Upfronts 2012 First Look At ABCs How To Live With Your Parents For The Rest Of Your Life
During the 2012 network upfronts, ABC offered audiences a first glimpse at its new comedy How To Live With Your Parents (For The Rest Of Your Life), a sitcom that immediately sparked attention with its quirky title and relatable premise. At a time when networks were competing fiercely for fresh comedies, ABC leaned on a blend of sharp writing, established comedic actors, and a storyline that resonated with the growing trend of multigenerational households.
The show centers on Polly, played by Sarah Chalke, a recently divorced single mother who moves back in with her eccentric parents after her marriage falls apart. It’s a premise that feels both timely and timeless, reflecting the real-life struggles of young adults navigating financial, emotional, and parental challenges. Chalke, already well-known for her comedic timing from roles on Scrubs and Roseanne, brought an appealing mix of vulnerability and wit to the character.
Polly’s parents, Elaine and Max, are portrayed by comedic veterans Elizabeth Perkins and Brad Garrett. Their free-spirited, uninhibited personalities clash hilariously with Polly’s attempts to raise her young daughter in a structured and stable environment. The dynamic between these three generations provides a rich source of comedy, while also highlighting the evolving definitions of family in modern society.
Critics who attended the upfront presentation noted that the series struck a strong balance between heartfelt family storytelling and laugh-out-loud comedy. While sitcoms about unconventional families were not new, How To Live With Your Parents promised a fresh take, with writing that leaned heavily on character-driven humor rather than predictable gags. The chemistry among the cast was also praised as a standout strength.
ABC positioned the show as a key part of its comedy lineup, banking on the success of family-oriented hits like Modern Family and The Middle. The network’s strategy was to create a programming block that offered audiences a range of comedic voices, all grounded in family life but told through different lenses. With How To Live With Your Parents, ABC aimed to appeal particularly to young adults and parents who could see their own struggles reflected on screen.
The upfront presentation highlighted several memorable clips, showcasing the show’s quick pacing and sharp one-liners. Sarah Chalke’s natural charm and Brad Garrett’s booming delivery drew some of the loudest laughs from the audience. Elizabeth Perkins’ comedic finesse added further credibility, giving viewers confidence that the show would deliver more than just a one-joke premise.
Beyond the comedy, ABC hinted that the series would explore themes of resilience, reinvention, and acceptance. Polly’s journey of rebuilding her life while relying on her parents offered emotional weight beneath the humor, making the show more than just a sitcom about awkward family living arrangements. This balance between sincerity and comedy was central to ABC’s pitch at the upfronts.
As networks rolled out their new lineups for 2012, How To Live With Your Parents (For The Rest Of Your Life) stood out as a show with both commercial potential and cultural relevance. The upfronts presentation painted it as a smart, heartfelt addition to ABC’s slate, with the kind of humor and warmth that could win over audiences. Whether viewers tuned in for the laughs or for the relatable family drama, ABC clearly hoped this new comedy would strike a chord.