United We Fall

United We Fall is a captivating family sitcom that aired on ABC in 2020. The show features a dynamic ensemble cast led by the comedic talent of Will Sasso (MADtv, The Three Stooges), alongside Christina Vidal (Freaky Friday, Taina), and television veteran Jane Curtin (Saturday Night Live, 3rd Rock from the Sun). Rounding out the main cast is the charismatic Juan Alfonso.

At its core, United We Fall is a hearty, engaging comedy that centers around the theme of family, love, and the pursuit of maintaining balance amidst chaos. It delves into entertaining, yet very realistic scenarios that many families can relate to. It's refreshing in its portrayal of the constellation of family dynamics woven together with a strong thread of humor and emotional resonance.

The story revolves around Bill Ryan and Jo Rodriguez, played by Will Sasso and Christina Vidal respectively. The pair are an ideal depiction of everyday parents who are doing their utmost to raise their two young kids. The couple’s trials and tribulations are amplified by the unwelcome, often hilarious interference of their intrusive and opinionated extended family.

Will Sasso's character, Bill, is presented as a light-hearted, often tongue-in-cheek dad. As a contractor, he is instilled with patience that he often applies when dealing with the calamities at home. Then there’s Jo, played by Christina Vidal, who is an up-and-coming executive face with a constant struggle of managing her demanding career with her family responsibilities. Both characters are a perfect match for each other in terms of their comedic timing and the affectionate chemistry they share. Their banter, arguments and parenting moments strike a chord and add an appealing warmth to the show.

Adding another layer of humor to the show is Jane Curtin, who plays the role of Sandy, Jo's overbearing mother. She brings her own brand of comedy as the meddling matriarch who believes she knows what is best for the family. Sandy's self-appointed role as the all-knowing grandmother creates a comedic tension with Bill and Jo as they attempt to navigate their own familial troubles.

Rounding out the principle cast is Juan Alfonso as Jo’s brother Chuy, who often serves as a well-meaning yet sometimes clueless instigator of hilarity. Despite his emotional immaturity and lack of responsibility, Chuy is adored by his family. Alfonso's performance is genuinely endearing, comical, and adds an extra dash of wit and charm to the story's dynamics.

Cleverly crafted, United We Fall captures the essence of a lovable, flawed, but ultimately strong family that perseveres through every curveball life throws at them, be it an embarrassing school incident or an unexpected visit from overly intrusive relatives. It boasts an interesting mix of warmth, humor, love, and understanding that is sure to leave a lasting impression on the viewers. The show manages to maintain a lighthearted and humorous tone, while demonstrating the tenacity and unity needed within a family to save the day - hence the title United We Fall, a play on the popular phrase meaning to stand together or fail.

With its relatable premises and wonderfully drawn characters, United We Fall serves as a charming depiction of a perfectly imperfect family unit. The performances of the cast - from Will Sasso's affable charm, Christina Vidal's tenacious wit, to Jane Curtin's overbearing yet well-meaning mother, and Juan Alfonso's bumbling uncle - all combine into creating a show that is heartwarming, funny, and entertaining.

The show resonates due to its universally relatable theme of balancing the struggles of life, parenting, and familial relationships, all of which are peppered with a healthy dose of humor. United We Fall is a must-watch for those who enjoy light-hearted, family-oriented sitcoms that possess a delicate balance of comedy and warmth. The combination of the cast's strong performances, its common-denominator premises, and the show's overall feel-good atmosphere, make United We Fall a delightful addition to ABC's roster of memorable sitcoms.