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Jennifer Falls
Jennifer Falls
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Jennifer Falls
GenreSitcom
Created byMatthew Carlson
Starring
ComposerChris Allen Lee
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes10
Production
Executive producers
  • Matthew Carlson
  • Larry W. Jones
  • Jaime Pressly
  • Keith Cox
  • Mindy Schultheis
  • Michael Hanel
Camera setupSingle-camera
Running time30 minutes
Production companies
  • Vanity Logo Productions
  • Acme Productions
  • TV Land Original Productions
Original release
NetworkTV Land
ReleaseJune 4 (2014-06-04) –
August 13, 2014 (2014-08-13)

Jennifer Falls is an American sitcom created by Matthew Carlson, and starring Jaime Pressly in the title role. The series premiered on TV Land on June 4, 2014, and is the first single-camera comedy series for the network.[1][2] It was cancelled on October 3, 2014, after ten episodes.[3]

Plot

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The series follows Jennifer Doyle (Jaime Pressly), a single mother who, after losing her high salary job, has to move back in with her mother, Maggie (Jessica Walter). From there, Jennifer must reassess her life and figure out how to rebuild.

Cast

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Main

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Recurring

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  • Chris D'Elia as Adam, Jennifer's younger ex-boyfriend and Gretchen's father

Episodes

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No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release dateUS viewers
(millions)
1"Pilot"Lee Shallat ChemelMatthew CarlsonJune 4, 2014 (2014-06-04)0.890[4]
Despite being a top performer, Jennifer is fired from her VP position at a Fortune 500 company because her anger issues have made both customers and co-workers afraid to work with her. Broke and soon to be homeless, she and her daughter, Gretchen, are forced to move back in with Jennifer's mother, Maggie. To make ends meet, Jennifer accepts a position at her brother Wayne's sports bar, where she must now deal with her condescending sister-in-law, Stephanie, being her boss. Jennifer also tries to figure out why her childhood friend, Dina, refuses to speak to her.
2"Health Club"Peter LauerMichael GloubermanJune 11, 2014 (2014-06-11)0.744[5]
Jennifer realizes she still has a year left on her posh health club membership. After a failed attempt to get a partial refund, she decides to spend a day in the spa and runs into two women from her old office. Desperate to keep up appearances, Jennifer agrees to dinner with the women, which forces her to cancel the bowling-dinner plans she had made with Dina. To make things right, Jennifer takes Dina to a concert by her favorite group, The Black Keys, only to ditch Dina again when she discovers her workmates are in a luxury box at the concert along with Jennifer's former client. Elsewhere, Maggie tries to convince Wayne and Stephanie that they are running out of time to give her a grandchild.
3"Triangle"Peter LauerMatthew CarlsonJune 18, 2014 (2014-06-18)0.734[6]
4"The Virginity Thief"Peter LauerTodd LindenJune 25, 2014 (2014-06-25)0.681[7]
Jennifer and Dina discover that an old classmate is still in town, and that he took the virginity of each on the same night back in the mid-90s. They are determined to get back at him, but each falls for his games once again. Elsewhere, Wayne discovers his grandmother's ring that Stephanie is wearing is a fake, and Maggie admits she made a duplicate and kept the original because she didn't think the marriage would last. Wayne tries to guilt his mom into buying his forgiveness, but Maggie is one step ahead of him.
5"Staycation"Victor Nelli Jr.Matthew CarlsonJuly 9, 2014 (2014-07-09)0.665[8]
Unable to afford the trip to Bora Bora that Jennifer had promised to Gretchen for her good grades, she instead rewards her daughter with a fun “staycation” in the backyard. But unexpected job interviews and family drama threaten to ruin the party.
6"School Trouble"Eyal GordinChristine ZanderJuly 16, 2014 (2014-07-16)0.454[9]
When Gretchen gets suspended for a skirmish at school, and there is evidence that she is involved in more trouble, Jennifer realizes she hasn't been there to help her daughter grow up. So she consults the woman who knows Gretchen the most: her former maid, Lupe. While waiting with Jennifer to see the principal about Gretchen, Dina notices her name is no longer on the trophy for the basketball scoring record. She seeks out the girl who broke her record, and challenges her to a one-on-one contest. Elsewhere, Wayne is trying every trick in the book to get Stephanie pregnant, but Stephanie is secretly still taking the pill.
7"Three Dates with My Mother"Jeff MelmanMatthew CarlsonJuly 23, 2014 (2014-07-23)0.568[10]
A stressed-out Jennifer convinces her entire family to see a psychiatrist (Kurt Fuller) for family counseling, which rubs her psychologist mother the wrong way. The counselor suggests that Wayne be more assertive with Stephanie, and orders Jennifer and Maggie to go on a dinner date and have an honest discussion about their issues. He also suggests that Jennifer should give Gretchen a week to do whatever she wants, as long as she still attends school and does nothing illegal. Near the end of the week, Gretchen realizes she is out of control and begs to have boundaries again.
8"Dads and Dogs"Rebecca AsherSusan BeaversJuly 30, 2014 (2014-07-30)0.614[11]
Adam, Gretchen's dad, comes back into hers and her mother's life. Though he has always been an easy target for blame, the tables are turned when he gives Gretchen a car and announces he's finally signed a major record deal. Meanwhile, Wayne gets a dog and struggles to keep the pet in line. But when he comes up with a solution to training the pet, Stephanie sees that he might actually make a good father.
9"Everybody Loves Adam"Victor Nelli Jr.Bryan Behar & Steve BaldikoskiAugust 6, 2014 (2014-08-06)0.768[12]
Jennifer and Adam both attend Gretchen's school debate, which her team wins. Gretchen decides to attend the school's father-daughter dance with Adam, which upsets Wayne, who had already made plans to accompany his niece. Adam makes things worse when Gretchen's teacher praises how well she was raised, and he takes the credit. Elsewhere, Stephanie tries to become "besties" with Dina, and shares her secret about taking the pill behind Wayne's back.
10"Jennifer's Song"Jeff MelmanMarsh McCallAugust 13, 2014 (2014-08-13)0.619[13]
Jennifer and Adam make plans to move into his home, which thrills Gretchen. Jennifer later learns, however, that Adam not only kept a secret about having a green card wife, but he also lied about his record deal and owes a recording studio $8,000 (plus one Greek yogurt). Meanwhile, Stephanie confides to Maggie "as a patient" that she has deceived Wayne, causing Maggie to try and break the news to a clueless Wayne by way of a thinly-veiled story.

