn and Jessica Chaffin, was commended for fostering a sense of camaraderie among the quirky regulars, evoking an "improvised family" dynamic similar to classic workplace comedies.[3] The fresh outdoor setting—a backyard bar filmed entirely on location—was highlighted as a novel twist on the multi-camera sitcom format, providing a casual, warm atmosphere that distinguished it from indoor predecessors like Cheers.[3] Variety noted the show's casual integration of LGBTQ+ representation, describing Abby's bisexuality as divulged "as would be the case in real life," marking it as the first broadcast network comedy with an openly bisexual lead played by an out actress.[4] However, many reviews pointed to weaknesses in the writing and humor, with plots often feeling underdeveloped and jokes relying on predictable tropes rather than inventive punchlines. The Hollywood Reporter described the cast as likable but the early episodes as generating "very few early laughs," despite a decent premise.[5] The A.V. Club criticized the "creaky elaboration" in character backstories and uncertainty with supporting roles, suggesting the series needed more time to refine its elementary storylines and avoid clock-watching.[53] Overall, while the format and representation offered promise, critics agreed the humor's uneven execution hindered the show's potential.

Cultural impact and availability

Abby's has been recognized for its representation of a bisexual Latina lead character, portrayed by Natalie Morales, who is the first openly queer woman of color to play an openly bisexual protagonist in a network sitcom.[54] The series features a diverse ensemble cast, including characters from various ethnic backgrounds and sexual orientations, contributing to discussions on inclusivity in broadcast television.[55] This portrayal highlighted themes of queer Latina experiences and veteran life, marking a step forward in visibility for underrepresented groups in multi-camera comedies.[56] As the first multi-camera sitcom filmed entirely outdoors with a live audience, Abby's experimented with non-traditional production settings, potentially influencing later trends toward location-based humor in comedies, though its brief run limited broader adoption.[3] The show's backyard bar format drew comparisons to Cheers but emphasized communal outdoor spaces, offering a fresh take on ensemble dynamics in an era when networks were experimenting with sitcom formats.[29] The series' cancellation after one season, due to low viewership averaging a 0.4 rating in the 18-49 demographic, exemplified NBC's broader shift away from traditional multi-camera sitcoms toward single-camera formats during the late 2010s.[1] This decision reflected industry trends prioritizing streaming-friendly, less audience-dependent productions over live-taped multi-cam shows.[57] Abby's thus holds a minor legacy among NBC's short-lived comedies of the period, remembered more for its innovative setup than sustained popularity.[48] As of 2025, episodes of Abby's are available for digital purchase or rental on platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and YouTube, but are not offered on free ad-supported streaming services like Peacock or Tubi.[58] No physical home media releases, such as DVD or Blu-ray, have been produced.[59] The show has developed a modest cult following among fans on social media, where viewers praise its representation and quirky humor, though it received no major awards beyond a single nomination for Best Primetime Program - Comedy at the 2019 Imagen Awards.[60] No revivals or spin-offs have been announced.[61]

References

  1. Abby's Cancelled At NBC After 1 Season - TVLine
  2. Abby's: NBC Sets Premiere Date for Comedy Series Shot Outside in ...
  3. 'Abby's' Takes the Sitcom Somewhere New: Outdoors
  4. TV Review: 'Abby's' Starring Natalie Morales - Variety
  5. 'Abby's': TV Review - The Hollywood Reporter
  6. Mike Schur's new sitcom "Abby's" is "Cheers" for the gig economy
  7. Abby's | Rotten Tomatoes
  8. NBC Cancels 'Abby's,' 'The Enemy Within' and 'The Village' - Variety
  9. 'Abby's' on NBC takes the beloved 'Cheers' model and puts a diverse
  10. Abby's TV Review | Common Sense Media
  11. REVIEW: NBC's “Abby's” | Thoroughly Modern Reviewer
  12. Abby's (TV Series 2019) - IMDb
  13. New NBC sitcom 'Abby's' sparkles with strong veteran cast
  14. 'Abby's' Star Natalie Morales on What Makes This New NBC Sitcom ...
  15. On 'Abby's,' Natalie Morales Plays a Bar Owner Who Just Happens ...
  16. 'Abby's': Nelson Franklin, Jessica Chaffin & Leonard Ouzts Cast
  17. Jee Young Han Joins 'The Mission'; 'Abby's' Casts Kimia Behpoornia
  18. 'Abby's: Neil Flynn To Co-Star In NBC Comedy Pilot - Deadline
  19. Review: NBC's 'Abby's' brings a 'Cheers' vibe with a dash more flavor
  20. 'Abby's': NBC's new comedy isn't edgy or quirky, but it ... - Oregon Live
  21. Torrey Pines grad creates, produces new TV sitcom 'Abby's' – San ...
  22. 'Abby's' Isn't Based On A Real Bar, But It Was Inspired By One That ...
  23. NBC Orders Four New Comedy Pilots - Looper
  24. 'Abby's' & "I Feel Bad' Comedies Picked Up To Series By NBC
  25. Abby's | TVmaze
  26. Here's How 'Abby's' Pulled off Taping a Multi-Cam Sitcom Outside
  27. Your Daily Edition - The Hollywood Reporter
  28. 'Abby's' Producers on Challenges of Making TV's First Outdoor Sitcom
  29. 'Abby's' Creators Take Inevitable 'Cheers' Questions: "Our Show Is ...
  30. "Abby's" Pilot (TV Episode 2019) - IMDb
  31. About - brian h kim | composer
  32. Abby's (a Titles & Air Dates Guide) - Epguides.com
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  34. "Abby's" Rule Change (TV Episode 2019) - IMDb
  35. "Abby's" Free Alcohol Day (TV Episode 2019) - IMDb
  36. "Abby's" Book Club (TV Episode 2019) - IMDb
  37. "Abby's" Mail Bin (TV Episode 2019) - IMDb
  38. "Abby's" Liquid Courage (TV Episode 2019) - IMDb
  39. "Abby's" Soda Gun (TV Episode 2019) - IMDb
  40. "Abby's" Backup (TV Episode 2019) - IMDb
  41. "Abby's" Rosie's Band (TV Episode 2019) - IMDb
  42. "Abby's" The Fish (TV Episode 2019) - IMDb
  43. Abby's (TV Series 2019) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
  44. Abby's: Season 1 | Rotten Tomatoes
  45. TV Ratings: 'Abby's' Starts Soft for NBC, March Madness Down
  46. Abby's: Season One Ratings - TV Series Finale
  47. 'Abby's', 'The Village' & 'The Enemy Within' Canceled By NBC After ...
  48. https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/abbys/
  49. Natalie Morales - IMDb
  50. Abby's Reviews - Metacritic
  51. Abby's is a backyard Cheers that needs a little more time in the bottle
  52. "Abby's" Review: Natalie Morales' Bisexual Bartender Makes History ...
  53. How Natalie Morales Is Breaking Latinx, LGBTQ Barriers With 'Abby's'
  54. Behind The Bar With Natalie Morales, The Abby Of NBC Sitcom ...
  55. The Fall of The Multi-Camera Sitcom & the Rise of the Single-Cam
  56. Abby's | Where to Stream and Watch - Decider
  57. Abby's - watch tv show streaming online - JustWatch
  58. Abby's (TV Series 2019) - Awards - IMDb
  59. Abby's: Cancelled; No Season Two for NBC Comedy Series
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