A few weeks ago I brought you Behind the Scenes with The Real O'Neals, which is a hysterical new show that airs Tuesday nights at 8:30pm EST on ABC. Make sure to check it out because I shared some fun facts that I learned from the executive producers and cast about the show.
What makes the show so great is that it's REAL, focusing on — sometimes controversial — subjects that many of us have faced, or will face, at least some point in our lives. The show takes these often uncomfortable situations and makes light of them, in a positive way. The Real O'Neals is smart and funny, and as far as I'm concerned, must watch primetime TV. If you haven't watched (what are you waiting for!?), here's a synopsis:
Based in Chicago, the O’Neals appear to be a seemingly picture perfect family, but their lives soon take an unexpected turn when surprising truths are revealed. Eileen is a mom who usually has a fine grasp on all matters under her roof, and her soon-to-be-ex-husband Pat is a good-natured father and the emotional center of the family. Their normal routine at home suddenly gets turned upside down when Eileen and Pat announce their divorce, and their sixteen-year-old-son Kenny reveals to his family that he is gay. Kenny never would have imagined his admission would also result in outing his entire family’s secrets, including revelations from his older brother, Jimmy, and little sister, Shannon. Jimmy unapologetically wears his heart on his sleeve and genuinely tries to figure out what’s best in any situation, while Shannon is the youngest but carries herself more mature than her age. Life in the O’Neals household wouldn’t be complete without Aunt Jodi, Pat’s ex-sister-in-law and Eileen’s best friend, who is quite the frequent visitor and is also willing to admit things are far from perfect in her own life. What seems like a sudden upheaval that could mark the end of the O’Neals idyllic lives turns out to be the beginning of a bright new chapter when everyone stops pretending to be perfect and actually starts being real.
The Real O’Neals - The Real Retreat
Tonight's episode (5/3) is titled "The Real Retreat" — When Jimmy is unexpectedly named Faith Leader for the weekend at the Catholic Youth Retreat, a jealous Kenny decides to take on his older brother’s role as ring leader of the bad kids. Home alone without the kids, Pat invites a new lady friend over, and Eileen can’t help but enlist Jodi to spy on them, with surprising results.
I was able to pre-screen tonight's episode and can tell you that it's HILARIOUS! I went to a Catholic school from kindergarten to high school and every few years had to participate in a weekend youth retreat. Elements of tonight's show gave me flashbacks, which literally had me laughing out loud. The writers are really on point with this episode and I'll be watching again tonight with my family.
The Real O’Neals stars Martha Plimpton as Eileen, Jay R. Ferguson as Pat, Noah Galvin as Kenny, Matt Shively as Jimmy, Bebe Wood as Shannon and Mary Hollis Inboden as Jodi.
Watch The Real O’Neals Tuesday Nights at 8:30 pm EST on ABC
Special thanks to ABC for hosting me during the #ABCTVEvent. All opinions are my own.
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