Production and development

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On August 5, 2013, TV Land placed a multi-camera pilot order on Jennifer Falls, with Jaime Pressly identified for the lead role. The pilot was written by Matthew Carlson. Larry W. Jones, Jaime Pressly, Keith Cox, Mindy Schultheis and Michael Hanel serve as executive producers, alongside Acme Productions.[14]

Casting announcements on the remaining series regular roles began in September 2013, with Missi Pyle first cast in the role of Dina, Jennifer's childhood best friend, who is hesitant to restart the friendship when Jennifer returns to town.[15] Dylan Gelula was the next actor cast in the series regular role of Gretchen, Jennifer's energetic and complicated daughter.[16] Jessica Walter then joined the series as Maggie, Jennifer's warm and welcoming yet slightly narcissistic mother.[17] Shortly after, Nora Kirkpatrick and Joel David Moore were cast in the series, with Kirkpatrick cast in the role of Stephanie, Jennifer's sister-in-law and new boss. Moore was tapped play the role of Wayne, Jennifer's brother who owns the bar where she begins to work.[18]

On January 27, 2014, TV Land placed a series order on Jennifer Falls, set to premiere in 2014. The series was originally conceived as a multi-camera before being converted into single-camera.[2] A month after the series order, Ethan Suplee replaced Joel David Moore in the role of Wayne, reuniting Pressly and Suplee who had previously co-starred together in My Name is Earl.[19] Jennifer Falls is the second TV Land original series in which Jessica Walter has appeared, following the sitcom Retired at 35 which was cancelled in 2012 after two seasons.[20]

Reception

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On Rotten Tomatoes, the series has an aggregate score of 56% based on 5 positive and 4 negative critic reviews.[21]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Jennifer Falls is an American single-camera sitcom created by that aired on from June 4 to August 13, 2014. The series stars as Jennifer Doyle, a single mother and high-powered investment banker in who loses her six-figure job due to issues, forcing her and her teenage daughter to move back to her small hometown and live with her mother while she takes a job at her brother's local sports bar. The show explores themes of family dynamics, personal reinvention, and the challenges of starting over, blending humor with relatable struggles of midlife setbacks. The ensemble cast includes as Jennifer's no-nonsense mother Maggie, as her mild-mannered brother Wayne who owns the bar, as Jennifer's estranged best friend Dina, and as her sarcastic daughter Gretchen. Originally developed as a multi-camera but produced in single-camera format as the network's first such series, the series consists of 10 episodes, each approximately 30 minutes long, focusing on Jennifer's attempts to rebuild her life amid familial tensions and unexpected friendships. Despite positive buzz for Pressly's performance, which drew comparisons to her Emmy-winning role in , Jennifer Falls received mixed reviews, with critics praising its heartfelt moments but noting formulaic writing and uneven pacing. The show averaged modest viewership ratings for , leading to its cancellation on October 3, 2014, after just one season, marking it as a short-lived entry in the network's slate. It has since become available for streaming on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV, appealing to fans of character-driven comedies.

