Almost Family
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| Almost Family | |
|---|---|
| Genre | |
| Based on | Sisters by Jonathan Gavin & Imogen Banks |
| Developed by | Annie Weisman |
| Starring | |
| Music by | David Schwartz |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 13 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
|
| Producers |
|
| Cinematography |
|
| Editors |
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| Camera setup | Single-camera |
| Running time | 43–46 minutes |
| Production companies |
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| Original release | |
| Network | Fox |
| Release | October 2, 2019 – February 22, 2020 |
Almost Family is an American drama television series based on the Australian television series Sisters, developed by Annie Weisman which aired from October 2, 2019, to February 22, 2020, on Fox.[1]
In March 2020, Fox canceled the series after one season.[2]
Premise
[edit]When it is revealed that fertility doctor Leon Bechley (Timothy Hutton) had used his own sperm to conceive at least 100 children throughout his career, Julia Bechley (Brittany Snow) unites with two of her half siblings—including childhood friend Edie Palmer (Megalyn Echikunwoke), and retired Olympic athlete Roxy Doyle (Emily Osment)—as they deal with issues that have been affecting their lives.[3]
Cast
[edit]- Brittany Snow as Julia Bechley, a communications director for her father's fertility clinic
- Megalyn Echikunwoke as Edie Palmer, Julia's childhood friend and one of Julia's half siblings who is a criminal defense attorney
- Emily Osment as Roxy Doyle, a retired gymnast and one of Julia's half siblings
- Mo McRae as Tim Moore, Edie's husband who is also a criminal defense attorney at the same law firm and Julia's ex-boyfriend
- Mustafa Elzein as Dr. Isaac Abadi, an employee of the Bechley clinic and Leon's trusted second-in-command
- Victoria Cartagena as Amanda Doherty, the woman that Edie is cheating on her husband with and the assistant district attorney assigned to prosecute Leon
- Timothy Hutton as Leon Bechley, a fertility doctor and Julia's father, accused of fathering dozens of children without his patients' knowledge or consent
Production
[edit]Development
[edit]On October 16, 2018, it was announced that Fox had given the production, then titled Sisters, a pilot production commitment.[4] The pilot was written by Annie Weisman who was also set to executive produce alongside Jason Katims, Jeni Mulein, Imogen Banks, Sharon Levy, Leslye Headland (also the director). Production companies involved with the pilot include Universal Television and Fox Entertainment. On February 13, 2019, the production officially received a pilot order.[5]
On May 9, 2019, it was announced that Fox had given the series order.[6] A few days later, it was announced that the title of the show had been changed to Not Just Me. A day after that, it was announced that the series would premiere in the fall of 2019 and air on Wednesdays at 9:00 P.M.[7] In June 2019, Fox changed the title from Not Just Me to Almost Family.[8] The series debuted on October 2, 2019.[1] On March 2, 2020, the series was canceled after one season.[2]
Casting
[edit]In February 2019, it was announced that Brittany Snow and Megalyn Echikunwoke had been cast in the pilot's lead roles.[9][10] In March 2019, it was reported that Emily Osment and Victoria Cartagena had joined the cast.[11][12]
Episodes
[edit]| No. | Title [13] | Directed by | Teleplay by | Original release date [13] | U.S. viewers (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Pilot" | Leslye Headland | Annie Weisman | October 2, 2019 | 2.73[14] |
| 2 | "Related AF" | Randy Zisk | Annie Weisman | October 9, 2019 | 2.33[15] |
| 3 | "Notorious AF" | Jonathan Brown | Ian Deitchman & Kristin Robinson | October 16, 2019 | 2.17[16] |
| 4 | "Fake AF" | Michael Weaver | Ellen Fairey | November 13, 2019 | 1.58[17] |
| 5 | "Risky AF" | Kellie Cyrus | Joshua Allen | November 20, 2019 | 1.73[18] |
| 6 | "Kosher AF" | Tricia Brock | Michelle Lirtzman | November 27, 2019 | 1.32[19] |
| 7 | "Thankful AF" | Catalina Aguilar Mastretta | Abdi Nazemian | November 28, 2019 | 1.12[20] |
| 8 | "Fertile AF" | Peter Sollett | Annie Weisman | December 11, 2019 | 2.08[21] |
