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Splitting Up Together
Splitting Up Together
Splitting Up Together
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Splitting Up Together
GenreSitcom
Based onBedre skilt end aldrig
by Mette Heeno
Developed byEmily Kapnek
Starring
Opening theme"Everything's Okay"
by Lenka
ComposerJared Faber
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes26
Production
Executive producers
Producers
  • Marlis Pujol
  • Scott Sites
  • Rachel Abarbanell
CinematographyJohn Tanzer
Camera setupSingle-camera
Running time22 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkABC
ReleaseMarch 27, 2018 (2018-03-27) –
April 9, 2019 (2019-04-09)

Splitting Up Together is an American sitcom developed by Emily Kapnek that aired on ABC from March 27, 2018, to April 9, 2019. The series stars Jenna Fischer, Oliver Hudson, Bobby Lee, Diane Farr, Lindsay Price, Olivia Keville, Van Crosby, and Sander Thomas.

On May 10, 2019, ABC cancelled the series after two seasons.[1]

Premise

[edit]

The series chronicles what happens when a couple's marriage is suddenly reignited by their divorce. The couple has three children who live in the house with one parent on alternating weeks while the other parent lives as a single person who stays in the garage apartment in the back of the house. The garage-dwelling "single" partner is free to date while having no responsibilities in the house or for the children. The "parent" partner is free to preside over the house and family as they deem best. Each week the parents learn a little more about what it is they are lacking in the parenting and "romantic" parts of their lives, and in doing so become better parents and better romantic partners. Often the insight they gain allows them to see why their spouse felt unhappy in the marriage; thus helping them to improve as a person. This increasingly improved person they become also becomes slightly more alluring to their ex-spouse making their complete separation seem less likely.

Cast

[edit]

Main

[edit]

Recurring

[edit]

Notable guest stars

[edit]

Production

[edit]

Development

[edit]

On August 29, 2016, it was announced that ABC had picked up Splitting Up Together as a put pilot, a single-camera comedy series. Emily Kapnek, Ellen DeGeneres, Jeff Kleeman, Mett Heeno, Hella Joof, and Mia Andreasen serve as executive producers.[4] On February 1, 2017, it was announced that ABC had officially ordered a pilot for the series.[5] On April 5, 2017, it was revealed that the series would be a production of Warner Bros. Television.[6] On May 12, 2017, it was announced that ABC had given Splitting Up Together a series order.[7][8] On January 8, 2018, it was announced that the series would premiere on March 27, 2018.[9][10] On May 11, 2018, it was announced that ABC had renewed the series for a second season.[11][12] On July 24, 2018, it was announced that the second season would premiere on October 16, 2018.[13][14] On October 22, 2018, it was announced that ABC had ordered three additional episodes for the second season.[15] On November 7, 2018, it was announced that the series had received a full-season order for its second season.[16]

Casting

[edit]

On February 28, 2017, it was announced that Jenna Fischer was cast in the series.[17] On March 1, 2017, it was announced that Oliver Hudson was cast in the series.[18] On March 6, 2017, it was announced that Diane Farr was cast in the series.[19] On May 12, 2017, it was announced that Olivia Keville, Van Crosby, Sanders Combs, Bobby Lee, and Lindsay Price were cast in the series.[7][8] On November 16, 2017, it was announced that Geoff Pierson would recur in the series.[3] On August 28, 2018, it was announced that Costa Ronin would be joining the series.[20] On September 28, 2018, it was announced that Angela Kinsey would appear in an episode of the series.[21] On October 10, 2018, it was announced that Ali Larter would recur in the second season.[22]

Filming

[edit]

The family home, and the couple's inability to sell it at the time of the divorce is central to the series.[23] It is a Southern California craftsman style home, is featured in the title credits and in a number of episodes.[24] The property's actual interior was utilized in the pilot. However, most production occurs in a replica of that interior on a soundstage at the Warner Bros. Studio in Burbank.[24]

Episodes

[edit]

Series overview

[edit]
SeasonEpisodesOriginally released
First releasedLast released
18March 27, 2018 (2018-03-27)May 22, 2018 (2018-05-22)
218October 16, 2018 (2018-10-16)April 9, 2019 (2019-04-09)

Season 1 (2018)

