15 shows about working-class families that aren’t Roseanne
By Sundi Rose
Speechless
Who knew Minnie Driver could be so good in a sitcom? She’s devastatingly charming as a mom and wife, and her efforts here make me want to see her in every single TV show ever.
The premise: Driver plays the fiercely and aggressively protective mother, Maya DiMeo, to three children: JJ, Ray, and Dylan. JJ has cerebral palsy, is non-verbal, and uses a wheelchair. Most of the family’s life and money is devoted to JJ’s care and well-being, yet Maya somehow manages to make time and energy for everyone, including her husband, Jimmy, played by the inexplicably alluring John Ross Bowie.
Because of their financial status, the DiMeos have been forced to move around a lot, but they finally settle into a neighborhood that offers JJ the best possible educational options. He’s assigned a hilarious aide, Kenneth, and he goes through the course of his milestones with Maya hovering very close.
Why you’ll like it: It’s about a family. Yes, their family has some circumstances that most of don’t contend with, but they are still, at their core, a family unit. This means lots of bickering, pranking, plotting, and pouting. It’s very, very funny, and they aren’t afraid to address JJ’s illness — and sometimes he gets the best punchlines.
This cast has a chemistry that practically crackles off the screen. I don’t know if this is true or not, but I would really like to think they all hang out off-set and maybe even have dinner together, sitting around a big family table.
Where to find it: You can acquaint yourself with the DiMeo clan in season 1 on ABCGo, and season 2 is available on Hulu.
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Which of these shows is your favorite?