| 9 | "Rehabilitated AF" | Arlene Sanford | Ian Deitchman & Kristin Robinson | January 1, 2020 | 1.06[22] |
| 10 | "Courageous AF" | Tim Bellen | Zina Camblin | January 8, 2020 | 1.03[23] |
| 11 | "Generational AF" | Linda Mendoza | Ellen Fairey | January 15, 2020 | 1.01[24] |
| 12 | "Permanent AF" | Kimberly McCullough | Joshua Allen | February 22, 2020 | 0.92[25] |
| 13 | "Expectant AF" | Randy Zisk | Annie Weisman & Michelle Lirtzman | February 22, 2020 | 0.82[25] |
Release
[edit]On May 13, 2019, Fox released the first official trailer for the series.[26]
Reception
[edit]Critical response
[edit]On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, Almost Family holds an approval rating of 28% based on 18 reviews, with an average rating of 4.40/10. The website's critical consensus states, "An appealing cast can't make up for Almost Family's appalling premise."[27] On Metacritic, it has a weighted average score of 38 out of 100, based on 11 critics, indicating "generally unfavorable reviews".[28]
Ratings
[edit]| No. | Title | Air date | Rating/share (18–49) |
Viewers (millions) |
DVR (18–49) |
DVR viewers (millions) |
Total (18–49) |
Total viewers (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Pilot" | October 2, 2019 | 0.7/4 | 2.73[14] | 0.3 | 1.21 | 1.1 | 3.94[29] |
| 2 | "Related AF" | October 9, 2019 | 0.7/3 | 2.33[15] | 0.3 | 1.00 | 1.0 | 3.34[30] |
| 3 | "Notorious AF" | October 16, 2019 | 0.6/3 | 2.17[16] | 0.3 | 0.93 | 0.9 | 3.10[31] |
| 4 | "Fake AF" | November 13, 2019 | 0.5/3 | 1.58[17] | 0.2 | 0.77 | 0.7 | 2.35[32] |
| 5 | "Risky AF" | November 20, 2019 | 0.5/3 | 1.73[18] | 0.2 | 0.68 | 0.7 | 2.41[33] |
| 6 | "Kosher AF" | November 27, 2019 | 0.3/2 | 1.32[19] | 0.2 | 0.58 | 0.5 | 1.90[34] |
| 7 | "Thankful AF" | November 28, 2019 | 0.3/2 | 1.12[20] | 0.2 | 0.60 | 0.5 | 1.72[35] |
| 8 | "Fertile AF" | December 11, 2019 | 0.6/3 | 2.08[21] | 0.2 | 0.58 | 0.8 | 2.66[36] |
| 9 | "Rehabilitated AF" | January 1, 2020 | 0.3/2 | 1.06[22] | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a |
| 10 | "Courageous AF" | January 8, 2020 | 0.3/2 | 1.03[23] | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a |
| 11 | "Generational AF" | January 15, 2020 | 0.3/2 | 1.01[24] | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a |
| 12 | "Permanent AF" | February 22, 2020 | 0.3/2 | 0.92[25] | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a |
| 13 | "Expectant AF" | February 22, 2020 | 0.2/1 | 0.82[25] | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a |
References
[edit]- ^ a b Petski, Denise (June 24, 2019). "Fox Sets Fall Premiere Dates: Emmys Kick Off The Week, '9-1-1', 'The Masked Singer', 'Empire', More". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on August 19, 2019. Retrieved June 24, 2019.
- ^ a b Thorne, Will (March 2, 2020). "'Almost Family' Canceled After One Season at Fox". Variety. Archived from the original on March 2, 2020. Retrieved March 2, 2020.
- ^ Thorne, Will (May 13, 2019). "Fox Fall 2019-2020 Trailers: Dramas 'Prodigal Son' and 'Not Just Me,' Animated Comedy 'Bless the Harts' (Watch)". Variety. Archived from the original on May 14, 2019. Retrieved June 24, 2019.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (October 16, 2018). "'Sisters' Drama Based On Australian TV Series From Annie Weisman & Jason Katims Lands At Fox As Put Pilot". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 13, 2019. Retrieved June 24, 2019.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (February 13, 2019). "Fox Orders Drama Pilot From Annie Weisman & Jason Katims Based On Australian Series 'Sisters'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 30, 2019. Retrieved June 24, 2019.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (May 9, 2019). "Fox Picks Up 4 New Drama Series: 'Prodigal Son', 'Deputy', 'NeXt' & Weisman/Katims; What Does It Mean For Network's Bubble Dramas?". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 11, 2019. Retrieved June 24, 2019.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (May 13, 2019). "Fox Fall 2019-20 Schedule: WWE, NFL, No Live-Action Comedies With 'Last Man Standing' Held, 'Empire' & 'Resident' To Tuesday". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 14, 2019. Retrieved June 24, 2019.