[edit]
No.
overall		No. in
season		Title [25][26]Directed byWritten byOriginal release date [25][26]Prod.
code		U.S. viewers
(millions)
11"Pilot"Dean HollandEmily KapnekMarch 27, 2018 (2018-03-27)T11.101156.96[27]
Guest stars: Geoff Pierson as Henry, Lucas Near-Verbrugghe as Dr. Kasper, Kelsey Asbille as Charlotte
22"Devil May Care"Dean HollandEmily KapnekApril 3, 2018 (2018-04-03)T12.158524.83[28]
Guest stars: Trent Garrett as Wes, Lucas Near-Verbrugghe as Dr. Kasper
33"Street Meat"Dean HollandBrian RubensteinApril 10, 2018 (2018-04-10)T12.158534.13[29]
Guest stars: Trent Garrett as Wes, Kelsey Asbille as Charlotte
44"Soups Jealous"Helen HuntBrian GallivanApril 17, 2018 (2018-04-17)T12.158543.62[30]
Guest stars: Trent Garrett as Wes, Alice Lee as Grace
55"Nevertheless... She Went Clubbing"Dean HollandNeel ShahMay 1, 2018 (2018-05-01)T12.158553.80[31]
Guest stars: Geoff Pierson as Henry, Monica Barbaro as Lisa Apple, Finesse Mitchell as Cy
66"Letting Ghost"Jay KarasEmma BarrieMay 8, 2018 (2018-05-08)T12.158563.53[32]

Special guest star: Fred Armisen as Dr. Rydakto

Guest stars: Monica Barbaro as Lisa Apple, Trent Garrett as Wes, Patty Guggenheim as Meegan
77"Star of Milo"Morgan SackettAlly IsraelsonMay 15, 2018 (2018-05-15)T12.158573.64[33]
Guest stars: Geoff Pierson as Henry, Monica Barbaro as Lisa Apple, Travis Schuldt as Frank
88"Heat Wave"Dean HollandEmily KapnekMay 22, 2018 (2018-05-22)T12.158584.02[34]
Guest stars: Geoff Pierson as Henry, Monica Barbaro as Lisa Apple

Season 2 (2018–19)

[edit]
No.
overall		No. in
season		Title [25][35]Directed byWritten byOriginal release date [25][35]Prod.
code		U.S. viewers
(millions)
91"Sign Language"Dean HollandEmily KapnekOctober 16, 2018 (2018-10-16)T12.161513.29[36]
Guest stars: Geoff Pierson as Henry, Monica Barbaro as Lisa Apple, Travis Schuldt as Frank
102"Asking for a Friend"Michael EnglerSierra Teller OrnelasOctober 23, 2018 (2018-10-23)T12.161522.90[37]
Guest stars: Monica Barbaro as Lisa Apple, Travis Schuldt as Frank, Marc Evan Jackson as Gene, Valee as himself
113"We Need to Talk About Karen"Dean HollandOwen EllicksonOctober 30, 2018 (2018-10-30)T12.161533.28[38]

