Almost Family

Almost Family is a riveting drama/comedy series from the US television network, FOX, that premiered in October 2019 and ran until February 2020. The show was inspired by the Original Australian film, Sisters. The series grapples with a captivating and emotionally charged premise that pushes the boundaries of conventional family dynamics.

The central storyline revolves around Dr. Leon Bechley, a renowned fertility doctor who is idolized for his groundbreaking work in the field of fertility treatment. While to the world Dr. Bechley epitomizes success and professionalism, his world begins to unravel when a startling confession surfaces. He admits to having used his own sperm to conceive at least a hundred children over his career, a revelation that verges on the unethical and leads to a massive uproar.

Once the scandal breaks out, a large group of his biological children, many now adults, come out of the woodwork to reckon with their conceptions' drastic implications. Among these are three sisters who were complete strangers to each other before the revelations. Julia Bechley, Dr. Leon Bechley’s only child who was raised by him, is a caring, albeit somewhat sheltered, woman who is grappling with the shocking revelation about her father and having to deal with her new siblings. Roxy Doyle is a former Olympic athlete who comes from a high-profile family but is used to feeling pushed aside. Meanwhile, Edie Palmer is a successful attorney who always thought she had a typical upbringing until she learns about her conception's controversial nature.

As the series unfolds, the three women, once strangers, now linked by these unusual circumstances, must learn to cope with their newfound kinship. They have to deal with the fallout of their famous father's controversial decisions while carving out their individual identities amidst the chaos. Each character’s world is turned upside down as the family they thought they knew crumbles, and in its place forms a new, far-reaching web of relations.

The rich and complicated narrative mirrors real-world controversies concerning fertility treatments and pushes the envelopes of familial bonds in its exploration of non-traditional families. As the women navigate their life after the revelation, they are simultaneously compelled to grapple with their personal lives' complexities. Julia deals with her critical illness and strained relationships, Roxy struggles with her failing athletic career, and Edie grapples with her failing marriage and questioning her sexuality. The sisters, despite having their own battles, find a unique bond that becomes their focal anchor amidst their tumultuous lives.

Almost Family’s strength lies in the performances of its lead star cast that includes stars like Brittany Snow, Megalyn Echikunwoke, Emily Osment, Mo McRae, Mustafa Elzein, Timothy Hutton, and others. The characters are well-rounded and impactful, each shedding light on different social issues such as identity crises, familial struggles, and complex romantic relationships.

Produced by Endemol Shine North America and FOX Entertainment, the show is a deeply moving depiction of formed familial relations through shared hardship. It serves as a mirror to society, reflecting on the importance of personal identity and our fundamental need for connection and acceptance. It intelligently explores themes such as betrayal, forgiveness, acceptance, and resilience.

Although the series offers a careful blend of humor and drama, it never loses sight of the gravity of its main themes, allowing viewers a thought-provoking analysis of kinship, personal identity, and morality in pursuit of ambition. Even though the show's core premise is steeped in scientific interventions, the narrative veers towards the emotional and psychological impact of these actions on the characters, making it more of a gripping drama about family and personal connections.

The series, Almost Family, does an excellent job of delving into personal and social issues through a unique plot. For anyone looking for a well-scripted series with emotional encounters, strong performances, and a social message, Almost Family is highly recommended and an experience worth watching.