- ^ "Emily Osment's New FOX Show Gets a Name Change". BeautifulBallad. June 5, 2019. Archived from the original on June 7, 2019. Retrieved June 24, 2019.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (February 25, 2019). "Brittany Snow To Star In Fox's Drama Pilot From Annie Weisman & Jason Katims". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 13, 2019. Retrieved June 24, 2019.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (February 26, 2019). "Megalyn Echikunwoke To Star In Fox's Drama Pilot From Annie Weisman & Jason Katims". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 13, 2019. Retrieved June 24, 2019.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (March 4, 2019). "Emily Osment To Star In Fox's Drama Pilot From Annie Weisman & Jason Katims". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on August 4, 2019. Retrieved June 24, 2019.
- ^ Petski, Denise (March 28, 2019). "Victoria Cartagena Cast In Fox's Drama Pilot From Annie Weisman & Jason Katims; Mark Moses In 'Deputy'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on August 11, 2019. Retrieved June 24, 2019.
- ^ a b "Almost Family – Listings". The Futon Critic. Retrieved January 10, 2020.
- ^ a b Welch, Alex (October 3, 2019). "'Chicago Med,' 'The Masked Singer' adjust up, 'Single Parents,' 'Almost Family' adjust down: Wednesday final ratings". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on October 3, 2019. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
- ^ a b Welch, Alex (October 10, 2019). "'Survivor' and 'S.W.A.T.' adjust up, 'SEAL Team' and 'Almost Family' adjust down: Wednesday final ratings". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on October 10, 2019. Retrieved October 10, 2019.
- ^ a b Welch, Alex (October 17, 2019). "'Chicago Med,' 'The Masked Singer' adjust up, 'SEAL Team,' 'Chicago P.D.,' 'Almost Family' adjust down: Wednesday final ratings". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on October 17, 2019. Retrieved October 17, 2019.
- ^ a b Welch, Alex (November 14, 2019). "'Survivor,' 'The Masked Singer,' all others hold: Wednesday final ratings". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on November 14, 2019. Retrieved November 14, 2019.
- ^ a b Welch, Alex (November 21, 2019). "'Chicago Med,' 'Survivor,' everything else unchanged: Wednesday final ratings". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on November 23, 2019. Retrieved November 21, 2019.
- ^ a b Welch, Alex (December 2, 2019). "'Almost Family' adjusts down: Wednesday final ratings". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on December 2, 2019. Retrieved December 2, 2019.
- ^ a b Welch, Alex (December 3, 2019). "'Thursday Night Football' adjusts up: Thursday final ratings". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on December 3, 2019. Retrieved December 3, 2019.
- ^ a b Welch, Alex (December 12, 2019). "'Nancy Drew' adjusts down: Wednesday final ratings". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on December 12, 2019. Retrieved December 12, 2019.
- ^ a b Welch, Alex (January 3, 2020). "'Almost Family,' 'Flirty Dancing,' all others hold: Wednesday final ratings". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on January 3, 2020. Retrieved January 3, 2020.
- ^ a b Welch, Alex (January 9, 2020). "'Jeopardy! The Greatest of All Time' adjusts up: Wednesday final ratings". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on January 10, 2020. Retrieved January 9, 2020.
- ^ a b Welch, Alex (January 16, 2020). "'The Goldbergs,' 'Criminal Minds,' everything else unchanged: Wednesday final ratings". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on January 17, 2020. Retrieved January 16, 2020.
- ^ a b c d Pucci, Douglas (February 25, 2020). "Saturday Final Ratings: Late-Night Rebroadcast of 'Saturday Night Live' on NBC Tops the Day's Telecasts in Adults 25-54". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on April 26, 2020. Retrieved April 26, 2020.
- ^ Petski, Denise (May 13, 2019). "Fox New Series Trailers: 'Outmatched', 'Filthy Rich', 'Prodigal Son', 'Deputy', 'Not Just Me', 'Next', 'BH90210' Teaser". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on June 4, 2019. Retrieved June 24, 2019.
