Sean Hayes returns to the NBC comedy lineup as Sean, a single father whose teenage daughter, Ellie (Samantha Isler), moves in full-time after her mother moves away. Rounding out the cast is Sean's not-so-warmhearted and a bit crass mother, Lorna (Linda Lavin), new boss, Max (Thomas Lennon), and co-workers Liz (Megan Hilty) and Hunter (Echo Kellum).
In the pilot episode, Sean stresses over being a good parent to Ellie since he is now a full-time dad. Sean wants to plan some bonding time with Ellie by promising to make a nice dinner for her that evening. Unfortunately, Sean is also dealing with a new boss at his online retail company, whom no one seems to like. Max informs the employees that working late will become a regular thing, and denies Sean's request to leave early to spend time with his daughter.
With the help of Liz and Hunter, Sean escapes through the office bathroom window and returns home to prepare dinner for Ellie. Once Max discovers Sean left, he orders Sean to meet him at his hotel he is currently staying.
Once Sean arrives at Max's hotel room door, he is greeted by Ellie who followed him there as she felt she was at fault. As Sean prepares to grovel at Max's feet, he decides to explain to Max his new full-time father situation. As Max begins to tell Sean his family situation makes no difference, Ellie interrupts and explains that when her mother left, she didn't want to leave, and thought that refusing to go with her mother would force her mother to stay, when in fact it did not. Max decides to cut Sean a break, and Ellie lets her dad know he is doing a fine parenting job!
As a Will & Grace fan I was excited to see Sean Hayes back in a comedy series. Although his character is more mature than Jack McFarland, Sean Hayes's comedic acting continues to bask in its entertaining light.
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