Special guest star: Angela Kinsey as Jeannie Johnson

Guest stars: Geoff Pierson as Henry, Costa Ronin as Vladislav, Marc Evan Jackson as Gene, Travis Schuldt as Frank, Milly Shapiro as Emma Rebecca
124"War of the Wagners"Adam DavidsonBrian GallivanNovember 13, 2018 (2018-11-13)T12.161542.91[39]
Guest stars: Geoff Pierson as Henry, Costa Ronin as Vladislav
135"Yes, Deer"Dean HollandBrian RubensteinNovember 20, 2018 (2018-11-20)T12.161552.73[40]
Guest stars: Costa Ronin as Vladislav, Trent Garrett as Wes, Patty Guggenheim as Meegan, Ashley Rae Spillers as Holly
146"Glowing Pains"Jay KarasAlly IsraelsonNovember 27, 2018 (2018-11-27)T12.161562.78[41]
Guest stars: Geoff Pierson as Henry, Monica Barbaro as Lisa Apple, Lance Lim as Gun-Woo, Cate Freedman as Rochelle, Helen Hong as Sunny, Kevin Bigley as Mr. Dodson, Jake Ryan as Nathaniel
157"Paige Turner"Dean HollandSierra Teller OrnelasDecember 4, 2018 (2018-12-04)T12.161572.78[42]
Guest stars: Costa Ronin as Vladislav, Ali Larter as Paige, Lance Lim as Gun-Woo, Jordan Feldman as Farro
168"Messy"Jay KarasOwen EllicksonDecember 11, 2018 (2018-12-11)T12.161582.98[43]
Guest stars: Rowan Blanchard as China, Costa Ronin as Vladislav, Ali Larter as Paige, Marc Evan Jackson as Gene, Sydney Taylor as Bronwyn, Alex Lange as Luke, Jake Ryan as Nathaniel
179"Contact High"Dean HollandEmma BarrieJanuary 8, 2019 (2019-01-08)T12.161593.48[44]
Guest stars: Geoff Pierson as Henry, Ali Larter as Paige, Marc Evan Jackson as Gene, Kevin Bigley as Mr. Dodson, Brian Huskey as Dr. Weiss, Lizze Broadway as Zoey, Lynnette Gaza as Miriam
1810"China-Curious"Maggie CareyAlly IsraelsonJanuary 15, 2019 (2019-01-15)T12.161602.63[45]
Guest stars: Rowan Blanchard as China, Sydney Taylor as Bronwyn
1911"Baby's First Job Interview"Daniella EismanBrian RubensteinJanuary 22, 2019 (2019-01-22)T12.161612.64[46]
Guest star: June Diane Raphael as Tamryn Tomas Vandaloo
2012"Luv Ya 2"Michael McDonaldEmma Barrie & Owen EllicksonFebruary 12, 2019 (2019-02-12)T12.161622.61[47]
Guest star: Marc Evan Jackson as Gene
2113"Everything's Okay"Dean HollandAlex Blagg & Emily KapnekFebruary 19, 2019 (2019-02-19)T12.161632.43[48]
Guest stars: Geoff Pierson as Henry, Marc Evan Jackson as Gene and Monica Barbaro as Lisa Apple
2214"Annie, Are You Okay?"Michael McDonaldAlly IsraelsonFebruary 26, 2019 (2019-02-26)T12.161642.53[49]
Guest stars: Kimberly Hebert Gregory as Sunshine, Monica Barbaro as Lisa Apple, Marc Evan Jackson as Gene, Geoff Pierson as Henry, and Travis Schuldt as Frank
2315"The Pump Station"Dean HollandBrian RubensteinMarch 19, 2019 (2019-03-19)T12.161652.40[50]
Guest stars: Monica Barbaro as Lisa Apple, Michael Harney as Don Apple and Lee Garlington as Dottie Apple
2416"Melancholicky"Maggie CareyEmma BarrieMarch 26, 2019 (2019-03-26)T12.161662.45[51]
Guest stars: Monica Barbaro as Lisa Apple, Kevin Bigley as Mr. Dodson and Poonam Basu as Sarah Lawrence Rep
2517"Go Out the Lights"Jay KarasSierra Ornelas & Alex BlaggApril 2, 2019 (2019-04-02)T12.161672.30[52]
Guest stars: Monica Barbaro as Lisa Apple and Travis Schuldt as Frank
2618"Welcome Home"Dean HollandOwen EllicksonApril 9, 2019 (2019-04-09)T12.161682.50[53]
Guest stars: Monica Barbaro as Lisa Apple, Michael Harney as Don Apple and Lee Garlington as Dottie Apple

Reception

[edit]

Critical

[edit]

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the series has an approval rating of 38% based on 21 reviews, with an average rating of 5.71/10.[54] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned a score of 54 out of 100 based on 9 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[55]

Ratings

[edit]

Overall

[edit]
Viewership and ratings per season of Splitting Up Together
Season Timeslot (ET) Episodes First aired Last aired Avg. viewers
(millions)		 18–49
rank
Date Viewers
(millions) 		Date Viewers
(millions)
1 Tuesday 9:30 PM 8 March 27, 2018 (2018-03-27) 6.96[27] May 22, 2018 (2018-05-22) 4.02[34] 4.32 TBD
2 18 October 16, 2018 (2018-10-16) 3.29[36] April 9, 2019 (2019-04-09) 2.50[53] 2.76 TBD

Season 1

[edit]
Viewership and ratings per episode of Splitting Up Together
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 27, 2018 2.1/8[56] 6.96[27] 0.8[57] — 2.9[57] —
2 "Devil May Care" April 3, 2018 1.4/5[58] 4.83[28] 0.9[59] 2.27[59] 2.3[59] 7.09[59]
3 "Street Meat" April 10, 2018 1.2/4[60] 4.13[29] 0.7[61] — 1.9[61] —
4 "Soups Jealous" April 17, 2018 1.0/4[62] 3.62[30] 0.7[63] — 1.7[63] —
5 "Nevertheless... She Went Clubbing" May 1, 2018 1.1/4[64] 3.80[31] 0.62[65] 1.70[65] 1.72[65] 5.51[65]
6 "Letting Ghost" May 8, 2018 1.0/4[66] 3.53[32] — — — —
7 "Star of Milo" May 15, 2018 1.0/4[67] 3.64[33] 0.55[68] 1.46[68] 1.51[68] 5.10[68]
8 "Heat Wave" May 22, 2018 1.0/4[69] 4.02[34] 0.6[70] 1.62[70] 1.6[70] 5.64[70]

