Togetherness (TV series)

Togetherness (TV series)
Title	Togetherness
Genre	Comedy-drama
Creator	Mark Duplass, Jay Duplass, Steve Zissis
Starring	Mark Duplass, Melanie Lynskey, Amanda Peet, Steve Zissis, Abby Ryder Fortson, Peter Gallagher
Country	United States
Language	English
Num episodes	16
Network	HBO
First aired	January 11, 2015
Last aired	April 10, 2016

Togetherness (TV series) is an American comedy-drama television series that aired on HBO from 2015 to 2016. Created by the Duplass brothers, Mark Duplass and Jay Duplass, along with Steve Zissis, the series explores the complexities of adult relationships and personal stagnation. It focuses on two couples living under one roof in Los Angeles, navigating midlife crises, marital strain, and unfulfilled dreams. The show was noted for its naturalistic, character-driven storytelling and was part of a wave of indie-influenced programming on HBO.

Premise and setting

The series is set in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Eagle Rock, portraying a more suburban and grounded side of the city. The story revolves around two couples: Brett and Michelle Pierson, a married pair whose relationship has grown stale, and Michelle's sister, Tina, and Brett's best friend, Alex, who have both moved into the Piersons' home. Central themes include the challenges of marriage, the pursuit of artistic and personal fulfillment, and the dynamics of extended family living. The setting in a modest California home becomes a crucible for examining the characters' insecurities and aspirations as they confront their individual and collective midlife dilemmas.

Cast and characters

The ensemble cast is led by Mark Duplass as Brett Pierson, a sound designer experiencing a professional and personal rut, and Melanie Lynskey as his wife, Michelle, who is searching for purpose beyond motherhood. Amanda Peet portrays Tina, Michelle's vivacious but directionless sister, while Steve Zissis plays Alex, a struggling actor and Brett's longtime friend. Abby Ryder Fortson appears as Sophie Pierson, Brett and Michelle's young daughter. Recurring roles include Peter Gallagher as Larry, a charismatic spiritual leader who becomes involved with Michelle, and John Ortiz as David, a potential love interest for Tina. The chemistry among the core four actors was widely praised for its authenticity and emotional depth.

Production and development

The series was developed by Mark Duplass, Jay Duplass, and Steve Zissis, expanding on their collaborative work in independent films like The Puffy Chair. Produced by Duplass Brothers Productions in association with HBO Entertainment, the show was part of HBO's strategy to cultivate intimate, filmmaker-driven content. The Duplass brothers, known for their work in mumblecore cinema, served as showrunners and directed several episodes, emphasizing improvisation and naturalistic performance. Filming took place on location in Los Angeles, with the production design aiming for a lived-in, realistic aesthetic. The series was officially ordered by HBO in 2014 following a competitive bidding process.

Episodes

Over two seasons, the series comprised a total of 16 episodes. The first season of eight episodes premiered in January 2015, with the second season of eight episodes following in February 2016. Notable episodes include the pilot, which establishes the crowded domestic situation, and season one's "Kick the Can," which features a pivotal neighborhood game. The series finale, "Geri-ina," directed by Jay Duplass, concludes the characters' arcs as they make significant decisions about their futures. Each episode typically runs approximately 30 minutes, blending comedic moments with dramatic tension, a structure that became a hallmark of the series.

Reception

Critical reception was generally positive, with praise for the writing, direction, and performances, particularly those of Melanie Lynskey and Amanda Peet. Review aggregator Metacritic reported a score of 75 for the first season, indicating "generally favorable reviews." The show was lauded for its honest portrayal of marriage and friendship, though some critics found its pacing deliberately slow. It did not receive major awards recognition from institutions like the Primetime Emmy Awards or Golden Globe Awards, but it developed a dedicated cult following. The cancellation after two seasons was met with disappointment from fans and some television critics who appreciated its nuanced storytelling.

Release and distribution

The series premiered on HBO on January 11, 2015, with episodes airing on Sunday nights. It was also made available for streaming on the HBO Go and HBO Now platforms concurrently with its linear broadcast. Following its initial run, the complete series was released on DVD and became available for digital purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and iTunes. Internationally, the series was distributed by HBO through its global networks and partners, bringing it to audiences in markets such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Its availability on streaming services has allowed it to maintain a presence with viewers discovering it after its original broadcast.

Category:2015 American television series debuts Category:2016 American television series endings Category:American comedy-drama television series Category:HBO original programming