Surviving Suburbia

Surviving Suburbia is a situational comedy that aired on ABC in 2009. With a cast that included Bob Saget, Cynthia Stevenson, G Hannelius, and Jared Kusnitz, the show presented a humorous and often biting perspective of suburban life.

The show revolves around Steve Patterson, played by Bob Saget, a rather grumpy and misanthropic father who just wants to be alone. Known for his sharp wit and sarcastic comments, Steve is not the stereotypical suburban husband or dad. His intentionally confrontational nature gives the series a unique, hilarious spin on suburban misadventures. Saget's character is certainly a departure from his more famous role as Danny Tanner in Full House, offering a more jaded, less wholesome portrayal that might surprise those familiar with Saget's earlier work.

Cynthia Stevenson plays Anne Patterson, Steve's perfectly normal and endlessly patient wife, who often serves as the voice of reason in the many suburban conflicts that their family and neighbors encounter. While it appears that Steve and Anne are polar opposites in terms of personalities, digesting their family's every hiccup and the quirks of suburban life, their chemistry on-screen certainly drives the series forward.

G Hannelius portrays Courtney Patterson, Steve and Anne's bright and lovable younger child. Her innocent and hilarious misinterpretations of her family's behaviors often help set up the comedic tension of the series. Jared Kusnitz takes on the role of Henry Patterson, the older and slightly more cynical Patterson child, who provides a teenager's perspective on suburban life and his parents' antics. Both actors bring a charming dynamic to the overall familial plot, making it more appealing.

Surviving Suburbia's creators take viewers through each episode, crafted with wit and charm, amplifying the humor in mundane suburban life scenarios. The humor is mostly in the family's misadventures and interactions with their eccentric neighbors and various aspects of community life.

The show does an excellent job of utilizing suburbia as a backdrop, setting the stage for hilarity and hijinks as the Patterson family navigates neighborhood barbecues, local politics, and other everyday occurrences. It paints a vivid picture of cliche suburban ideals and the chaos that can lurk beneath the surface. It often highlights the stark contrast between the superficial, perfect facade presented by suburban dwellers and the bizarre realities of their actual lives.

Surviving Suburbia also features the suburbs' closed environment as a character of its own. Whether dealing with nosy homeowners association members, overly competitive sports parents, or persistent door-to-door sellers, Steve's interactions with these all-too-familiar types lend themselves to some of the show's funniest moments.

Surviving Suburbia indulges in sarcasm, and satirical commentary with a touch of classic slapstick humor, which keeps viewers engaged and entertained. The series helps to expose the absurdities of suburban life while also showcasing some of its endearing qualities.

One of the aspects that made Surviving Suburbia unique in its time was its emphasis on strong, well-defined characters dealing with and responding to universal experiences. Not every storyline is simply about Steve's crotchetiness. Instead, stories unravel to include meaningful, intimate moments within their comedic narratives.

Reflecting realistic scenarios masked under humor, Surviving Suburbia often displayed poignant instances that were surprisingly heartfelt. These moments often added depth to its characters, making them more relatable and their experiences more honest.

In summary, Surviving Suburbia presented a comedic yet heartwarming look at suburban life, making it a noteworthy addition to ABC's sitcom lineup. A prominent cast, including the talented Bob Saget, Cynthia Stevenson, G Hannelius, and Jared Kusnitz, added depth and charisma to this lighthearted comedy. Their performances, combined with hilariously relatable storylines about surviving the suburbs, make for a comedy that's worth watching.