Season 2

[edit]
Viewership and ratings per episode of Splitting Up Together
No. Title Air date Rating/share
(18–49)		 Viewers
(millions)		 DVR
(18–49)		 DVR viewers
(millions)		 Total
(18–49)		 Total viewers
(millions)
1 "Sign Language" October 16, 2018 0.9/4[71] 3.29[36] 0.5[72] 1.44[72] 1.4[72] 4.77[72]
2 "Asking for a Friend" October 23, 2018 0.7/3[73] 2.90[37] 0.5[74] 1.42[74] 1.2[74] 4.32[74]
3 "We Need to Talk About Karen" October 30, 2018 0.9/4[75] 3.28[38] 0.5[76] 1.35[76] 1.4[76] 4.64[76]
4 "War of the Wagners" November 13, 2018 0.7/3[77] 2.91[39] 0.5[78] 1.42[78] 1.2[78] 4.34[78]
5 "Yes, Deer" November 20, 2018 0.6/3[79] 2.73[40] 0.4[80] 1.29[80] 1.0[80] 4.01[80]
6 "Glowing Pains" November 27, 2018 0.7/3[81] 2.78[41] 0.4[82] 1.20[82] 1.1[82] 3.99[82]
7 "Paige Turner" December 4, 2018 0.6/3[83] 2.78[42] 0.5[84] 1.15[84] 1.1[84] 3.93[84]
8 "Messy" December 11, 2018 0.7/3[85] 2.98[43] 0.4[86] 1.08[86] 1.1[86] 4.06[86]
9 "Contact High" January 8, 2019 0.7/3[87] 3.48[44] 0.4[88] 1.32[88] 1.1[88] 4.80[88]
10 "China-Curious" January 15, 2019 0.7/3[89] 2.63[45] 0.5[90] 1.32[90] 1.2[90] 3.95[90]
11 "Baby's First Job Interview" January 22, 2019 0.6/3[91] 2.64[46] 0.5 1.26 1.1 3.90[92]
12 "Luv Ya 2" February 12, 2019 0.6/3[93] 2.61[47] 0.5 1.14 1.1 3.75[94]
13 "Everything's Okay" February 19, 2019 0.6/3[95] 2.43[48] 0.4 1.16 1.0 3.59[96]
14 "Annie, Are You Okay?" February 26, 2019 0.6/3[97] 2.53[49] 0.4 1.16 1.0 3.69[98]
15 "The Pump Station" March 19, 2019 0.6/3[99] 2.40[50] 0.4 1.23 1.0 3.63[100]
16 "Melancholicky" March 26, 2019 0.6/3[101] 2.45[51] 0.4 1.16 1.0 3.61[102]
17 "Go Out the Lights" April 2, 2019 0.6/3[103] 2.30[52] 0.4 1.14 1.0 3.43[104]
18 "Welcome Home" April 9, 2019 0.6/3[105] 2.50[53] 0.4 1.17 1.0 3.67[106]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Splitting Up Together

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Splitting Up Together is an American television series created by that aired on ABC from March 27, 2018, to April 9, 2019. The series, which ran for two seasons and a total of 26 episodes, centers on a divorcing couple who maintain a arrangement in their family home to provide stability for their three children. The show follows Lena (played by Jenna Fischer) and Martin (Oliver Hudson), whose marriage ends after 18 years but unexpectedly reignites through their unconventional living setup, known as a "bird's nest" custody model where the parents alternate staying in the house with the kids. Supporting cast members include Diane Farr as Lena's best friend Maya, and the couple's children—Mae (Olivia Keville), Mason (Van Crosby), and Milo (Sander Thomas). This premise explores themes of modern divorce, family dynamics, and second chances at love with a mix of humor and heartfelt moments. Developed as an of the Danish series Bedre skilt end aldrig, the project was executive produced by Kapnek and , with production handled by Television. Premiering in the midseason, it received mixed reviews for its premise and performances but was noted for its relatable take on co-parenting challenges; the series was canceled by ABC in May 2019 after its second season.

