How We Roll

How We Roll is an American sitcom that premiered on CBS in March 2022. The comedy series was inspired by the life of professional bowler Tom Smallwood and follows the journey of a Midwestern husband and father who decides to pursue his dream of becoming a professional bowler after being laid off from his job at a car assembly line.

The show centers around the lead character, Tom, who is a stoic and determined man with an incredible ability to remain optimistic and resilient in the face of life’s curveballs. Tom's character is an everyman, primarily defined by his kindness, hard work and the strong relationships he has with his family and friends. His decision to take up professional bowling is met with a mixed bag of support, skepticism, and humor by those closest to him.

Tom’s wife, Jen, acts as his rock, offering support and a pragmatic perspective as they navigate this life change together. As a loving mother and wife, Jen is the family's anchor, keeping everything afloat amidst the uncertainty and the challenges that come from following an unconventional path. Her character brings warmth and realism to the show, often providing a counterbalance to Tom's more whimsical bowling ambitions.

The story unfolds in the small town where Tom and his family live, which serves as a backdrop for the ensemble of characters that make up the community – from fellow bowlers, friends, and adversaries in the bowling alley, to the couple's precocious son who offers his own unique take on his dad's new adventure. Through these interactions, the show encapsulates the themes of community and how individuals can impact one another’s lives in small but significant ways.

One of the central dynamics explored in the series is the relationship between Tom and his mentor and bowling alley owner, Archie. Archie, a former bowling champion, provides not only the training and wisdom Tom needs to progress in the sport but also serves as a father figure and confidant. Their banter and bonding are one of the charming aspects of the show, reflecting the way in which personal relationships can both challenge and change us.

Comedy in How We Roll is generated through a combination of situational humor, the idiosyncrasies and quirks of the characters, and the inevitable comic mishaps that result from someone stepping way out of their comfort zone and into the unpredictable world of professional sports. Physical comedy is also sprinkled throughout the episodes, particularly revolving around the bowling scenes, which serve as the setting for many of the series’ climactic and humorous moments.

One of the running threads in the show is the challenge of balancing family, a dream, and the day-to-day grind of trying to make ends meet. It sheds light on the contemporary working-class American family in a manner that's both humorous and heartfelt. This series attempts to show that it’s never too late to follow your passion, while also realistically depicting the sacrifices and hard decisions that come with a mid-life career change.

The comedic elements are juxtaposed with endearing moments that display the depth of Tom's relationships, highlighting themes of perseverance, loyalty, and the pursuit of happiness. How We Roll aims to remind viewers that success is not just about achieving your dreams but also about the support system you have around you and the memories you create along the way.

Visually, the series adopts the familiar multi-camera setup typical of traditional sitcoms, allowing for a focus on character interactions and timing in delivering jokes. The show utilizes the interior of the family home and the bowling alley to frame most of the scenes, creating an intimate setup that is conducive to displaying family dynamics, and chronicling Tom's underdog story.

The soundtrack is thoughtfully chosen, with music cues that underscore the comic or touching moments, enhancing the overall feel-good tone of the series. Each episode captures a slice of Midwest life, delivering a mix of humor, warmth, and inspiration.

How We Roll targets viewers who enjoy family comedies and underdog stories infused with a sports theme. It's designed to be a half-hour respite that provides both laughs and positive messaging, acknowledging the struggles of chasing a dream while also providing a sentimentally comedic look at how one man and his family roll with the punches life throws their way. Overall, How We Roll brings to the screen a relatable story that combines humor with humanity, as it follows one man's pursuit of glory in the unlikely, but fascinating world of professional bowling.