Stagione
Episodio
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Life in Pieces

Life in Pieces

20157
Commedia
Uscita
21 set 2015
Paese
Stati Uniti
Produzioni
Kapital Entertainment20th Century Fox Television
Commedia su una grande famiglia felice e sui loro momenti fondamentali a volte imbarazzanti, spesso esilaranti e alla fine belli, raccontati dai suoi vari membri. Dei tre fratelli, il figlio di mezzo Matt potrebbe aver appena trovato il suo vero amore, la sua collega, Colleen; suo fratello minore, coccolato, e sua moglie, Jen, sono sopraffatti dalla nascita del loro primo figlio; e la maggiore, Heather, e suo marito, Tim, temono così tanto il loro imminente nido vuoto, che stanno pensando di avere un altro bambino. I loro genitori sono Joan, l'adorabile matriarca della famiglia, che farebbe qualsiasi cosa per i suoi figli - a patto che sia d'accordo - e John, il gregario patriarca che è alla ricerca di modi per attutire il colpo di compiere 70 anni. Mentre le vite della famiglia si svolgono in quattro brevi storie ogni settimana, cercano di assaporare questi piccoli frammenti di tempo che passano ma rimangono con te per sempre, perché questi momenti si sommano a ciò che è la vita.

About

Quick guide

Life in Pieces is a sitcom that follows the Short family over four seasons in quick, humorous vignettes.

Life in Pieces is a 2015 CBS sitcom that follows the Short family over four seasons, using a vignette format to explore their day‑to‑day life. The show centers on three generations: parents John and Joan, their adult children – Greg, Jen, Matt, Colleen, and Heather – and their own families. Each episode is divided into four short stories, typically featuring three of the four branches and a fourth that ties them together. The series balances humor with heartfelt moments, tackling topics like marriage, parenthood, career challenges, and the bittersweet transition to an empty‑nest lifestyle. With a strong ensemble cast and a unique storytelling structure, the show offers both laughs and poignant family moments.

What to know

  • Four short stories per episode create a vignette‑style narrative.
  • The series ran for four seasons with 79 episodes total.
  • Episodes are approximately 21 minutes long.
  • Main cast includes Colin Hanks, Betsy Brandt, Zoe Lister‑Jones, James Brolin and Dianne Wiest.
  • It follows three generations of the Short family in Los Angeles.
  • The show blends situational humor with heartfelt family moments.
  • Each season features 22, 22, 21 and 14 episodes respectively.
  • The series was cancelled by CBS after the fourth season.

Watch if

If you enjoy clever, slice‑of‑life sitcoms with a unique vignette structure and a blend of humor and heartfelt moments, Life in Pieces will engage you with its relatable family dynamics and light‑hearted comedy.

Skip if

If you prefer traditional sitcoms with a single narrative arc per episode, or if you’re not a fan of quirky family humor and rapid‑paced storytelling, this series may feel fragmented and less cohesive.

family friendlyromance elementslight toneuplifting tone
Show Structure
Each episode of Life in Pieces is divided into four short stories, usually featuring three of the four Short family branches and one that ties the others together. This vignette format allows the show to explore multiple perspectives within a single half‑hour, creating a mosaic of humor and heartfelt moments that highlight the family's day‑to‑day life.
Main Characters
At the core are Greg Short, a laid‑back entrepreneur, and his wife Jen, a lawyer; their eldest son Matt, a single father; their daughter Heather, a stay‑at‑home mother; and their parents John and Joan, a retired pilot and therapist who still meddle in their children’s lives. Each character brings a distinct voice to the family’s shared comedy.
Season Highlights
Season one introduces the quirky Short family and sets the tone for the show’s playful storytelling. Season two brings a romantic subplot for Matt and Colleen and a baby on the way for Jen and Greg. The third season sees Heather’s children face adolescence, while the final season wraps up several lingering storylines and offers a heartfelt conclusion.
Family Dynamics
The show captures the complexity of three generations living together. Parents John and Joan provide wisdom and support, while their adult children balance careers, relationships, and parenthood. The intergenerational interactions create both humor and tenderness, showing how each family member learns from and relies on the others amid everyday challenges.
Humor Style
Life in Pieces relies on subtle, situational comedy rather than overt jokes. The vignettes allow for observational humor drawn from everyday situations, such as parenting mishaps, work struggles, and family feuds. The characters’ distinct personalities fuel the laughs, while the quick pacing keeps the narrative fresh and engaging.
Cultural Context
Set in Los Angeles County, the series reflects the diversity and pace of modern American suburban life. It addresses contemporary topics like career transitions, parenting challenges, and evolving relationships, while maintaining a light, family‑friendly tone. The show also showcases the evolving role of older adults in families, highlighting themes of legacy and mentorship.

