Watch American Housewife
- TV-PG
- 2016
- 5 Seasons
-
7.4 (10,219)
American Housewife is a comedy series that aired on ABC from 2016 to 2021. The show is about the daily life of a mother named Katie Otto, played by Katy Mixon, who is trying to raise her family in the wealthy town of Westport, Connecticut. The show follows her as she navigates through the ups and downs of parenting and tries to fit in with the popular crowd. Katie Otto is not your typical Westport mother. She is a strong-willed, independent woman who is proud of her working-class roots. Her husband, Greg Otto, played by Diedrich Bader, is a lovable goofball who works as an HR manager at a local cable company. Together, they have three children: Taylor, the oldest daughter who is smart and popular, Oliver, the middle child who is a cynical perfectionist, and Anna-Kat, the youngest daughter who has anxiety and OCD. The show is unique in that it does not portray a typical perfect family, but instead shows the real struggles that parents face. Katie is often seen trying to keep up with the perfect image of the other Westport mothers. She is constantly putting herself in situations where she feels like an outsider, like when she joins a mommy group or attends a school fundraiser. One of the main themes of the show is body image, which is a topic that is rarely discussed in sitcoms. Katy Mixon's character is not a size-zero mother, but rather a realistic portrayal of a mother who struggles with her weight. The show tackles the issue of body shaming head-on and shows how it affects people of all ages and backgrounds. One of the standout characters in the show is Anna-Kat, who suffers from anxiety and OCD. Her struggles with these disorders are portrayed in a lighthearted manner that is both relatable and entertaining. The show manages to bring awareness to these issues without trivializing them. Another aspect of the show that sets it apart from other sitcoms is its writing. The show's humor is clever and witty, and the jokes often come at unexpected times. The show's writers are not afraid to tackle sensitive issues, but they do so in a way that is both funny and respectful. The show's portrayal of the town of Westport is also worth noting. The town is shown to be overly competitive and superficial, and the struggles of the characters to fit in are all too relatable. The show does not shy away from the fact that there are real class divides in America, and it is refreshing to see it addressed in a sitcom. In terms of performances, Katy Mixon shines as Katie Otto. Her portrayal of a working-class mother who is struggling to fit into the rich, privileged world of Westport is both hilarious and heartwarming. Diedrich Bader is also fantastic as the goofy but lovable Greg, who is always there to support his family. The child actors on the show are also impressive. Daniel DiMaggio, who plays Oliver, is particularly noteworthy for his deadpan delivery and sarcastic humor. Julia Butters, who plays Anna-Kat, is also fantastic in her portrayal of a young girl struggling with anxiety and OCD. In conclusion, American Housewife is a fantastic sitcom that deserves more recognition than it received. The show's unique portrayal of a non-traditional family, its witty writing, and strong performances make it a standout in the genre. The show is both funny and heartwarming, and it tackles important issues in a way that is both relatable and respectful.