Married (TV series)

Married

Company type	Television series
Industry	Entertainment
Founded	July 17, 2014 (2014-07-17)
Defunct	October 26, 2015 (2015-10-26)
Fate	Discontinued after two seasons
Headquarters	United States
Products	Television sitcom

Married is a U.S. sitcom developed by Andrew Gurland that was broadcast on FX from July 17, 2014, until October 1, 2015. The cast features Judy Greer, Nat Faxon, Jenny Slate, and Brett Gelman. On September 30, 2014, FX confirmed a second season consisting of 13 episodes, which debuted on July 16, 2015. The show was ultimately discontinued after two seasons and a total of 23 episodes on October 26, 2015.

Premise

The narrative centers on Russ and Lina Bowman, a couple married for many years who deal with financial difficulties, parenting obstacles, and a waning intimate life, all while maintaining a strong friendship. Their lifestyle is contrasted with that of their close friends: A.J., a wealthy yet emotionally unstable divorcee, and Jess, an unconventional woman who struggles to adjust after marrying an older man.

Main

• Judy Greer as Lina Bowman
• Nat Faxon as Russ Bowman
• Jenny Slate as Jess (series regular in season 1; recurring in season 2)
• Brett Gelman as A.J.
• Sarah Burns as Abby (season 2)

Recurring

• Raevan Lee Hanan as Ella Bowman
• Rachel Eggleston as Maya Bowman
• Skylar Gray as Frankie Bowman (seasons 1–2)
• Georgia May Geare as Frankie Bowman (season 2)
• John Hodgman as Bernie
• Paul Reiser as Shep
• Regina Hall as Roxanne
• Kimiko Glenn as Miranda (season 2)

Production and development

FX commissioned a pilot named Untitled Andrew Gurland Project on January 24, 2013, with Andrew Gurland both writing and directing. Executive producers included Gurland, Paul Young, and Peter Principato, with production handled by FX Productions alongside Principato-Young Entertainment.

Casting commenced in April 2013 with Nat Faxon selected for the role of Russ Bowman, one half of the central couple. Shortly after, Judy Greer was cast as Lina Bowman, who is adjusting to life with three daughters and urban challenges. Jenny Slate was chosen to portray Jess, a former party enthusiast married to an older man; meanwhile, Brett Gelman joined the cast as A.J., a newly divorced man feigning emotional recovery.

On January 24, 2014, FX officially ordered the series under the title Married. Recurring roles were filled by Paul Reiser as Shep—Jess's older spouse—and Regina Hall portraying Roxanne, A.J.'s ex-wife.

Reception

The first season of Married holds a 56% approval score on Rotten Tomatoes, based on a compilation of 20 favorable and 16 unfavorable critic reviews. The general consensus describes the show as having compelling performances from its skilled cast but being weighed down by an unyieldingly bleak depiction of adult relationships.