Series overview

Premise

Jennifer Falls centers on Jennifer Doyle, portrayed by , a single mother and former high-powered investment banker who loses her job due to issues and relocates to her small hometown with her teenage daughter, . Unable to maintain her previous lifestyle, she moves in with her eccentric mother, , a meddling therapist who is overbearing yet deeply loving, while taking a job as a waitress at her brother Wayne's sports bar, where she works for his wife, . At the heart of the series are Jennifer's motivations to rebuild her professional career and stabilize her family life after her sudden fall from success, often clashing with the quirky dynamics of her relatives. Wayne, played by , is an immature bar owner whose laid-back attitude frequently frustrates Jennifer's ambitious nature, while interactions with highlight tensions between independence and familial reliance. Meanwhile, , portrayed by , grapples with adapting to small-town high school life, navigating new social challenges away from the urban environment she knew in . The narrative explores themes of midlife reinvention, where Jennifer confronts the realities of starting over, underscoring the impacts of personal setbacks on ambitions. Family dysfunction serves as a core element, with humorous yet poignant depictions of generational conflicts and unconditional support amid everyday chaos. Overall, the series delves into economic downfall's ripple effects, portraying resilience through humor and relational bonds.

Format and style

Jennifer Falls employs a single-camera format, representing TV Land's inaugural original scripted series in this style, which prioritizes location-based filming and naturalistic visuals over the audience-facing, soundstage-bound production typical of multi-camera sitcoms. This approach, adopted after an initial multi-camera development phase, enables more fluid camera work and authentic environmental integration, distinguishing it from the network's prior reliance on traditional taped-before-a-live-studio-audience comedies. By forgoing laugh tracks and static setups, the series achieves a contemporary, cinematic feel that aligns with evolving viewer expectations for comedic storytelling. Episodes adhere to a 21-minute runtime, standard for half-hour network broadcasts excluding commercials, allowing for tight pacing within the half-hour slot. The narrative structure interweaves workplace comedy at the central bar setting with familial drama unfolding at home, creating a rhythmic alternation between group banter in professional scenarios and intimate, character-focused moments that build emotional layers. This blend supports concise story arcs per installment, emphasizing relational dynamics over extended subplots. Visually and tonally, Jennifer Falls captures small-town Americana through its small-town settings, featuring everyday establishments like the family bar that evoke a sense of nostalgic community amid contemporary challenges. The light-hearted comedic tone incorporates subtle dramatic undertones, fostering a relatable warmth via quick-witted dialogue and ensemble interactions that highlight group chemistry without resorting to exaggerated antics. This stylistic restraint results in a polished, ensemble-driven aesthetic that balances humor with heartfelt exploration of personal reinvention.

Cast

Main cast

The main cast of Jennifer Falls centers on a and their close-knit circle, driving the series' humor through interpersonal conflicts, generational tensions, and workplace dynamics at the local bar. Jaime Pressly stars as Jennifer Doyle, the protagonist and a resilient but frustrated former executive who loses her high-paying job due to issues, forcing her to return to her hometown, take a waitressing job at her brother's bar, and manage single motherhood while rebuilding her life. Jessica Walter plays Maggie Doyle, Jennifer's mother and a charming yet narcissistic psychotherapist whose boundary issues and overinvolvement in her daughter's affairs generate much of the show's through sharp-witted interference. portrays Wayne Doyle, Jennifer's immature brother and the laid-back owner of the local sports bar, whose tendencies and easygoing but unreliable nature spark frequent sibling rivalries and highlight family dependencies. Missi Pyle appears as , Wayne's no-nonsense bartender and Jennifer's longtime childhood friend who now works at the bar, contributing lively workplace banter and occasional grudges stemming from past divergences in their lives. Nora Kirkpatrick is cast as Stephanie , Wayne's wife and Jennifer's condescending sister-in-law who serves as her boss at the bar, adding layers of tension through her passive-aggressive interactions with the family. Dylan Gelula depicts Gretchen Doyle, Jennifer's energetic and complicated teenage daughter, whose witty rebellion and generational clashes with her mother underscore themes of and adaptation in their reduced circumstances.