Overview

Premise

Splitting Up Together follows the lives of divorced couple Lena and Martin, who maintain a unique co-parenting arrangement by alternating weeks living in their family home with their three children—, Mason, and Milo—while the other parent resides in a nearby apartment. This "nesting" setup allows the children to remain in a stable environment amid the separation, but it forces Lena and Martin to confront their unresolved feelings, leading to explorations of personal growth and the possibility of rekindled romance. The series, developed by and adapted from a Danish format, aired on ABC from to 2019. Central to the narrative are themes of modern divorce logistics and the complexities of co-parenting in a , highlighting how such arrangements can strain yet ultimately strengthen family bonds. The show delves into self-discovery for both parents—Lena, an aspiring seeking , and Martin, a carefree navigating newfound freedom—while addressing second chances in relationships and the emotional toll of separation on children. These elements underscore the humorous yet poignant realities of post- life, emphasizing communication and compromise. The premise draws inspiration from "bird's nest" custody models, where children stay in the home and parents rotate in and out, but adapts this real-world practice for comedic effect by amplifying the awkward interactions and romantic tensions that arise from the close proximity. This structure provides a fresh lens on family dynamics, avoiding traditional tropes in favor of a blended living scenario that fosters both conflict and reconciliation.

Cast and characters

The series features as Lena, a devoted but overwhelmed stay-at-home mother and aspiring who, after her , begins exploring her independence while co-parenting in the family home. portrays Martin, Lena's ex-husband, a charming yet immature eager to embrace the freedoms of single life, often leading to humorous clashes with his structured ex-wife. Their contrasting personalities—Lena's practicality and artistic ambitions versus Martin's laid-back irresponsibility—fuel much of the show's and emotional tension as they navigate . Supporting the leads are as Maya, Lena's wry and pragmatic single sister who bluntly urges her to fully embrace post-divorce life. plays , the quirky and henpecked husband in a neighboring couple, providing through his eccentric dynamics. stars as Camille, a self-absorbed mutual friend of Lena and Martin (married to ), whose narcissistic tendencies often complicate group interactions. Their children form the core of the family unit: Olivia Keville as the rebellious teenage daughter , who frequently rebels against the unconventional household setup; Van Crosby as one of the young twin sons, Mason; and Sander Thomas as the other twin, Milo. These characters highlight the ongoing family disruptions caused by the parents' separation, with 's teenage angst amplifying the narrative's focus on generational conflicts. Notable recurring and guest roles include as Lisa Apple, Martin's charismatic girlfriend during the first season, and as Paige Turner, a professional love interest who enters in the second season.

Production

Development

Splitting Up Together is an American adaptation of the Danish comedy-drama series Bedre skilt end aldrig, which premiered in and was created by Mette Heeno, Hella Joof, and Mie Andreasen. The U.S. version was developed by , known for her work on , who wrote the pilot script and served as . In August 2016, ABC issued a put pilot commitment for the single-camera comedy, produced by Warner Bros. Television and . Executive producers included Kapnek, , and Jeff Kleeman, with the project greenlit to series on May 12, 2017, for a the following year. The series debuted on March 27, 2018, with an initial eight-episode order as a . The first season's performance, ranking among ABC's top-10 shows in the key 18-49 demographic, prompted the network to renew it for a second season in May 2018. In November 2018, ABC expanded season 2 to a full 18-episode order, adding five more installments to the initial 13. However, declining viewership led to the series' cancellation on May 10, 2019, after two seasons, with season 2 averaging a 0.66 rating in the demo—ABC's third-lowest for a comedy that year. Kapnek's emphasized relatable American humor centered on the complexities of , co-parenting three children in a shared home, and balancing professional ambitions with family life, starring and as the separated couple Lena and Martin. This approach highlighted the ironic rekindling of their through separation, diverging from the original's more dramatic tone to suit U.S. conventions.

Casting

Jenna Fischer was cast in the lead role of Lena on February 28, 2017, for the ABC comedy pilot Splitting Up Together, produced by Warner Bros. Television and based on the Danish series Bedre skilt end aldrig. Shortly after, on March 1, 2017, was announced as her co-lead, playing Martin, with producers citing the duo's established comedic backgrounds—Fischer from The Office and Hudson from Rules of Engagement—to bring authentic timing and on-screen rapport to the separated couple's dynamic. Supporting roles filled out quickly in the pilot phase. joined as Maya, Lena's wry single sister, on March 6, 2017, adding a grounded, no-nonsense perspective to the family ensemble. was cast as Arthur on March 17, 2017, bringing improvisational humor as one of the couple's married friends, while was announced as Camille, Arthur's wife, contributing to the show's blend of relational comedy and support. The three child roles—Mae, Mason, and Milo—were filled by Olivia Keville, Van Crosby, and Sander Thomas, respectively, to portray the family's authentic domestic chaos amid the parents' separation; these young actors appeared in the pilot and continued through the series without reported changes. No major recasts occurred from pilot to series order, though roles like the family therapist evolved with guest appearances to support ongoing story arcs, such as expanded therapy sessions in later episodes.