FAQ

23 Q&A
Where can I watch Life in Pieces?
Life in Pieces is available to stream on Hulu in the United States. In Canada it can be watched on Disney+ and previously on Netflix. Some episodes are also available for purchase on Amazon Prime Video.
How many seasons does Life in Pieces have?
The show ran for four seasons, beginning in September 2015 and concluding in June 2019. Each season contained a varying number of episodes, with the total across all seasons being 79.
How many episodes are in the series?
There are 79 episodes spread over four seasons. The first two seasons each had 22 episodes, the third had 21, and the fourth was a shorter 14‑episode run.
What is the runtime of each episode?
Each episode runs approximately 21 minutes, typical for a half‑hour sitcom with commercials. The concise format supports the vignette storytelling structure.
What is the premise of Life in Pieces?
The series follows the Short family, a multigenerational household in Los Angeles. Each episode is broken into four short stories, usually featuring three of the four family branches and a fourth that connects them.
Who are the main characters?
The core cast includes Greg Short and his wife Jen, their adult children Matt and Heather, and their parents John and Joan. Supporting characters include Matt’s love interest Colleen and Heather’s husband Tim.
Was Life in Pieces cancelled?
Yes, the series was canceled after its fourth season in 2019. The decision was made by CBS due to declining ratings and scheduling changes.
Why was the show canceled?
CBS cited a combination of lower viewership numbers and a desire to free up slots for new programming. The network also aimed to increase its ownership stake in its shows.
Who created Life in Pieces?
The sitcom was created by Justin Adler, known for his work on other television comedies. Adler served as showrunner throughout the series’ run.
Who stars in Life in Pieces?
The series features Colin Hanks as Greg, Betsy Brandt as Heather, Zoe Lister‑Jones as Jen, Thomas Sadoski as Matt, and James Brolin and Dianne Wiest as the parents.
Is Life in Pieces a sitcom?
Yes, it is a single‑camera sitcom that combines situational humor with emotional family moments. The show avoids the laugh track and follows a more realistic comedic style.
Does the show have a specific structure?
Each episode is divided into four vignettes. This format allows the show to explore different family members’ experiences within the same episode.
Are the episodes connected across seasons?
While each episode stands alone, there are ongoing storylines such as relationships and parenting challenges that develop over time. These arcs provide continuity throughout the series.
Is the show available on streaming platforms?
The show streams on Hulu in the United States. In Canada it is available on Disney+ and previously on Netflix. Individual episodes can be purchased on Amazon.
Does Life in Pieces feature any recurring guest stars?
Yes, the series includes several recurring actors such as Jordan Peele and Martin Mull. Guest appearances add humor and depth to the family’s world.
What themes are explored in the series?
The show tackles themes of family, love, career, and the transition to adulthood. It also addresses the challenges of parenting and the bittersweet nature of growing older.
Are there any major awards for Life in Pieces?
The series did not receive major awards but earned positive reviews for its ensemble cast and unique storytelling. Critics praised its blend of humor and heartfelt moments.
Is there a spin‑off or related series?
No spin‑offs were produced after the series ended. The show remains a standalone comedy.
How does the show handle humor?
Humor in Life in Pieces is observational and situational, stemming from everyday life. The characters’ distinct personalities and quirks drive the comedic beats.
Does the series have any notable story arcs?
The show features romantic developments and family milestones that span seasons. These arcs give depth to the characters without dominating the overall structure.
Are there any cultural references in the show?
The series incorporates contemporary cultural references related to work, family life, and popular media. These references add relevance to the comedic narrative.
Does Life in Pieces have a rating?
The show is rated PG‑13 in the United States. The rating reflects mild language and content suitable for family viewing.
Where can I find more information about the show?
Information is available on official CBS listings, the show’s IMDb page, and fan sites. Reviews and episode guides can also be found on entertainment news outlets.

Attori

Thomas Sadoski
Thomas Sadoski
Matt Short
Dianne Wiest
Dianne Wiest
Joan Short
James Brolin
James Brolin
John Short
Zoe Lister-Jones
Zoe Lister-Jones
Jen
Colin Hanks
Colin Hanks
Greg Short
Betsy Brandt
Betsy Brandt
Heather Short
Dan Bakkedahl
Dan Bakkedahl
Tim Hughes
Angelique Cabral
Angelique Cabral
Colleen
Niall Cunningham
Niall Cunningham
Tyler Hughes
Holly J. Barrett
Holly J. Barrett
Samantha Hughes
Giselle Eisenberg
Giselle Eisenberg
Sophia Hughes
Ana Sophia Heger
Ana Sophia Heger
Lark