Suburgatory is an American television sitcom created by Emily Kapnek that aired on ABC from September 28, 2011, to May 14, 2014. The series originally aired on Wednesday nights at 8:30/7:30 Central following The Middle. The title is a portmanteau, devised by former CNN Senior Producer Linda Keenan, of the words "suburban" and "purgatory". On May 9, 2014, Suburgatory was canceled by ABC after three seasons.
Premise
The series follows single father George Altman, who has been raising his daughter Tessa in a New York City apartment and providing for her with his job as an architect ever since his wife divorced him when Tessa was still an infant. Upon discovering a box of condoms in Tessa's bedroom drawer, he decides they should move to the suburbs, believing this environment will be more wholesome. Once in the suburban community of Chatswin, the Altmans quickly discover how much they don't fit in with the upper middle class lifestyles of their neighbors and must learn to navigate the politics of their new surroundings.
Episodes
Cast
Main cast
Jeremy Sisto as George Altman, a single father and architect from New York City, who decides to move upstate to the suburbs wanting a better life for his daughter, Tessa. Many of the women in Chatswin become attracted to him, which even he is uncomfortable with. He remembers living in the city fondly, but realizes that he has become accustomed to Chatswin in season 3. He maintains a close friendship with Dallas, with whom he had a romantic relationship during season 2. Jane Levy as Tessa Altman, George's daughter, who is less than thrilled about her new suburban surroundings. She maintains a romanticized idea of living in the city. She tries to maintain an emotional distance from the Chatswin residents, including her best friend Lisa and season 2 boyfriend Ryan. Because of this, she plots to subtly dump Ryan in season 2, but he ends the relationship first. In season 3, it is very clear that she is in love with Ryan and is not over their breakup. Carly Chaikin as Dalia Oprah Royce, a materialistic and fashion-driven valley girl in the popular group at school who becomes Tessa's rival. She is known to have a dry sense of humor and rarely expresses emotion, including never smiling. In season 2, it is revealed that she is obsessed with becoming George's daughter, referring to him as "Daddy Altman". Allie Grant as Lisa Marie Shay LeFrique, Tessa's best friend. She is rather awkward and often very embarrassed by her family. She is also very sensitive to any suggestions of rejection from her family or Tessa. Towards the end of season three, she marries Malik. Alan Tudyk as Noah Werner, George's best friend, who is a dentist. He often helps George assimilate into suburban culture, having moved out of the city some years earlier. He is married to Jill, but is divorced when it is revealed that he is infatuated with their maid Carmen. In season 3, he pressures George and Fred to live the bachelor lifestyle with him. He also has a young daughter with Jill. Cheryl Hines as Dallas Royce, Dalia's mother and George's neighbor and later girlfriend. She employs Tessa and is a mother figure to her when she needs advice. She is married to Dalia's father in season one, but they divorce during the season. She dates George throughout season 2, but they break up when she realizes that she is not ready to live together. It is quite clear in season 3 that she and George are still interested in each other. Rex Lee as Mr. Wolfe, the school guidance counselor, who is always in a good mood. He is openly gay, after being inspired by Tessa to come out. Ana Gasteyer as Sheila Shay, George and Tessa's nosy neighbor who lives directly across the street. She is Fred's domineering wife and Lisa's highly controlling mother. She is also the adoptive mother of both Ryan and Victor, upon whom she obsessively dotes, especially Ryan. Chris Parnell as Fred Shay, Sheila's husband and Lisa's father. He is also the adoptive father to Ryan and Victor. He is often depicted as being henpecked and sheltered, but he tends to adapt well to new situations.