Filming locations

The series was primarily filmed in the area of . Interiors, including much of the family home and other sets, were shot at Warner Bros. Studios, located at 4000 Warner Boulevard in Burbank. The exterior shots of the protagonists' Craftsman-style family home were captured at a private residence on the 1900 block of Oak Street in South Pasadena, which helped establish the show's suburban aesthetic. Outdoor scenes depicting neighborhood and everyday suburban life were filmed in various Los Angeles-area locations to evoke a relatable West Coast family environment. Production for season 1 began in late 2017, with running through early 2018 ahead of the March premiere; for instance, cast member shared updates from the set in October 2017. Season 2 filming commenced in August 2018 and continued into early 2019 to align with the October premiere. Each episode was formatted to run approximately 22 minutes, standard for a half-hour network .

Episodes

Series overview

Splitting Up Together is an American sitcom that consists of 26 episodes across two seasons, each running approximately 21–22 minutes in the standard half-hour format typical of network television comedies. The series premiered on ABC on March 27, 2018, with its first season comprising 8 episodes that aired weekly from March to May 2018. The second season expanded to 18 episodes, airing from October 16, 2018, to April 9, 2019. The episodes feature self-contained stories centered on the daily challenges of separation and co-parenting, interwoven with ongoing narrative arcs exploring evolving family dynamics and romantic relationships. These stories were written by a team led by creator and showrunner , who developed the series as an adaptation of the Danish program Bedre skilt end aldrig. All 26 episodes were produced by , with no unaired pilots or special episodes produced during the series' run.

Season 1 (2018)

The first season of Splitting Up Together introduces the central premise of divorced couple Lena and Martin sharing their family home to ease the transition for their three children, exploring the ensuing romantic tensions and familial adjustments as they adapt to this "nesting" arrangement. Airing over eight episodes from March 27 to May 22, 2018, the season builds on the initial setup by delving into personal rediscoveries and relational strains, while maintaining a comedic tone centered on everyday domestic challenges. It concludes with a that hints at potential , setting up ongoing uncertainties in their dynamic. Key arcs in the season highlight the couple's evolving interactions, with the pilot firmly establishing the divorce logistics and cohabitation rules to protect the family's stability. Mid-season shifts focus to individual pursuits, such as Lena reviving her interest in an art career and Martin tentatively entering the dating scene, which introduce new layers of jealousy and self-reflection without derailing the household routine. These elements underscore the season's theme of unintended intimacy fostering growth amid separation. The season's episodes are detailed in the following table:
No. in seasonTitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air date
1PilotDean HollandMarch 27, 2018
2Devil May CareDean HollandApril 3, 2018
3Street MeatDean HollandBrian RubensteinApril 10, 2018
4Soups JealousApril 17, 2018
5Nevertheless... She Went ClubbingDean HollandNeel ShahMay 1, 2018
6Letting GhostJay KarasEmma BarrieMay 8, 2018
7Star of MiloAlly IsraelsonMay 15, 2018
8Heat WaveDean HollandMay 22, 2018
In the pilot, Lena and Martin finalize their divorce terms and implement the shared-home plan, immediately facing humorous complications from their clashing routines. "Devil May Care" examines the fallout from a decision that tests their boundaries, while "Street Meat" brings external influences into the mix, amplifying household tensions. "Soups Jealous" spotlights simmering resentments over personal freedoms, leading into "Nevertheless... She Went Clubbing," where Martin's new social explorations contrast with Lena's hesitations. "Letting " involves a school-related milestone that forces collaborative parenting, and "Star of Milo" delves into creative endeavors tied to Lena's artistic side. The finale, "," escalates the season's romantic undercurrents during an oppressive weather event, leaving their future ambiguous.

Season 2 (2018–19)

