Family Plots

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  • 2004
  • 2 Seasons
  • 8.4  (118)

Family Plots was a reality television show that aired on A&E from 2004 to 2006. The show followed the daily lives of the employees at the Wissmiller Funeral Home in San Diego, California. The funeral home was owned by Chuck Wissmiller, and his wife Shonna Wissmiller-Smith was the office manager. Rick Sadler was the funeral director and embalmer. The show was produced by Eric Evangelista and Shannon Evangelista.

The show was structured like a typical reality television show, with each episode following the lives of the employees at the funeral home. The show focused on the day-to-day operations of the funeral home, as well as the personal lives of the employees. The employees were shown interacting with clients, planning funerals, and dealing with the grief of the families.

One of the main themes of the show was the family dynamic of the funeral home. The show highlighted the close bond between Chuck and Shonna, and their dedication to their business. The couple worked together to ensure that the funeral home operated smoothly, and they were often shown making difficult decisions regarding the business. Rick was also portrayed as a member of the family, and the show depicted the close relationship between the Wissmillers and Rick.

The show also had a comedic element, with the employees engaging in lighthearted banter and jokes. However, the show never made light of the serious nature of the funeral business, and the employees were always respectful and professional when dealing with clients.

The show was well-received by audiences and critics alike. Many praised the show for its unique subject matter and compelling characters. The show was also lauded for its sensitivity and respect towards the families of the deceased.

However, the show was not without controversy. In one episode, the funeral home was shown mishandling a body, which led to criticism from some viewers. The show also faced controversy for its portrayal of the funeral industry. Some critics accused the show of trivializing death and making light of the funeral business.

Despite the controversy, the show was successful and ran for three seasons. The show ended when Chuck passed away in 2006. The final episode of the show was dedicated to his memory.

In conclusion, Family Plots was a reality television show that followed the lives of the employees at the Wissmiller Funeral Home in San Diego, California. The show focused on the daily operations of the funeral home, as well as the personal lives of the employees. The show was well-received by audiences and critics alike, but was not without controversy. The show ended in 2006 after three seasons, following the death of Chuck Wissmiller.

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Seasons
The Web We Weave
12. The Web We Weave
May 8, 2005
The gang brings in a woman to set up the mortuary's first website, to attract new business. She gets to know each of them personally as they help a family deal with the death of their beloved father. While she may have eyes for Rick, It's Chuck who really wants to make an impression on her.
Parentless
11. Parentless
May 1, 2005
Funeral Director David Moravee helps a family plan the funeral of their much loved father to be buried next to their late mother. As the gang at the mortuary all contemplate losing their own parents, David, whose mother's birthday is upcoming, realizes that he's never told her how much she means to him.  Meanwhile, Chuck takes the hearse for a ride, leaving John and David stranded on their way to a funeral.
Sink or Swim
10. Sink or Swim
April 24, 2005
It's boss Rick's birthday - a time for him to ponder love and life. To celebrate he's invited everyone (except ex-fiancé Melissa) to a swim party, but only Chuck wants to wear a bathing suit. While a big fight between Chuck and Emily threatens to dominate the party, Rick can't shake off the ghosts of his own recent losses.
In Memoriam
9. In Memoriam
April 17, 2005
When a young couple loses their 3 month old son, it's new arranger Matt's job to help them and his first time handling a baby case. Though John, who lost his own baby boy, lends a hand, he must do so while trying not to relive his own tragedy. Everyone at the mortuary is touched by the family's loss as Shonna works to prepare the child for the viewing where his parents will see him for the last time.
Cleaning House
8. Cleaning House
April 10, 2005
Recently separated from his wife and living on his own, funeral director John Greeney has a lot on his mind. Now he must handle the arrangements for a family's much beloved father on the anniversary of his own father's early demise. The love shown by the deceased's family makes him reflect on his dad and his new solo life away from his children. Meanwhile, Shonna and Emily have their own plans to help him get back on track. They think adding a woman's touch will spruce up his new bachelor pad.
For Funerals and a Wedding
7. For Funerals and a Wedding
April 3, 2005
A couple who met in grief counseling after losing their spouses writes in to ask if they can be married at the mortuary! Despite their own cynicism towards marriage the gang agrees, hoping to lighten things up around the place. Rick will perform the ceremony, Chuck will give the bride away, and the girls will all be bridesmaids. But, as the big day approaches, everyone's on edge because Rick will have to deal with ex-fiancé Missy at the ceremony. Will celebrating the new love of others help bring the love back to the mortuary?
The Un-anniversary
6. The Un-anniversary
March 27, 2005
It's an unhappy time for Chuck. Ex-wife Sue has plans an "un-anniversary" celebration on the night that would have marked their 42nd anniversary, and a big fight with John leaves Chuck on the outs with his daughters. But the gang is reminded of the importance of family when they arrange the funeral of man who was a devoted husband and father. Will Shonna forgive Chuck for everything past and present?
Back in the Saddle
5. Back in the Saddle
March 20, 2005
It's the big Western weekend in Poway, and it looks like Rick may be finally moving on after Melissa. He goes on a horse riding and roping trip and lines up a date for the local rodeo. With Rick out of the way, the mortuary staff finally gets to have some fun, and Chuck and John even head out to see if they can rustle up some women of their own.
New Blood
4. New Blood
March 13, 2005
A kinder, gentler Rick brings a new Funeral arranger on to the team to help out when new business is too much for everyone to handle. Matt Nikoley, who doubles as an assistant pastor, has a style very different from his new co-workers - especially when it comes to swearing under pressure and taking the Lord's name in vain. Matt starts training and soon faces the challenge of his first funeral arrangement, the patriarch of a family who has also been in the funeral biz - added pressure for Shonna to make him look perfect for his final viewing. Meanwhile under stress the gang tries to check their profanity, and it isn't easy.
Boiling Point
3. Boiling Point
March 13, 2005
Tensions at the mortuary over Rick's break-up with Melissa comes to an explosive head when he takes his frustrations out on the staff. John, already on edge over his divorce, threatens to quit, much to Shonna's dismay. In a screaming rage, Shonna tells Rick he's got to change his ways. And everyone waits to see if he will.
Birthday Bash
2. Birthday Bash
March 6, 2005
Emily doesn't want her split with her husband to interfere with her son's seventh birthday. Everyone's invited to the party except boss Rick, who's still taking his break-up with Melissa out on everyone. The mortuary staff tries to keep the party a secret from Rick and it looks like they'll be able to pull it off - until Emily and dad Chuck have a blow-out that threatens to ruin everything.
Where's the Love?
1. Where's the Love?
March 6, 2005
In the new season's premiere, we catch up with the mortuary gang, who are still dealing with the painful aftermath of Rick and Melissa's break-up. Rick refuses to be around Melissa, and the stress is driving everyone nuts. Meanwhile, other mortuary staffers have their own emotional problems - Emily is separating from her husband, and John is separating from his wife.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    April 19, 2004
  • IMDB Rating
    8.4  (118)