It's not very often I find a TV sitcom that has it all. From the first few minutes of the pilot for ABC's new show “Home Economics,” I was hooked. Two screener episodes later, I'm anxiously awaiting more.
ABC's “Home Economics” Review
I haven't laughed this much at a new sitcom in who knows how long, but “Home Economics” has all the components you need for a funny show with a few feel-good moments that leave you longing for the next episode immediately. The other thing it has that I am here for: inclusion.
HOME ECONOMICS – “Pilot” – The show takes a look at the heartwarming yet super uncomfortable and sometimes frustrating relationship among three adult siblings: one in the 1%, one middle-class, and one barely holding on in the series premiere of “Home Economics,” WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7 (8:30-9:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC. (ABC/Temma Hankin)
JECOBI SWAIN, JIMMY TATRO, JORDYN CURET, TOPHER GRACE, KARLA SOUZA
I love nothing more than a show that's inclusive without feeling like they've written in inclusivity for the sake of checking a box. ABC's “Home Economics” cast is not only diverse, but the characters in the storyline represent people from all walks and stages of life and relationships.
HOME ECONOMICS – “Mermaid Taffeta Wedding Dress, $1,999” – The Hayworth family is invited to the wedding of longtime family friend Spags. When Connor enlists Tom’s help to write and re-write a wedding toast, things take an unexpected turn between the brothers. Sarah realizes Denise is upset they never had a real wedding, while Marina meticulously plans her drinking schedule for a night out without the kids on ABC’s “Home Economics,” WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14 (8:30-9:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC. (ABC/Temma Hankin)
HOME ECONOMICS
In just two episodes, they have already opened conversations for relatable, everyday situations without feeling forced: the birth of a new baby, recent job loss, recent divorce, same-sex marriage, interracial marriage, sibling rivalry, sibling love & support, as well as the exploration of cross-cultural competence (within families where someone has married someone from a different cultural or ethnic background). Being able to discuss deeper, more serious issues through the lens of comedy is often a good way for writers to start these conversations.
HOME ECONOMICS – ABC's “Home Economics” stars Topher Grace as Tom, Karla Souza as Marina, Chloe Jo Rountree as Camila, Shiloh Bearman as Gretchen, Jimmy Tatro as Connor, Jecobi Swain as Kelvin, Caitlin McGee as Sarah, Jordyn Curet as Shamiah, and Sasheer Zamata as Denise. Photo: ABC/Peggy Sirota.
About The Cast of ABC's “Home Economics”
The cast of “Home Economics” is phenomenal—you've seen them everywhere. While many of “Home Economics” family members are stars in their own right and have extensive experience, their backgrounds are diverse. Yet, the interaction between the siblings and their partners feels genuine.
HOME ECONOMICS – “Pilot” – The show takes a look at the heartwarming yet super uncomfortable and sometimes frustrating relationship among three adult siblings: one in the 1%, one middle-class and one barely holding on in the series premiere of “Home Economics,” WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7 (8:30-9:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC. (ABC/Temma Hankin)
CAITLIN MCGEE, TOPHER GRACE
Topher Grace (Tom) was comedy gold in “That '70s Show” and The Hot Zone movie is a fave in our house. Caitlin Mcgee (Sarah) owned it in her role as Sydney in “Bluff City Law” and was the coach in one of my girls' favorite American Girl movies. Jimmy Tatro (Connor) is forever cracking us up on his YouTube channel “LifeAccordingtoJimmy,” but his TV and film credits are impressive, including “The Real Bros of Simi Valley,” “Modern Family,” and “American Vandal.”
Sasheer Zamata (Denise) is a long-time TV actor: an “SNL” alum, as well as having had roles on “Woke,” “Robbie,” and “Corporate.” She's also in the just-announced “Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur” as well as the soon-to-Netflix movie The Mitchells vs. the Machines. Karla Souza (Marina) is one of the cast I'm most excited to see returning to ABC. I loved her as Laurel in “How to Get Away With Murder,” and her character Marina is all too relatable as a mother of multiple children. Check out my interview with Karla Souza.
HOME ECONOMICS. Photo: ABC.
About “Home Economics”
Executive produced by and starring Topher Grace, the new series “Home Economics” joins ABC’s Wednesday night comedy block, premiering WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7 (8:30-9:00 p.m. ET) on ABC. Episodes can also be viewed the next day on demand and on Hulu.
From writers and executive producers Michael Colton and John Aboud, “Home Economics” takes a look at the heartwarming yet super uncomfortable and sometimes frustrating relationship among three adult siblings: one in the 1%, one middle-class, and one barely holding on. The comedy is inspired by the life of writer and executive producer Michael Colton.
“Home Economics” stars Topher Grace as Tom, Caitlin McGee as Sarah, Jimmy Tatro as Connor, Karla Souza as Marina, and Sasheer Zamata as Denise. The series also stars Shiloh Bearman as Gretchen, Jordyn Curet as Shamiah, Chloe Jo Rountree as Camila, and JeCobi Swain as Kelvin.
“Home Economics” premieres on ABC Wednesday, April 7 (8:30-9:00 p.m. ET)
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