Splitting Up Together

Splitting Up Together is an American sitcom that aired for two seasons on ABC from 2018 to 2019. The show is a unique and comedic exploration of the complexities of love, relationships, and the irony of divorce when a couple, who have drifted apart, realize that separating is not as simple as they thought. The series is a refreshing take on the sitcom genre because it not only handles comedy but also doesn’t shy away from blending in dramatic elements.

The show centers on Lena and Martin, a couple who have been married for 12 years and have three kids together. The charming but frazzled Lena, portrayed by Jenna Fischer (known for her role as Pam in The Office), and the laid-back Martin, played by Oliver Hudson (known for Nashville and Rules of Engagement), have their hands full with a brood that includes a free-spirited daughter, a socially awkward son, and an adorable baby boy.

As the show begins, we see that Lena and Martin have decided to divorce, with the titular "splitting up together" reflecting the unconventional living arrangement they adopt. Instead of one moving out and disrupting the lives of their children, they take turns living in the family home with the kids, while the other lives in the garage-turned-guest-house. This setup allows them to co-parent while living out their newly single lives. This unusual setup allows for comedic and heartfelt moments that form the heart of the show.

Co-starring is Bobby Lee, bringing his one-of-a-kind comedic flair to the supportive role of Arthur, Martin's fun-loving, live-in buddy, offering humorous commentary and a voice of reason in his friend's chaotic life. He's also a coworker of Martin’s from their video game design firm. Diane Farr plays Maya, Lena's straightforward and supportive friend who's not afraid to voice her opinion on Lena's life decisions. Lindsay Price (known for her role from the original Beverly Hills, 90210) rounds out the main cast as Camille, Lena's trendy, free-spirited younger sister who delights in her sibling's unusual post-divorce situation.

The beauty of Splitting Up Together is in its realistic, albeit humorous, depiction of a couple transitioning from years of marriage into a new phase of co-parenting and navigating separate personal lives, all under one roof. As the series progresses, the audiences see Lena and Martin react to each other's new dating lives while they're still answerable to each other given the shared space and responsibility for their kids.

The show expertly plays with expectations. Since they’re still living together, audiences find themselves asking: Will they get back together, or won't they? And although the show does touch upon the lingering emotions they have for each other, it also engages with their individual journeys of self-discovery and personal development.

Additionally, a major part of the charm and humor in the series comes from the spatial dynamics. The constant switching between the house and the guest house adds a fun, unpredictable element to every episode, as each character deals with their ever-changing living conditions and roles in the family.

Splitting Up Together beautifully captures the contours of a relationship under pressure, serving up hearty laughs along with moments of real emotion. The series finds a balance between comedy and drama, with strong performances from Fischer and Hudson at its core. So, if you're in the mood for a sitcom that's a little bit different, with a dash of heart, humor, and a modern perspective on love, relationships, and family, Splitting Up Together would be a suitable choice.