What About Brian?

What About Brian? is a popular American television drama that aired from 2006 to 2007, featuring Barry Watson in the titular role of Brian Davis. The show stood out from other television dramas of the time due to its unique premise and compelling character development.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Los Angeles, What About Brian? revolves around the life of 34-year-old Brian Davis, portrayed by the charming Barry Watson, who is beloved for his affable demeanor and boy-next-door appeal, notably from his time on 7th Heaven. The plot pivots around Brian's quest for fulfillment and his struggle with being the last single man standing in his group of friends.

Brian's life is filled with loving, yet complex relationships with his friends and family. His closest friends, the tightly-knit and sometimes uproarious group of couples, routinely meet and share their lives together. Among them are his best friends Adam and Marjorie. Brian nurtures deep, unexpressed feelings for Marjorie, adding a classic case of unrequited love. Adam, portrayed by Matthew Davis, is an ambitious lawyer, while Marjorie, played by Sarah Lancaster, is a sweet and wholesome music teacher. They are both in a seemingly perfect relationship, further complicating Brian's emotional landscape.

Coupled alongside are Dave and Deena Greco, portrayed by Rick Gomez and Amanda Detmer respectively, grappling with issues of passion and fidelity after a decade of marriage and three children. Nicole, the eldest of the group and played by Rosanna Arquette, is dealing with her much younger husband's death and raises their infant alone, adding another facet to the group's dynamics.

These relationships were instrumental in the series as they lent depth and dimension to the characters, combined humor with tragedy, and depicted the trials faced by modern relationships. This duality of comedy and drama provided a balanced approach to storytelling that emitted grace and sensitivity without losing sight of the lighter moments in life.

Brian's family is another central aspect of the show. His younger sister, Nicole, portrayed by Rosanna Arquette, is a recently widowed single mother. Their relationship adds a layer of familial love, support, and breathes a subtle humor into the narrative.

The series navigates Brian's quest for companionship as he fights an existential battle of finding "the one" in a world filled with couples. Going beyond the usual clichés, the show explores Brian's struggles and joys while seeking love and understanding his own desires better. The series acts as a mirror, reflecting the trials, tribulations, and joys of navigating relationships, friendships, careers, and family bonds in contemporary society.

Barry Watson shines in his role as Brian, tapping into the vulnerabilities and strengths of a mature man grappling with the complexities of his emotions and desires. His performance lends an authenticity that allows viewers to sympathize with his character and cheer him on in his pursuit of love. The supporting roles, from his group of friends to his family, each add a essential threads to the colorful tapestry of Brian's life, making the series an engaging exploration of balancing personal desires with shared friendships, embarking on the quest of finding love, and pushing boundaries to maintain relationships.

What About Brian? is more than just a drama series; it is a story of love, friendship, family, and surviving in a world where personal fulfillment is juxtaposed with the pressures of societal expectations. The stories, characters, and themes explored in this show continue to resonate with viewers, making it a timeless narrative about the human experience.