Recurring cast

Chris D'Elia portrayed Adam, Jennifer's ex-boyfriend and Gretchen's absentee father, in three episodes of the series. His character returns to town as a seemingly successful figure, injecting drama into dynamics through his charming yet unreliable nature, such as when he receives undue credit for Gretchen's upbringing or proposes they move in together while hiding secrets. Adam's appearances highlight tensions in Jennifer's relationships without dominating the central narrative. Other recurring supporting roles included Leslie A. Hughes as the unnamed at the sports bar where Jennifer works, appearing in three episodes to provide background interactions in subplots. Nick Roux played Taylor, Gretchen's laid-back new boyfriend at school, in two episodes as a recurring guest star, complicating Jennifer's efforts to reconnect with her daughter.

Episodes

Aired episodes

The first season of Jennifer Falls consisted of ten episodes that aired on from June 4 to August 13, 2014, typically in the 10:30 p.m. ET Wednesday slot following , with the pilot airing at 10:00 p.m. The series averaged approximately 700,000–800,000 total viewers per episode, with the drawing a higher 0.27 rating in adults 18–49 (estimated at around 1 million viewers) and attracting 610,000 viewers. The episodes are detailed in the table below, including brief synopses focused on key events.
No.TitleAir dateSynopsisViewers (total)
1PilotJune 4, 2014Jennifer Doyle, a high-powered investment banker and single mother, is fired for her anger management issues and loses her lavish lifestyle. She reluctantly moves back to her small hometown of Falls with her teenage daughter Gretchen to live with her eccentric mother Maggie and takes a job waitressing at her brother Wayne's rowdy sports bar. The episode establishes the family dynamics and Jennifer's struggle to adapt to a simpler life.~1,000,000 (est.)
2Health ClubJune 11, 2014Jennifer attempts to recapture her former upscale lifestyle by rejoining her old luxury health club, where she reconnects with wealthy acquaintances from her past. This leads to tension with her new best friend Dina, as Jennifer tries to balance her old habits with her current reality at the sports bar. The plot highlights Jennifer's difficulty letting go of her previous status.750,000
3TriangleJune 18, 2014Jennifer develops an instant attraction to a charming therapist she meets, but complications arise when she learns he is already dating her mother Maggie. The situation creates awkward family interactions and forces Jennifer to confront her competitive relationship with Maggie. Dina offers comic support amid the romantic mix-up.N/A
4The Virginity ThiefJune 25, 2014Jennifer and Dina team up for revenge against a slick salesman who previously dated both of them, but their plan backfires when they find themselves charmed by him once again. The episode explores themes of vulnerability and past mistakes in relationships. Gretchen's subplot involves navigating high school social pressures.N/A
5StaycationJuly 9, 2014To reward Gretchen's improved school performance, Jennifer organizes a relaxing staycation at home, but the day is disrupted by bar emergencies and family intrusions. Jennifer's attempts to create quality time reveal ongoing adjustment challenges. The plot underscores the blending of work and family life.~700,000 (est.)
6School TroubleJuly 16, 2014When Gretchen starts acting out at school, Jennifer launches an investigation into the cause, uncovering issues related to bullying and teenage angst. This leads to confrontations with school officials and reflections on her own parenting style. Wayne provides reluctant assistance in the family effort.N/A
7Three Dates with My MotherJuly 23, 2014Maggie begins dating a seemingly perfect man, but Jennifer notices red flags after observing multiple dates, leading to meddling that strains their mother-daughter bond. The episode examines generational differences in romance and trust. Dina's subplot adds humor through her own dating mishaps.N/A
8Dads and DogsJuly 30, 2014Gretchen's long-absent father unexpectedly returns to town, claiming newfound success, which throws Jennifer into protective mode and stirs up old resentments. The visit prompts family discussions about responsibility and forgiveness. A side story involves Wayne's bar dealing with a stray dog.768,000 (est.)
9Everybody Loves AdamAugust 6, 2014An old flame of Jennifer's named Adam reappears and quickly wins over the family with his charisma, but Jennifer grows suspicious of his motives. The episode builds tension around trust and second chances in love. Gretchen bonds unexpectedly with Adam, complicating matters.768,000
10Jennifer's SongAugust 13, 2014As the season finale, Jennifer channels her frustrations into writing a song about her experiences, leading to a bar performance that brings the family closer. Reflections on her journey from corporate executive to bar worker culminate in moments of growth. The plot ties up ongoing arcs with humor and heart.610,000

Unaired episodes

Following the airing of its first three episodes in June 2014, Jennifer Falls continued to broadcast its remaining episodes on , completing the full 10-episode season by August 13, 2014. No episodes were held back or left unaired due to the cancellation announcement in October 2014, which came after the season finale. The complete season, including arcs involving Jennifer's ongoing job struggles at her brother's bar and family dynamics, was fully transmitted as scheduled, with no reported production of additional content beyond the 10 episodes. As of 2025, all episodes remain accessible via streaming platforms such as and Apple TV, though no physical home media release has been issued.