- ^ "Almost Family: Season 1 (2019)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved September 28, 2021.
- ^ "Almost Family: Season 1". Metacritic. Retrieved April 26, 2020.
- ^ Thorne, Will (October 15, 2019). "Live+7 Ratings for Week of Sept. 30: 'Evil,' 'Stumptown,' and 'Emergence' All Double". Variety. Archived from the original on October 15, 2019. Retrieved October 15, 2019.
- ^ Thorne, Will (October 22, 2019). "Live+7 Ratings for Week of Oct. 7: 'This Is Us' Overtakes 'Masked Singer'". Variety. Archived from the original on October 22, 2019. Retrieved October 22, 2019.
- ^ Pucci, Douglas (October 17, 2019). "Wednesday Final Ratings: Three-Hour 'Chicago' Crossover Event Boosts NBC to its Best In-Season Regular Schedule Wednesday Among Adults 18-49 in Three Years". Programming Insider. Retrieved October 17, 2019.
- ^ Pucci, Douglas (November 14, 2019). "Wednesday Final Ratings: More Than 13 Million Watch First Day of Impeachment Hearings Across Six Networks". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on November 16, 2019. Retrieved November 14, 2019.
- ^ Pucci, Douglas (November 21, 2019). "Wednesday Final Ratings: 6.6 Million Viewers for Democratic Debate on MSNBC". Programming Insider. Retrieved November 21, 2019.
- ^ Pucci, Douglas (December 3, 2019). "Wednesday Final Ratings: CBS Tops Thanksgiving Eve in Viewers, Adults 18-49 and 25-54". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on December 3, 2019. Retrieved December 3, 2019.
- ^ Pucci, Douglas (December 5, 2019). "Thursday Final Ratings: Bills-Cowboys is Most-Watched CBS Thanksgiving NFL Game Since 1992". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on December 26, 2019. Retrieved December 5, 2019.
- ^ Pucci, Douglas (December 12, 2019). "Wednesday Final Ratings: 'The Challenge: War of the Worlds 2' Season Finale on MTV Leads Cable Telecasts in Adults 18-34". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on December 13, 2019. Retrieved December 12, 2019.
External links
[edit]Almost Family
View on GrokipediaOverview
Premise
Almost Family centers on Julia Bechley, a communications executive who learns that her father, Dr. Leon Bechley, a prominent fertility specialist, secretly used his own sperm to impregnate numerous patients at his clinic over decades, resulting in over 100 biological children beyond Julia herself.[9] [10] This disclosure, revealed publicly amid legal scrutiny of Leon's practices, shatters Julia's perception of her family and prompts her to seek out half-siblings, including aspiring actress Roxy and neuroscientist Edie, whom she encounters through support groups and DNA revelations.[1] [6] The series depicts the trio's efforts to forge bonds amid ethical dilemmas, personal resentments, and the broader fallout from Leon's deceptions, including lawsuits, media attention, and strained relationships with their respective mothers who were unwitting participants in the scheme.[11] [12] Julia, raised as an only child in a seemingly idyllic Manhattan household, grapples with betrayal while balancing her career and romantic life, as the sisters confront identity crises and unconventional kinship.[13] The narrative draws from real-world fertility fraud cases but fictionalizes the dynamics of sudden siblinghood and reproductive autonomy violations.[2]Cast and characters
Brittany Snow stars as Julia Bechley, the protagonist and only biological child raised by renowned fertility specialist Dr. Leon Bechley, whose life unravels upon discovering her father's use of his own sperm to impregnate dozens of patients, resulting in approximately 100 half-siblings.[1][6] Julia works as the communications director at her father's clinic in New York City and navigates the fallout, including forming tentative bonds with newfound siblings amid legal and personal turmoil.[1][14] Megalyn Echikunwoke portrays Edie Palmer, one of Julia's half-sisters and a former childhood friend whose mother was a patient and close acquaintance of the Bechley family; Edie grapples with the revelation while pursuing her career as an attorney, initially clashing with Julia due to their rivalrous history.[1][15] Emily Osment plays Roxy Doyle, another half-sister who is a retired Olympic athlete confronting identity and family issues after learning of her unconventional parentage; Roxy's athletic background influences her impulsive approach to integrating into the emerging sibling dynamic.[1][15] Timothy Hutton depicts Dr. Leon Bechley, Julia's father and a celebrated but ethically compromised fertility doctor whose admission of using his own genetic material without consent triggers scandals, investigations, and family disintegration.[1][6] Mustafa Elzein appears as Dr. Isaac Abadi, Julia's supportive husband and a colleague physician at the Bechley clinic, who provides emotional stability amid the crisis.[16][17] Mo McRae recurs as Tim Moore, a detective involved in the investigation surrounding Dr. Bechley's practices and who develops a romantic connection with Julia.[16][17]| Actor | Character | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| Brittany Snow | Julia Bechley | Clinic communications director discovering half-siblings |