The second season of Splitting Up Together builds upon the first season's premise of divorced parents Lena and Martin cohabitating in their family home while alternating custody of their children, exploring the complications arising from their unexpected intimacy at the end of season 1. The narrative deepens their post-divorce relationship through explorations of entanglements, such as Martin's life and Lena's workplace flirtations, alongside therapy-like confrontations about past resentments and ongoing family crises including teen rebellions and unexpected pregnancies among their social circle. These elements heighten tensions in their shared living arrangement, leading to humorous and heartfelt moments that question whether reconciliation is possible. Side characters receive expanded development, particularly the neighbor , whose pregnancy storyline intersects with Lena's overbearing tendencies and introduces subplots involving and family support during blackouts. Guest stars integrate into these arcs, such as the introduction of Martin's potential love interest Lisa Apple, whose pregnancy revelation creates ripple effects across the household, and other figures like Paige who highlight contrasting post-divorce lifestyles. The season's 18 episodes culminate in the finale "Welcome Home," resolving the experiment by addressing long-standing family estrangements and affirming the central couple's path forward together.
No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateSummary
1October 16, 2018After sleeping together, Lena arranges a romantic beach getaway to determine if she and Martin are meant to be; and Camille investigate if Lisa Apple is pregnant with Martin's baby.
2Asking for a FriendSierra OrnelasOctober 23, 2018Martin avoids asking Lisa Apple if she’s pregnant; Lena worries about Mason changing for his girlfriend; Maya fabricates a story about a friend to tell Frank.
3We Need to Talk About KarenOwen EllicksonOctober 30, 2018Lena challenges Martin’s plan to sell the house; she invites ’s camp friend over, leading to supernatural-seeming events in the home.
4War of the WagnersAdam DavidsonNovember 13, 2018Lena and Martin clash over their differing parenting styles; Milo announces his desire to transfer to a for gifted children.
5Yes, DeerBrian RubensteinNovember 20, 2018Lena and Martin disagree with their contractor's unorthodox methods; Martin takes Mason on a trip to help him process a breakup.
6Glowing PainsJay KarasAlly IsraelsonNovember 27, 2018Lena tries to support Maya's but comes across as controlling; Martin panics after reading 's and suspecting a teacher romance.
7Paige TurnerSierra OrnelasDecember 4, 2018With house renovations nearly complete, Martin begins dating a divorcee from his building; Camille attempts to mentor 's nephew.
8MessyJay KarasOwen EllicksonDecember 11, 2018A kiss between Lena and Vlad complicates their professional dynamic; Martin experiences a chaotic divorced-parent lifestyle at Paige's; Mason and compete over a shared crush.
9Emma BarrieJanuary 8, 2019Frazzled by an intimate dream about Martin, Lena injures her tooth and visits ; under the influence, Martin joins her at 's conference; Maya dates a familiar face.
10China-CuriousAlly IsraelsonJanuary 15, 2019Lena probes 's new friend from ; Martin frets over the intensity of Mason's high school romance.
11Baby's First Daniella EismanJanuary 22, 2019Camille encourages Lena to leverage for her ; Martin steps in as Milo's room parent and uncovers why his son intimidates classmates.
12Luv Ya 2Michael McDonaldEmma Barrie & Owen EllicksonFebruary 12, 2019's stress prompts a relationship break with Camille; Lena prepares a platonic dinner for Martin amid ongoing house tensions.
13Everything's OkayAlex Blagg & February 19, 2019Lena confesses lingering feelings for Martin but is puzzled by his reaction; she embarks on a road trip with Camille and Maya, pursued by the men in their lives.
14Annie, Are You Okay?Michael McDonaldAlly IsraelsonFebruary 26, 2019Lisa's unexpected upends family dynamics; Lena offers help despite pushback; and Mason scheme to reunite their parents.
15The Pump StationMichael McDonaldMarch 19, 2019Martin suspects Lena of secretly aiding Lisa during her ; he teaches to drive while navigating his own uncertainties.
16MelancholickyEmma BarrieMarch 26, 2019Lena and Martin disclose to the family that Lisa's baby is their half-sibling; Mason organizes a fundraiser to support her.
17Go Out the LightsJay KarasSierra Ornelas & Alex BlaggApril 2, 2019A citywide blackout disrupts a family amusement park outing; Lena pushes for Maya's labor induction; Martin reevaluates his future with Lisa.
18Welcome HomeOwen EllicksonApril 9, 2019Milo resents his grandfather Henry during Grandparents Day; Lena and the children encourage Martin to mend ties with his estranged father Brock.

Release

Broadcast history

Splitting Up Together premiered on ABC as a on March 27, 2018, airing in the 9:30 p.m. ET time slot following black-ish. The first season consisted of eight episodes that aired weekly without interruption until the finale on , 2018. The series was renewed for a second season in May 2018, with a full 18-episode order announced in November 2018. Season 2 premiered on October 16, 2018, maintaining the same 9:30 p.m. ET slot. The season experienced several network-scheduled hiatuses, including a one-week break from November 6 to 12, 2018; a two-week pause from to February 12, 2019; and another two-week gap from March 5 to 18, 2019, before resuming and concluding with its series finale on April 9, 2019. In its time slot, Splitting Up Together competed directly with programs such as the second half-hour of The Resident on Fox and NCIS: New Orleans on CBS during the 9:00–10:00 p.m. ET hour, as well as overlapping with This Is Us on NBC. ABC canceled the series on May 10, 2019, citing a significant drop in ratings during the second season, which averaged nearly 50% lower than the first. No third season was produced. Following its cancellation, episodes of Splitting Up Together have been made available for streaming . As of 2025, the series is unavailable for streaming, rental, or purchase on major platforms; no noted availability on ad-supported free tiers of major services like or Disney+; Warner Bros. Television distribution rights have not led to inclusion on Max. No broadcast reruns on linear television have been scheduled since the original run.

