Surviving Suburbia

Watch Surviving Suburbia

  • 2009
  • 1 Season
  • 5.6  (543)

Surviving Suburbia premiered on ABC in 2009 as a family sitcom that offered a humorous take on suburban life. Co-created by Kevin Abbott and starring Bob Saget as Steve Patterson, the series was produced by Media Rights Capital and was marketed as a relatable and lighthearted series that catered to a broad audience.

The show revolved around the lives of the Patterson family, who lived in a suburban community somewhere in Ohio. Steve, the patriarch of the family, was a cynical and sarcastic construction worker who often found himself at odds with his wife, Anne (played by Cynthia Stevenson), their two teenage children, and their eccentric neighbors. The show's humor was centered around Steve's dry wit and his never-ending quips about the absurdities of suburban life.

The premise of the show was simple - each episode featured a different scenario that the Pattersons had to navigate. From dealing with nosy neighbors to coping with teenage angst and navigating the complexities of marriage, the show tackled a range of issues that were both relatable and entertaining. The focus of the show was on the characters and their interactions with each other, making it a character-driven sitcom that relied heavily on the chemistry between the cast members.

Bob Saget, known for his role as Danny Tanner in Full House, delivered a nuanced and subtle performance as Steve Patterson. Despite his brash exterior, Saget's portrayal of Steve showed a vulnerability that endeared him to audiences. Cynthia Stevenson, who played Anne, also shone as the sensible and pragmatic matriarch of the family who often found herself at odds with Steve's antics.

The two teenage children, played by G Hannelius and Jared Kusnitz, added a youthful energy to the show. Hannelius played the rebellious and spirited Courtney, while Kusnitz played the awkward and nerdy Henry. Their contrasting personalities provided for some amusing interactions with their parents and added a layer of depth to the show's exploration of family dynamics.

Aside from the main cast, Surviving Suburbia also featured a range of recurring characters who added to the show's comedic potential. Steve's best friend, Jim (played by Jere Burns), was a quirky and unpredictable character who often found himself getting dragged into Steve's shenanigans. The Pattersons' oddball neighbors, the Todds, were also a source of endless amusement, with each member of the family possessing their own eccentricities.

The show's writing was sharp and witty, with a mix of clever one-liners and situational comedy that kept audiences entertained throughout each episode. The comedic timing of the cast was impeccable, and the show's blend of slapstick and satire was a hit with viewers. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics and only lasting one season, Surviving Suburbia has become a cult classic for fans of family sitcoms.

In conclusion, Surviving Suburbia was a charming and well-executed family sitcom that showcased the talents of its cast and writers. Bob Saget's portrayal of Steve Patterson was a highlight of the show, and the chemistry between the cast members was palpable. While it may not have been a groundbreaking or revolutionary series, it was still a fun and enjoyable watch that left audiences with a warm and fuzzy feeling.

Surviving Suburbia
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Seasons
No Reception
13. No Reception
August 7, 2009
Anne is encouraged by Steve to break free of her manipulative parents after they revoke her cell phone privileges. Meanwhile, Henry believes Rhonda is preaching teen pregnancy to Courtney.
Desperate Housewife
12. Desperate Housewife
July 31, 2009
Anne questions the strength of her marriage when Steve admits that a divorce flirted with him. Meanwhile, Courtney and Henry fight over who controls the TV.
Three End Tables
11. Three End Tables
July 24, 2009
Anne tries to encourage Steve to talk to the neighbors about an end table delivered by mistake to their house. But Steve doesn't want any conflict with the neighbors so he decides to let Anne think he retrieved the table. Meanwhile, Henry sends Courtney to break up a date, causing conflict between Courtney and Jenna.
School Council
10. School Council
July 17, 2009
Steve and Anne use the "talking stick" method recommended by Courtney's teacher to discuss an altercation between their daughter and a neighbor's girl. But during a mediation - at which Steve wonders why adults need school teachers to resolve their conflicts -- he ends up learning something unexpected about his relationship with Henry.
Nothing For Money
9. Nothing For Money
July 10, 2009
Steve takes over the household duties after Anne takes a job outside the home, and is shocked at just how much work it really is. Meanwhile, Jenna is accused of stealing by Henry.
The Game Of Life
8. The Game Of Life
June 26, 2009
Anne wants to have a family game night to talk Henry into going to college. However, her plan backfires when Steve shares the status of the family's own financial problems.
Dirty Stevie
7. Dirty Stevie
June 19, 2009
Onno gives Steve a handgun and Steve enjoys the power that comes with it. Anne, on the other hand, doesn't want that gun in her house. Steve uses his new power with Henry and Anne sees the new macho-man in Steve and likes it. Meanwhile, Anne has to deal with Monica after she sends her a bill for the food that Henry has eaten at her house.
If the Shoe Fits, Steal It
6. If the Shoe Fits, Steal It
June 12, 2009
Steve accuses a mother at Courtney's school of stealing his daughter's shoes and is accused himself of not showing interest in his kids. Meanwhile, Henry refuses to let his mom see his SAT scores.
Burn Bougainvillea, Burn
5. Burn Bougainvillea, Burn
May 27, 2009
Steve and Anne welcome their new neighbors, but things go awry when the newbies want to cut down Anne's beloved bougainvillea. Meanwhile, Henry becomes obsessed with a teen girl who is pregnant for the second time.
40 Days
4. 40 Days
April 27, 2009
When Steve convinces Anne to attend a book club so she can be introduced to a book promising intimacy through 40 days of sex, his plan backfires when Anne starts taking the time to open up and admits at one point to having lost confidence in their relationship. Meanwhile, Courtney must confess that she lost something of importance given to her by Jenna
DMV
3. DMV
April 20, 2009
Steve's plan of using Monica's scooter to cut the line at the DMV backfires. Meanwhile, Onno asks Anne to take Jenna to the gynecologist but when Jenna tells Anne her true reasons for going, Anne is put in a compromising position.
Project Run Away
2. Project Run Away
April 13, 2009
Steve confronts Courtney's teacher about her expectations for an assignment that will need significant parental help. Following an inappropriate e-mail, Steve's parenting skills are questioned and Anne must come to his defense.
Hero
1. Hero
April 6, 2009
Steve agrees to house-sit for Onno, but ends up starting a fire. To cover, Steve claims he put the fire out and is considered a hero by his daughter and neighbors before his conscious gets in the way.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    April 6, 2009
  • IMDB Rating
    5.6  (543)
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