Production

Development

Jennifer Falls was developed by Matthew Carlson, a television writer and producer known for his work on series such as The Wonder Years and Malcolm in the Middle. The project originated as a multi-camera comedy pilot ordered by TV Land in August 2013. In January 2014, TV Land greenlit the series and converted it to a single-camera format, marking the network's first original scripted comedy in that style. The series received an initial order for 10 episodes, with its premiere announced in a TV Land press release in March 2014. It debuted on June 4, 2014, airing Wednesdays at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT. Executive producers included creator , , Michael Hanel, Mindy Schultheis, Larry W. Jones, and Keith Cox. Despite completing its first season, TV Land announced on October 3, 2014, that Jennifer Falls would not be renewed for a second season due to low viewership ratings. The decision came amid broader challenges for the network's emerging original programming slate, including competition from established comedies on other cable outlets.

Casting

Casting for the TV Land sitcom Jennifer Falls began in the summer of 2013, with Jaime Pressly announced as the lead Jennifer Doyle on August 5, 2013. Pressly, an Emmy Award winner for her role in My Name Is Earl, was selected for her proven comedic talents in portraying resilient, quick-witted characters, aligning with the show's premise of a high-powered executive forced to restart her life. The supporting cast filled out rapidly over the following months. On September 18, 2013, was cast as Dina, Jennifer's divorced childhood best friend who works for a delivery service. joined as Maggie, Jennifer's emotionally distant mother and therapist, in an announcement dated October 14, 2013, drawing on her acclaimed dramatic and comedic range from . was cast as Stephanie, the passive-aggressive wife of Jennifer's brother. took the role of Gretchen, Jennifer's teenage daughter, completing the core ensemble by late 2013. Following the series order in January 2014, additional hires were made to refine the cast. , Pressly's former co-star, was cast as Wayne, Jennifer's brother and bar owner, on February 28, 2014, recasting the role originally played by in the pilot to enhance familial dynamics. For recurring roles, was added mid-production as , Gretchen's absent father and Jennifer's ex-boyfriend, bringing a layer of ongoing romantic tension to the narrative. The selection process emphasized actors with strong ensemble experience to foster on-screen chemistry among the dysfunctional family and friends.

Reception

Critical reception

Jennifer Falls received mixed reviews from critics upon its premiere. On , the first season holds a 56% approval rating based on 9 reviews. On , the series earned a score of 51 out of 100, indicating "mixed or average" reviews based on 7 critics. Critics praised Jaime Pressly's lead performance as Jennifer Doyle, noting her sharp comedic timing in portraying a high-powered executive humbled by . Jessica Walter's portrayal of Jennifer's mother was highlighted for her effective comedic delivery, particularly in exchanges that underscored the show's family dynamics. Some reviewers appreciated the occasional sharp wit emerging from the small-town bar setting, with one describing it as providing an "edge" through unexpected absurdity. However, the series faced for its uneven tone, which struggled to blend dramatic elements of personal reinvention with comedic family scenarios. Reviewers often called it derivative of other workplace-family sitcoms, relying on familiar tropes without sufficient originality to stand out. Of the reviews for the premiere episode, 5 were positive and 4 negative, reflecting divided opinions on its potential.

Viewership

The pilot episode of Jennifer Falls premiered on on June 4, 2014, drawing 0.90 million viewers, a figure below the network's typical averages for original programming. Viewership trended downward throughout the season, dipping to 0.40 million for the series finale, with an overall average of approximately 0.6 million viewers per episode. Airing during the summer of , the series competed against more established cable programming, while representing TV Land's nascent efforts to expand into original single-camera comedies beyond its traditional syndication lineup. The consistently low ratings were the primary factor in TV Land's decision to cancel Jennifer Falls after airing just four episodes, opting instead to burn off the remaining six later that summer. The show's mixed likely contributed to subdued audience buzz amid this challenging landscape.

References

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