The Real O'Neals

The Real O'Neals, which aired on ABC from 2016, is a unique explantation into the world of a seemingly picture-perfect, Irish Catholic family that undergoes a whirl of transformation as they all start to live their own truthful lives. Their journey provides an amusing, heart-warming and sometimes awkward commentary on family relations, religious contexts, and personal authenticity. The show stars the talented ensemble of Martha Plimpton, Jay R. Ferguson, Noah Galvin, Matt Shively, Hannah Marks, and Madison Pettis.

Martha Plimpton stars as Eileen O'Neal, the matriarch of the O'Neal family. She's a stoic and devoted Catholic mother whose life revolves around upholding the traditions and customs of her faith. She is obsessed with appearances, always striving to maintain an exterior of normalcy and perfection for her quintessentially Irish-Catholic family. Her character is known for her iron will and determination, which often crosses into the realm of humorous exaggeration.

Jay R. Ferguson plays Pat O'Neal, the affable, good-natured father of the family who is also a good-hearted Chicago cop with a softer side. He struggles with the evolving dynamics of his family while trying to uphold his loving fatherly duties. As the family goes through its series of revelations, Pat continually displays his inner strength and adaptability in a charming and relatable manner.

The role of Kenny O'Neal is filled by Noah Galvin. He’s the middle child who, upon finding the courage to live his truth, sets off a chain of events that changes life as the O'Neals know it. His coming-out story is a central theme of the show, where he must deal with both internal and external reactions as he steps into his authentic self.

Matt Shively portrays Jimmy O'Neal, the oldest son and typical jock, appraised for his prowess in wrestling. He too goes through his personal journey of self-discovery, dealing with societal expectations, his teenage life, and the shifting dynamics of the O'Neal family.

Hannah Marks stars as Jodi O’Neal, a friend of the family who, while not being a blood relative, is recognized as a kind of de facto member of the O'Neals. Being a part of their world, she also gets swept along in the tide of changes and growth that the family experiences.

Finally, the youngest child, Shannon O'Neal, is brought to life by Madison Pettis. She’s a smart, observant, and sarcastic teenager who doesn't quite fit the mold of the typical teenage girl. Her distinctive perspective and dry wit provide a humorous angle to the unfolding events in the O'Neal household.

The Real O'Neals is a heartening exploration of family, faith, and identity. At its core, it is about how living your truth is essential, no matter what the implications might first seem. The family represents a microcosm of a dynamically evolving world, where once-fixed identities, norms, and expectations are constantly shifting. They lean into their core values of love and acceptance, and navigate the challenging but enlightening path of personal authenticity.

Religion plays a pivotal role in the series, with much of the family's beliefs and traditions grounded in their Catholic faith. Yet it explores this theme with a balanced and nuanced lens, exposing the humorous contradictions within religious practice while also acknowledging its value and significance. Essentially, it is an unconventional family comedy that breaks free of the stereotypical TV nuclear family and presents a refreshing, honest interpretation of real-life families.

Throughout its seasons, The Real O'Neals provides a blend of laughter, heart-touching moments, and a healthy dose of unconventionality. It's a tale of a family that turns from pretending to be perfect to embracing their eccentricities, coming together stronger and happier than ever before. The cast delivers phenomenal performances, truly bringing their characters and the O'Neal family to life.