| Megalyn Echikunwoke | Edie Palmer | Attorney and half-sister, former friend of Julia |
| Emily Osment | Roxy Doyle | Retired Olympian half-sister |
| Timothy Hutton | Dr. Leon Bechley | Fertility doctor and father |
| Mustafa Elzein | Dr. Isaac Abadi | Julia's husband and clinic doctor |
| Mo McRae | Tim Moore | Detective and Julia's love interest |
Production
Development
Almost Family is an adaptation of the 2017 Australian drama series Sisters, created by Jonathan Gavin and Imogen Banks for Endemol Shine Australia.[18] The American version was developed by writer Annie Weisman, who penned the pilot script, with executive production from Jason Katims through his True Jack Productions banner.[19] [8] Fox issued a series order for the project on May 9, 2019, alongside five other scripted series as part of its 2019-20 lineup.[19] Initially titled Not Just Me, the series was retitled Almost Family on June 5, 2019.[19] Production was handled by Endemol Shine North America, Fox Entertainment, True Jack Productions, and Universal Television.[19]Casting
Brittany Snow was cast as Julia Bechley, the series protagonist and daughter of a fertility doctor, on February 25, 2019, ahead of pilot production.[20] Megalyn Echikunwoke joined as Edie Palmer, Julia's ambitious half-sister and a lawyer, in the pilot's early casting phase that month.[21] Emily Osment was added as Roxy Doyle, a former Olympian and another half-sister, during March 2019 casting for the pilot.[17] Following Fox's series order on May 9, 2019, principal supporting roles were filled, including Timothy Hutton as Dr. Leon Bechley, the renowned but ethically compromised fertility specialist and father figure; Mo McRae as Tim Moore, Julia's colleague and romantic interest; Mustafa Elzein as Dr. Isaac Abadi, a clinic doctor; and Victoria Cartagena as Amanda, Edie's professional rival.[21][17] These actors appeared as series regulars across the 13-episode first season, which aired from October 2, 2019, to January 21, 2020.[22]| Actor | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brittany Snow | Julia Bechley | Lead; communications director at father's clinic |
| Megalyn Echikunwoke | Edie Palmer | Half-sister; attorney |
| Emily Osment | Roxy Doyle | Half-sister; ex-athlete |
| Timothy Hutton | Dr. Leon Bechley | Father; fertility doctor |
| Mo McRae | Tim Moore | Julia's love interest; colleague |
| Mustafa Elzein | Dr. Isaac Abadi | Clinic physician |
Filming
Principal photography for Almost Family occurred primarily in New York City.[23] The pilot episode utilized exterior locations including the Williamsburg Bridge and the Long Island City Courthouse.[24] Interiors, such as replicas of residential sets, were constructed and filmed at Broadway Stages in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.[25] Production schedules indicate filming activities in New York commencing around August 12, 2019, aligning with the series' premiere on October 2, 2019.[26]Broadcast
Episode list
"Almost Family" aired one season consisting of 13 episodes on Fox, premiering on October 2, 2019, and concluding on February 22, 2020.[27] The series experienced scheduling irregularities, including a hiatus after the third episode and the final two episodes airing consecutively on the same day.[27]| No. | Title | Original air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pilot | October 2, 2019 |
| 2 | Related AF | October 9, 2019 |
| 3 | Notorious AF | October 16, 2019 |
| 4 | Fake AF | November 13, 2019 |
| 5 | Risky AF | November 20, 2019 |
| 6 | Kosher AF | November 27, 2019 |
| 7 | Thankful AF | November 28, 2019 |
| 8 | Fertile AF | December 11, 2019 |
| 9 | Rehabilitated AF | January 1, 2020 |
| 10 | Courageous AF | January 8, 2020 |
| 11 | Generational AF | January 15, 2020 |
| 12 | Permanent AF | February 22, 2020 |
| 13 | Expectant AF | February 22, 2020 |