Distribution

The series was distributed internationally by Warner Bros. International Television. In Canada, it premiered on CTV and CTV Two in 2018, with the second season returning to CTV Two in October 2018. In Australia, it aired on Channel Seven starting in June 2018 and was made available on the streaming service 7plus. The show saw limited syndication in Europe, though demand data indicated viewer interest in several countries. No physical home media releases, such as DVD or Blu-ray, were produced for Splitting Up Together. As of 2025, episodes were available for digital purchase and rental on platforms including , , and in select international markets. In the United States, the series experienced limited off-network syndication following its original ABC run. After announced a corporate split in June 2025—separating into a Streaming & Studios company (including Warner Bros. Television and HBO Max) and a Networks company— Splitting Up Together served as the American adaptation of the 2016 Danish series Bedre skilt end aldrig, created by Mette Heeno, Joof, and Mie Andreasen; no additional remakes of either version have been produced.

Reception

Critical response

The first season of Splitting Up Together received mixed reviews from critics, with a 38% approval rating on based on 21 reviews. The Rotten Tomatoes consensus described the series as an attempt to lighten the topic of divorce that was hindered by reliance on tropes, despite Fischer's charm. On , the season holds a score of 54 out of 100 based on nine critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews." Critics frequently praised the chemistry between leads Jenna Fischer and Oliver Hudson, noting their believable portrayals of a divorcing couple navigating co-parenting. Fischer's performance, in particular, was highlighted for bringing emotional depth to the role of Lena, while Hudson provided solid comedic support as Martin. Reviewers appreciated the show's fresh premise of a "nesting" divorce arrangement as a novel take on the family comedy genre, offering relatable insights into modern relationships. Some compared the American adaptation favorably to the Danish original Bedre skilt end aldrig for retaining emotional nuance in exploring marital dissolution, though others felt the U.S. version softened the source material's sharper edges. On the negative side, many reviews criticized the series for predictable storylines and uneven humor that failed to elevate beyond standard fare. Supporting characters, including the children, were often seen as underdeveloped and used primarily as plot devices rather than fully realized figures. Variety described the premise as ultimately flat, with week-to-week episodes relying on uninspired suburban family antics that undermined the central concept's potential. acknowledged the strong casting but noted that the humor occasionally veered into formulaic territory, limiting the show's overall impact. The second season was viewed by some critics as an improvement in character arcs, with deeper exploration of Lena and Martin's personal growth amid ongoing family tensions. However, reception remained middling, with limited reviews pointing to persistent issues in humor consistency; lists no aggregated Tomatometer score for the season based on just two reviews, reflecting divided opinions on its watchability driven largely by the leads' appeal.

Viewership

The first season of Splitting Up Together averaged 4.32 million viewers per episode (live + same day), while the second season saw an average of 2.76 million viewers (live + same day), marking a 36% decline overall. In the key 18-49 demographic, the series ranked mid-tier with a 1.2 rating for season 1 and 0.7 for season 2 (live + same day), influenced by factors such as increased in its Tuesday 9:30 p.m. time slot during season 2. Season 1 launched strongly with the March 27, 2018, premiere drawing 7.2 million viewers (live + same day), though numbers tapered to 3.62 million for the May 15, 2018, finale; viewership peaked during April episodes amid the show's initial post-Roseanne lead-in boost. Season 2's October 16, 2018, premiere attracted 3.42 million viewers (live + same day), with the April 9, 2019, finale holding at 2.89 million (live + same day), though holiday-timed December 2018 episodes marked the season's lowest tune-ins around 2.5 million.

Accolades

S splitting Up Together received limited formal recognition during its run. The series earned one at the 2019 Young Entertainer Awards for Olivia Keville in the category of Best Supporting Young Actress - Television Series. The show appeared on the 2018 ballot in the Best Comedy Series category but did not advance to receive a . It was absent from major award ceremonies such as the (beyond the ballot mention), , and , with no wins or further nominations recorded.

References

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